The best MTB trails in Yorkshire And The Humber

The Dalby Forest Red loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience through varied woodland on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. This difficult 22.2-mile (35.8 km) route features a demanding mix of fast-flowing singletrack, technical sections, and natural paths with gravel. You will encounter challenging climbs, tricky descents, rocky features, and purpose-built elements like berms and jumps. The trail also includes roots, switchbacks, and hidden dips, demanding good fitness and advanced riding skills. As you ride, you will enjoy picturesque scenery and amazing views, especially from spots like Crosscliff Viewpoint. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 11 minutes covering the 1617 feet (493 metres) of elevation gain on this extensive loop.

This Red-graded trail is designed for proficient mountain bikers with solid off-roading skills. Some sections are quite technical and may even require you to push your bike. The route winds through the entire Dalby Forest, offering a long, fast, and flowing trip through the trees. Make sure you are prepared for a hard mountain bike ride that tests both your fitness and your technical abilities.

The Dalby Forest Red loop stands out as one of the longest red routes in the UK, providing a full day of mountain biking for capable riders. It combines natural terrain with exciting, purpose-built features, making it an excellent opportunity to test and develop your skills. The forest is also home to a black-graded World Cup MTB trail, highlighting the high caliber of riding available here. This route allows you to experience Dalby's finest scenery while pushing your limits.

This difficult mountain biking loop takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District, covering 39.3 miles (63.2 km) with a significant 4619 feet (1408 metres) of elevation gain. You'll experience remote moorland, often vibrant with purple heather, and enjoy expansive views across the rugged terrain. The route also guides you alongside the picturesque Langsett and Ladybower Reservoirs, offering a mix of challenging climbs and rewarding descents. Expect to spend around 5 hours and 54 minutes tackling this demanding ride, which includes the technical singletrack of the Cut Gate Trail.

Before you set out on this challenging route, be sure to check the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly in the exposed moorland sections. The trail can become very muddy and boggy after rain, so planning your ride during a dry spell is highly recommended for the best experience. Given the demanding terrain, a full suspension mountain bike is often suggested to handle the varied surfaces comfortably. Plan an early start to make the most of the daylight, especially during shorter days.

This loop is a true test of endurance and skill, showcasing the wild beauty of the Peak District National Park. You'll pass the impressive Derwent Dam with its distinctive overflow, a landmark that adds to the scenic diversity of the ride. The combination of open moorland, reservoir views, and technical sections like Cut Gate makes this route a standout for experienced mountain bikers seeking a substantial adventure in a remote setting.

Embark on the Tour of Nidderdale, a classic mountain biking route that takes you through the diverse landscapes of the Nidderdale National Landscape. This moderate 15.0-mile (24.1 km) ride features a significant 1706 feet (520 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 1 minutes. You will encounter a mix of stony tracks high above the valley, remote moorland, and softer farmland sections. Prepare for both challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, including the technical Scar House Descent. Along the way, enjoy expansive views across Scar House Reservoir, with the impressive Great Whernside peak often in sight.

When planning your ride, note that the Tour of Nidderdale is often considered an all-weather classic, meaning you can typically enjoy it regardless of the season. Parking is generally available near Scar House Reservoir, which serves as a common starting point for the route. While the route is robust, be prepared for loose and rocky sections, particularly on the descents, which require careful handling. Always check local conditions before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

This route is a well-regarded local favorite, celebrated for its varied terrain and the rewarding challenge it presents to mountain bikers. It offers a true immersion into the natural beauty of the Nidderdale National Landscape, showcasing its unique blend of high moorland and pastoral valleys. The combination of demanding climbs and thrilling descents makes it a standout option for those seeking a dynamic and memorable ride in the region.

Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure through the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. This section of the Great North Trail covers 24.4 miles (39.2 km) and features a diverse mix of historical paths, including Roman roads and ancient drovers' routes. You will encounter hard stone trails, moorland singletrack, and rocky tracks, all set against a backdrop of dramatic limestone cliffs and scars. From viewpoints like Giggleswick Scar, you can take in panoramic views of the Dales, with lush green fields and traditional stone barns dotting the landscape. Expect to gain 2406 feet (733 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 19 minutes.

When planning your ride, be prepared for varied surfacing, as the trail can be rugged and boggy, especially when crossing moorland or fields. Some sections, particularly through sheep fields, might have indistinct paths, making navigation a bit more challenging. To handle the rougher parts of the route comfortably, a hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike equipped with good tires is highly recommended. Always check local conditions before you head out, especially after heavy rain.

This route offers a unique opportunity to ride through a landscape rich in history, following ancient routes that have been used for centuries. The blend of challenging terrain and scenic beauty makes it a notable part of the Great North Trail. You will experience the raw, untamed character of the Dales, with its distinctive geological features and expansive views, providing a memorable journey for any mountain biker.

The Mary Towneley Loop, a challenging part of the Pennine Bridleway, offers a demanding mountain biking experience across 44.8 miles (72.0 km) with a significant 5304 feet (1616 metres) of elevation gain. You will navigate mixed terrain, from stone causeways and gravel paths to grassy tracks and rough packhorse trails, all while enjoying views across the Calder and Rossendale Valleys. Expect a difficult ride that typically takes around 6 hours and 54 minutes to complete, pushing your fitness and bike handling skills through varied landscapes that blend natural beauty with industrial heritage, including sights like Stoodley Pike.

Due to its demanding nature, proper preparation is key for tackling this route. Riders often prefer to complete the loop in an anti-clockwise direction, though it can be ridden both ways. Consider setting aside a long summer day if you plan to finish it in one go, or be prepared to split the journey over two or three days. The trail's constant ups and downs, combined with around 92 gates, mean you will need to stay focused and well-fueled throughout your ride.

This route is a purpose-built section of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, designed for mountain bikers, horse riders, and walkers, and is clearly signposted. It's considered an epic challenge, rewarding those who complete it with a strong sense of achievement. The trail also offers a unique journey through history, utilizing ancient packhorse routes and showcasing the region's industrial past, like the Rooley Moor Road, which adds a distinctive cultural layer to the wild moorland scenery.