The best MTB trails around Hury Reservoir

There are currently 4 mountain bike trails available around Hury Reservoir on komoot, offering a range of experiences for different skill levels.

Yes, for those seeking a less challenging ride, the Bowes Castle Ruins – Bowes Castle Ruins loop from Barnard Castle is an easy 19.5 km trail with a moderate elevation gain of 261 meters, making it a good option for beginners or families.

The terrain around Hury Reservoir is varied, featuring open moors, reservoir-side paths, and rolling hills. You can expect a mix of off-road sections and quieter lanes, with some routes, like the Baldersdale packhorse trail, including boggy ground and steep climbs.

Yes, many of the trails are designed as loops. For example, the Blackton Reservoir – Grassholme Reservoir loop from Middleton Quarry SSSI is a 33.5 km circular route that explores multiple reservoirs. Another option is the Blackton Reservoir – Barn Honesty Snack Stop loop from Romaldkirk, a moderate 20.7 km circular path.

The area boasts panoramic countryside views of County Durham. You'll ride alongside Hury, Blackton, and potentially Balderhead Reservoirs, offering tranquil waterscapes. The surroundings are rich in wildlife, and you might spot various bird species, especially near the bird hide at Blackton Reservoir.

Yes, you can encounter several points of interest. The Bowes Castle Ruins – God's Bridge loop from Bowes leads through varied terrain and historical sites. You can also see the historic Hury Reservoir Dam, completed in 1892, and ride along the Path Between Hury Reservoir and Bywash Channel.

The mountain bike trails around Hury Reservoir feature notable elevation changes. For instance, the Deepdale Aqueduct – The Stang Climb loop from Barnard Castle involves a significant ascent of 775 meters, while other routes like the Blackton Reservoir – Grassholme Reservoir loop have an elevation gain of around 432 meters.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.5 stars. Mountain bikers often praise the diverse scenery, the mix of off-road and on-road sections, and the opportunity to explore multiple reservoirs within a single ride.

While specific parking areas for mountain bikers are not detailed, Hury Reservoir is a popular outdoor destination, and parking facilities are generally available for visitors accessing the reservoir and its surrounding trails.

The region around Hury Reservoir offers options for refreshments. While not directly on the reservoir banks, nearby villages and towns provide cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your ride.

The best times to go mountain biking are typically during the drier months, from late spring through early autumn. This avoids the potentially boggy ground and challenging conditions that can occur on some off-road sections during wetter periods.

Absolutely. Hury Reservoir is the lowest in a series of three reservoirs on the River Balder. It is almost adjoined to Blackton Reservoir, and there is also access to Balderhead Reservoir, allowing for extended cycling routes that connect these scenic bodies of water.