Description
Devil's Punch Bowl Mountain Bike Trails
The Devil's Punch Bowl is a dramatic natural amphitheatre near Hindhead in Surrey, managed by the National Trust as part of Hindhead Commons. The 697 acre site sits within the Surrey Hills National Landscape on the Greensand Ridge, next to the North Downs, and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Riding here is on natural bridleways and byways rather than purpose built trails: an extensive cross country network plus an informal downhill area at Gibbet Hill known as Hindhead Downhill.
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The Trails
As a National Trust site, Devil's Punch Bowl is shared with walkers, horse riders and dog walkers, so ride considerately. Mountain bikes are permitted on bridleways and byways only, and the National Trust does not allow new trails, jumps or ramps to be built.
- Cross Country: an extensive network of natural bridleways and byways crosses the heathland and woodland, from easy loops to steep, technical singletrack. Trails are unwaymarked, so download a route or use GPS navigation before you set off.
- Hindhead Downhill: a cluster of push up runs drops off the south side of the Punch Bowl at Gibbet Hill, with steep descents, berms, roots, jumps and drops. The terrain drains well and rides year round.
See our listing for Surrey Hills Mountain Biking for nearby riding at Pitch Hill, Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill.
Gravel Riding
The wider Cycle Surrey Hills network links more than 80km of byways and bridleways across this end of the Surrey Hills, including the waymarked Punch Bowl Loop from the main car park. Expect sand, chalk and mud rather than smooth gravel, and be ready to dismount on the steeper or wetter sections.
Local Organisation
Off Root, a local MTB coaching and guiding business, is based at the Devil's Punch Bowl car park and runs guided rides and coaching sessions across the Surrey Hills. See Off Root for details.
Beyond the Trails
The Punch Bowl Cafe serves hot food, cakes and drinks daily, with a weekend and school holiday ice cream kiosk alongside and a second hand bookshop raising funds for conservation work. For a break from riding, the Sailor's Stroll leads to the Gibbet Hill viewpoint, and a step free path runs to a viewing platform overlooking the Punch Bowl itself.
Getting Here
- The main car park is at London Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6AB, next to the cafe. Parking is pay and display (National Trust members park free): £2 up to 1 hour, £4 up to 2 hours, £6 up to 4 hours, £9 all day. Pay by machine or the JustPark app (ID: 80559); there is no phone signal at the car park, so set up the app before you arrive.
- By train: Haslemere station is around 3 miles away.
- By bus: services run from Farnham and Haslemere; alight at Hindhead crossroads.
- Full directions and a site map are on the National Trust website.
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