The best MTB trails around Fontburn Reservoir

There are over a dozen mountain bike trails around Fontburn Reservoir, offering a variety of experiences. The komoot community has mapped 16 routes in total, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.

Yes, there are 4 easy mountain bike routes in the Fontburn Reservoir area, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Rough Gravel Track – Rough Dirt Road loop from Harwood, which is about 9.9 miles (15.9 km) long.

The trails around Fontburn Reservoir primarily feature easy and moderate difficulty levels. Out of 16 routes, 4 are easy, 11 are moderate, and there is 1 more challenging route, providing options for various skill sets.

Trail lengths vary, with many routes falling between 10 to 20 miles. For instance, the Viewpoint on Simonside Hills – Whitefield Trail loop from Whitton and Tosson is 12.1 miles (19.5 km), while the Simonside Car Park – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop from Whitton and Tosson covers 14.9 miles (24.0 km).

Yes, the easy-rated trails are generally suitable for families. These routes often feature less technical terrain and gentler gradients, making them enjoyable for riders of different ages and abilities. Look for the easy-rated tours on komoot for suitable options.

The best time for mountain biking around Fontburn Reservoir is typically from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder and drier, offering better trail conditions and more pleasant riding experiences through the Northumberland landscape.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Fontburn Reservoir are circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the View of Forest Tracks – View of Northumberland Forest loop from Harwood, which offers a scenic loop through the area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, including reservoir-side paths, rolling hills, and forested tracks, as well as the expansive views of the Simonside Hills and Northumberland landscape.

Yes, many routes offer scenic viewpoints, particularly those that venture into the Simonside Hills. Trails like the Whitefield Trail – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop from Harwood are specifically named for their views, providing expansive vistas across the region's natural beauty.

You can expect varied terrain, including open tracks, gravel paths, and trails that wind through woodlands and along the reservoir's perimeter. The routes feature a mix of gentle ascents and descents, characteristic of the rolling hills and forested landscapes of Northumberland.

While specific parking facilities are often detailed on individual tour pages, areas like Simonside Car Park, mentioned in route names such as Simonside Car Park – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop from Whitton and Tosson, indicate designated parking spots are available at common starting points for trails in the wider Simonside Hills region.