Exmoor Explorer
Sunday 11th July 2027
Entry Fee: From £33 + booking fee
Explore Wild. Ride Free. Discover Exmoor.
The Exmoor Explorer is a 20 or 35 mile non-competitive mountain biking event held in the beautiful Exmoor National Park in South West England. Open moorland, woodland trails, natural single track and secluded combes, the Explorer doesn’t disappoint. This iconic Exmoor cycling event was started 27 years ago by Team Zoyland and we at Channel Events were immensely proud to have taken it on from 2017. The 2027 event. will be the 10th time that we have organised it so come and celebrate that milestone with us.
Get ready to experience the stunning landscapes, challenging trails and unforgettable views of one of England’s most spectacular national parks at the Exmoor Explorer Mountain Biking Event.
🏆 4 x Racecheck Gold Award Winner
The Exmoor Explorer has been recognised by Racecheck with the coveted Gold Award, 4 years in a row, based on independent reviews and feedback from the riders who have experienced the event. It’s a fantastic endorsement of the route, organisation, atmosphere and overall rider experience, which is something we’re incredibly proud of.
Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker looking for your next challenge or simply love getting out on two wheels and exploring somewhere new, the Exmoor Explorer is all about adventure, discovery and enjoying the ride.
Taking you deep into the heart of Exmoor, the route combines flowing trails, rugged tracks, quiet country lanes, steep climbs and exhilarating descents, with breathtaking scenery around every corner. From open moorland and ancient woodland to sweeping valleys and dramatic viewpoints, this is mountain biking with a serious sense of place.
But this isn’t about racing the clock. It’s about the experience. The freedom of riding through the countryside, the satisfaction of conquering a tough climb, the buzz of a fast descent and the camaraderie that comes from sharing an adventure with fellow riders.
🚵 Epic riding.
🌄 Stunning Exmoor scenery.
🔥 Challenging climbs and thrilling descents.
🏆 Four-time Racecheck Gold Award winner.
💪 A challenge to remember.
🤝 Adventure shared with an awesome community of riders.
Expect a professionally organised event, a fantastic atmosphere and a route designed to showcase the very best of Exmoor by bike.
Which ever route option you choose, you will be able to access areas of Exmoor that are usually restricted. You’ll enjoy amazing views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel, a fantastic variety of trails all while being fully supported by our friendly Channel Events Tribe.
Join us in getting those tyres dirty and prepare to ride beyond the ordinary.
The Exmoor Explorer awaits.
Ride it. Explore it. Remember it.
We look forward to seeing you!
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Everything you need to know…
DATE
Sunday 11th July 2027
LOCATION
TBC – Minehead Area, Somerset,
Post Code:
Grid Reference:
What 3 Words:
Google Maps Link:
TIMINGS
Registration opens: 08.00
Ride briefing delivered as part of the pre-event information.
Ride Starts 09:00 – 10:00
Extra Loop Cut Off: 13:30
DISTANCE
You can choose between the 20 mile or 35 mile route options. This can be decided on the day. All entrants head out on the first 20 miles. If you want to complete the full route of 35 miles, you will need to meet the cut-off time for the extra loop.
ENTRY
£44 per rider (+ a small booking fee). All under 16’s must be accompanied by a supervising rider over the age of 18.
Entries close on the 2nd July 2027 at 23:59
REGISTRATION
Registration opens at 08:00.
CAR PARKING
Car parking on site. Please follow the ‘Follow Me’ and car parking signage. £2 parking fee in cash which is payable to Halse Farm.
ROUTES
There is a main loop not exceeding 20 miles. This will head out from the event village. All riders will head out on the first 20 miles. Those who make it back before the second loop cut-off time (13:30) can choose to continue onto the second loop. This is an extra 15 miles. Some of the route is over environmentally sensitive ground. To arrange an event in an area like this is difficult, please ensure you stick to the way-marked route and don’t cut corner.
ACCOMMODATION
Why not make the most of the weekend by spending it on Exmoor? There are many local campsites, B&B’s and guest houses. More information coming soon on the event HQ and whether camping will be an option on site.
BRIEFING
The Briefing will be the pre-event email, please read in full. There will also be a short updates briefing at 08:55 on the start line.
TOILETS
There are toilets just a few steps from the event village.
FIRST AID
Provided by fully qualified members of Apex Medical and Rescue and first aiders from the Channel Events team.
EVENT VILLAGE
In the event village you will find:
- The registration tent, which will be open from 08:00.
- Catering, Beverages and a Bar will be located in the event village to fuel you pre and post ride (not included in your entry fee)
- Merchandise tent. Collect your pre-ordered memento from here and purchase other merch to remember your day.
- On Your Bike, will be onsite again this year to help with those last minute bike repairs.
WEATHER
Warm weather, this can pose just as many problems as the bad weather. Whatever the weather conditions, please make sure you are appropriately equipped to deal with a long day, in a remote environment. The event will run in conditions deemed safe by the event organisers. Should the conditions not be appropriate the events team will contact you no fewer than 12 hours prior to the event registration. See terms and conditions for our cancellation policy.
