4.4
(72)
534
riders
53
rides
Mountain biking around Killington Reservoir offers routes through the varied landscape of the Lake District, Cumbria. The area is characterized by a man-made lake, surrounded by rolling hills and open countryside. Trails often follow quiet country lanes, bridleways, and forest tracks, providing a mix of surfaces. The region's terrain includes gentle ascents and descents, suitable for a range of cycling abilities.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
3.0
(1)
22
riders
27.4km
02:07
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
14
riders
26.6km
02:18
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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5.0
(1)
5
riders
47.4km
03:09
650m
650m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(21)
178
riders
39.5km
03:40
910m
920m
Embark on The Howgill Fells and Bowderdale loop, a difficult mountain biking adventure renowned for its challenging terrain and exceptional singletrack. This 24.6-mile (39.5 km) route, with a significant 3001…
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Tried this descent today in poor weather on a bikes with big flat pedals. Bottom lines is we really struggled. The route is very narrow and rutted resulting in multiple pedal strikes to the point it was largely unridable. No evidence of other bikes trying it recently either. I couldn’t pedal for the 2.5 miles from the top. This is the only time a descent has taken longer than the ascent.
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Hawkeshead Brewery is no longer in existence at this location. Sorry!
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The church dates from the 16th century. Just across the road from the church is the village hall which is one of the few places you can park in the village. There is a honesty box for the car park fee with a suggested payment of £3.00. There are very few places so as stated above get their early.
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Always great coffee and food, and no objection to muddy customers!
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just a new nice spot to stop and enjoy the view
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The quaint crossing over the River Rawthey leading up to Cautley Spout and the surrounding hills. Here there is also a car park and a tea room to boot, all the essential ingredients for a good hike!
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A superb find right on the banks of the River Kent on the site of the Old K Village. Great coffee and cakes and cyclist friendly. Disabled toilets and outside seating, great climbing photography on the walls taken by one of the owners
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There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Killington Reservoir. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 8 easy, 41 moderate, and 5 difficult options available for exploration.
The mountain bike trails around Killington Reservoir feature a mix of quiet country lanes, bridleways, and forest tracks. You'll encounter rolling hills and open countryside, with terrain that includes gentle ascents and descents, suitable for a range of cycling abilities.
Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails suitable for families and beginners. An example is the Wheelbase Cycles Café – Wheelbase Bike Shop & Café loop from Oxenholme Lake District, which is 31.4 km long with a gentle elevation gain, offering a pleasant ride through the area.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 5 difficult mountain bike trails. One such route is The Howgill Fells and Bowderdale loop — Yorkshire Dales National Park, which covers nearly 40 km with over 900 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding ride.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Killington Reservoir are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the St Andrew's Church, Dent – Sedbergh Town Centre loop from Sedbergh School is a 27.5 km circular trail through picturesque villages and open fields.
Trail distances vary significantly, from shorter loops to longer excursions. For example, the Barbondale Valley – Dent Village loop from Sedbergh School is 26.7 km and typically takes around 2 hours 18 minutes, while the Garburn Pass loop from Oxenholme Lake District is 47.4 km and can take over 3 hours.
The mountain biking experience around Killington Reservoir is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the mix of quiet country lanes and bridleways, and the scenic views of the surrounding Lake District landscape.
The region offers picturesque landscapes with rolling hills and open countryside. While specific viewpoints are not detailed in every route, the trails often provide scenic vistas of the Green Mountains and the tranquil Killington Reservoir itself, which is a beautiful man-made lake.
The best time for mountain biking around Killington Reservoir is generally during the spring, summer, and autumn months when the weather is milder and trails are dry. The area's lush forests and meadows are particularly beautiful during these seasons. Winter conditions can bring snow and ice, making some trails challenging or impassable.
While specific cafes directly on every trail are not listed, the region includes villages like Dent and Sedbergh, which are likely to offer refreshment stops. The Wheelbase Cycles Café – Wheelbase Bike Shop & Café loop from Oxenholme Lake District specifically mentions a cafe, indicating options are available in the wider area.
Parking is generally available in the towns and villages that serve as starting points for many of the routes, such as Oxenholme Lake District and Sedbergh. It's advisable to check specific route descriptions for detailed parking information at the trailhead.


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