4.6
(188)
1,588
riders
33
rides
Mountain biking around Birdforth offers diverse landscapes in the North Yorkshire countryside. The region features extensive networks of trails, particularly within areas like Hood Grange Wood, which provides a refreshing escape into nature. Riders can explore tranquil settings around Oulston Reservoir, with its lush riverbanks, or navigate through the peaceful woodlands and dramatic cliffs of Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve. The terrain includes varied features, from lowland heath at Skipwith Common to moorland above the cliffs, providing a…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4.6
(69)
565
riders
29.2km
02:35
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.6
(31)
133
riders
18.7km
01:29
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(14)
120
riders
15.6km
01:21
230m
230m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(5)
90
riders
9.92km
00:46
90m
90m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
31
riders
39.3km
03:47
880m
880m
Get ready for a moderate mountain biking adventure on the Bleaky Hill and Gormire Hill loop, covering 24.4 miles (39.3 km) with a significant 2880 feet (878 metres) of elevation…
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Great route despite the heavy rain in previous days. Will plot a route staying more on the high moor tracks.
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Sutton Bank National Park Centre - all the facilities to start and finish your ride.
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Nice stop on an arduous Boltby loop, Ted the dog is the best host!
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Great Cycling hub with all the facilities.
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This charming café and farm offers lovely local cuisine and a variety of seasonal produce for sale. The vegetables featured on the menu are cultivated in the on-site poly tunnel, and everything else is sourced as sustainably as possible. Accessible only by foot, bike, or horse, the whole farm exudes a lovely sense of seclusion. It's the perfect place to stop and fuel up on a long walk.
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A lovely place to sit and eat food. Lunch, scones, teas and coffees served, and there are lovely benches provided outside the cafe. Good, green grounds.
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The Cleveland Way is a long distance hiking trail stretching from Helmsley and ending in Filey, circling the North York Moors National Park (https://www.komoot.com/collection/888432/hike-empty-hills-majestic-moors-and-golden-coast-cleveland-way). In some sections you can ride along the way too, like here where it's on a bridleway. While this section is fairly wide, take care on busier summer days when there are plenty of walkers, horse riders and other cyclists on the Cleveland Way.
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Birdforth offers a good selection of mountain bike trails, with over 30 routes available. These cater to various skill levels, including 7 easy trails, 24 moderate trails, and 2 more challenging routes for experienced riders.
Yes, Birdforth has several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. One popular option is the Drovers Trail (blue) — Sutton Bank MTB trails, which is an 11.6-mile (18.7 km) path offering an accessible ride through varied terrain.
For families looking for a shorter, easier ride, the Fort short loop (blue) — Sutton Bank MTB trails is a great choice. This 9.9-mile (15.9 km) route is classified as easy and provides a manageable duration for a family outing.
Yes, many mountain bike trails in Birdforth are designed as circular loops. A notable example is the Bleaky Hill and Gormire Hill loop — North York Moors National Park, which takes you through woodlands and past Gormire Lake. Another option is the Fort long loop (blue) — Sutton Bank MTB trails.
For scenic beauty, consider routes that pass through areas like Hood Grange Wood, known for its picturesque views, or those near Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, which feature peaceful woodlands and dramatic cliffs. The Bleaky Hill and Gormire Hill loop offers views of Gormire Lake itself.
While mountain biking, you can explore several natural and historical landmarks. The iconic Kilburn White Horse is near Hood Grange Wood, and the tranquil Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve are also accessible. The impressive Byland Abbey Ruins are another significant historical site in the area.
The mountain biking experience in Birdforth is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 160 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, including dense woodlands, tranquil reservoirs, and moorland plateaus, which offer a refreshing escape into nature.
Yes, many popular mountain biking areas in Birdforth, such as those around Sutton Bank, offer dedicated parking facilities. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre is a good point of reference, often providing parking and amenities for visitors.
Birdforth's diverse terrain, from woodlands to moorland, makes it suitable for mountain biking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions, especially for moorland sections, as they can be exposed.
Many public rights of way and trails in the Birdforth area are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock or in nature reserves. Areas like Pebble Beach in Hutton Conyers are noted for dog walking. Always check specific trail regulations or signage regarding dogs before you go.
While Birdforth has a majority of easy and moderate trails, there are 2 routes classified as difficult for those seeking a greater challenge. These trails typically feature more technical sections and significant elevation changes.
Mountain biking in Birdforth offers a varied terrain experience. You can expect dense woodlands, tranquil riverbanks near reservoirs like Oulston Reservoir, and moorland plateaus above dramatic cliffs, particularly around Gormire Lake. The region also features areas of lowland heath, providing a diverse range of surfaces and landscapes.


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