SAFETY
At registration you will be given a number board which must be attached to your handlebars. Riders must stop and have their number recorded by the marshals at each check point. As part of our duty of care these rider numbers are radioed back to the control centre to record your progress. Your rider number must also be submitted to the registration desk upon your return. This is how we know you are safe and accounted for. Exmoor Search and Rescue will be present at various locations should they be required.
CHECKPOINTS
There will be regular checkpoints on both loops. Many of these will have water and sweets to keep you going. The half way checkpoint on the main loop hosts the famous ‘Miles Tea Stop’. Grab a brew and some amazing cake before continuing on!
WATER
Please bring lots of fluids. We ask that you come prepared and self-sufficient for a long day out in remote moorland. We will be providing water at most checkpoints should you run out. We are more than happy to top up your water bottles but will not be supplying cups in an attempt to make the event more environmentally friendly.
HALF WAY – MILES TEA STOP
On arrival at our main loop halfway checkpoint you will be greeted with a smile, sweets, amazing flapjack and a nice brew courtesy of our friends at Miles Tea.
DOGS
I’m afraid that at this event dogs are not allowed to compete. They are very welcome to join the spectators though as long as they are kept under close control.
PHOTOGRAPHS
We will have professional photographer on site so smile when you spot him. All his images will be available to buy, from his website, after the event with 100% of sales profits going to Exmoor Search & Rescue Team to keep their vital equipment and resources stocked!
TRAINING
Our events are challenge based but with the main loop being accessible to all. We do recommend that you get some miles on off-road terrain beforehand. Those planning to complete the extra loop need to be happy riding 30-35 miles and able to complete the first 20 miles within 3.5 hours.
EQUIPMENT
You will need to provide your own bike (EMTBs are more than welcome!) and safety equipment. We recommend you take the following kit with you during the event. This is however up to your discretion and you take or leave the following items at your own risk.
- First aid kit for the treatment of strains, sprains, blisters and gravel rash
- Food and drink as required, including emergency food
- Compass
- Ordnance Survey maps of the area
- A whistle
- Multi-tool / puncture repair kit / spare tubes / pump
- All entrants must take account of the weather conditions which may be encountered during the ride. You may deem it’s necessary to carry additional items such as; more layers, torch & batteries, waterproofs, survival bag, mobile phone.
RIDER TIMES
The triple series is made up of three non-competitive off-road sportive style events where we celebrate more people getting out and active on two wheels in the beautiful Somerset countryside and we can’t wait to see your beaming smiles while enjoying the trails!
With this in mind, you will only be given the time taken to complete your ride which will be for your information only.
These times will be broken down into distance but WILL NOT be broken down into gender, age, bike type etc as this constitutes a race and our insurance and permissions do not allow us to facilitate a race over the land we use.
Rider times may take up to 48 hours to post due to poor signal/WIFI at the venues we use. They will be published once we have packed down each event and we’re back in the office.
FINISH
Celebration is the key! Let’s see those arms aloft as you cross the finish line. Then move onto the registration desk to submit your tally number and if you have purchased one, receive your branded event souvenir. Please make sure that you submit your rider number; this is a requirement as part of our duty of care.
WHAT DOES MY ENTRY INCLUDE?
Not only do you get to challenge yourself in this truly stunning environment, you get to share your experience with others while Channel Events takes care of the safety of your day and provide a stunning route (and a brew). Included in your entry is a great atmosphere, friendly marshals, locally blended tea and roasted coffee from Miles, cake, checkpoints with water stations, and a fabulous day.
GALLERY
FAQs
Can I hire a bike?
We don’t offer this service through Channel Events. We suggest that you contact the local bike shops who may have a fleet of hire bikes or a demo bike you could use.
Can I get water and snacks along the route?
We ask that you are self sufficient for the distance you are intending to ride but there will be water and sweets available at many of checkpoints should you run out. The half way checkpoint on the main loop will also accommodate the ‘Miles’ tea stop. Here you can treat yourself to a brew from our favourite local tea and coffee blenders.
What if I run out of time?
All riders will complete the main 20 mile loop. This can take you until 4pm if required. If you are hoping to do the extra loop then there is a cut off time of 13:30. This gives you 4.5 hours to complete the main loop. Riders arriving back from the main loop after 13:30 will not be permitted to continue onto the extra loop.
I’m under 18, can I ride on my own?
We ask that any entrants under the age of 16 ride with an adult on a ratio of 1:2. 16-18 year olds can ride on their own with parental consent.
What is the Triple?
The triple is our series of 3 mountain biking events in Somerset. The Mendip Murmuration, The Exmoor Explorer and The Quantock Quake.
Can you take them all on and earn the coveted ‘Triple’ medal?
Check out The Triple webpage to answer all your questions.
Is it possible to get lost?
The route will be well way-marked and separate colours used for each loop. Major hazards and awkward junctions will be marked with black/yellow signage. We also ask that you carry an Ordnance Survey map of the local area and transfer the route onto this prior to the event. Riding with your head down and not paying attention could result in you going off course. With this in mind we suggest that you follow the route way-markers with care.