The best MTB trails around Simonstone

There are over 70 mountain bike trails around Simonstone, offering a diverse range of experiences. This includes 13 easy routes, 54 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging options, catering to various skill levels.

The terrain around Simonstone is highly varied. You'll find everything from easy loops through picturesque villages and along rivers in the Ribble Valley to more challenging ascents on the foothills of Pendle Hill. Trails often pass through beautiful woodlands, offer views of reservoirs, and extend into wild moorland, providing a mix of surfaces and gradients.

Yes, Simonstone offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Pendle BMX Pump Track – Canal Locks Near Burnley loop from Rose Grove is an easy 19.8-mile route. Additionally, the Tolkien Trail, an 11km loop along the River Ribble, is generally suitable for cycling year-round and makes for a pleasant family outing.

Mountain biking around Simonstone offers access to several natural features and landmarks. You can experience the challenging slopes and panoramic views from Pendle Hill summit trig point, explore the scenic Ribble Valley, or ride past various reservoirs like Lower Ogden Reservoir and Upper Ogden Reservoir. The area also features beautiful old beech woods and extensive moorlands.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Simonstone are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Whalley to Dean Clough Reservoir loop, a moderate 9.8-mile route offering scenic views and varied terrain.

The mountain bike trails around Simonstone are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning scenery of the Ribble Valley, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels, from easy family rides to more challenging paths.

Absolutely. The region is dotted with charming villages that many routes incorporate. For instance, the Barley (village) – Downham Village loop from Old Laund Booth is a moderate 17.6-mile path that leads through picturesque villages like Downham Village, offering a taste of traditional rural England.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the area offers several options. The Bicycle Dismount – Peel Tower loop from Huncoat is a moderate 43.1-mile route with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding experience for fit riders. Another option is the Pennine Bridleway Rocky Trail – Hurstwood Reservoir loop from Hapton, a 45.5-mile moderate route.

The best time to go mountain biking in Simonstone is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months when the weather is milder and trails are drier. While some routes, like the Tolkien Trail, are suitable year-round, moorland sections can become boggy in wetter conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, you can incorporate historical sites into your mountain biking adventures. Whalley Abbey Ruins are a notable historical attraction that can be included in longer rides, offering a cultural point of interest amidst the natural scenery. You might also pass by Stonyhurst College, a historic institution.

For more general information about the Ribble Valley and other outdoor activities in Lancashire, you can visit the official tourism website. For specific mountain biking resources, Gisburn Forest, Lancashire's largest forest, is a significant mountain biking destination in the Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring graded trails.