The best MTB trails around Selset Reservoir

There are a few mountain bike routes around Selset Reservoir, offering options for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored over 20 routes in the area.

While the listed routes tend towards moderate to difficult, the area around Selset Reservoir does offer paths suitable for less experienced riders or families. These often follow reservoir-side tracks and less technical sections of open moorland. For a moderate option, consider the Blackton Reservoir – Barn Honesty Snack Stop loop from Romaldkirk, which is 12.9 miles (20.7 km) long.

Parking is typically available at various points around the reservoirs, including designated car parks near Blackton Reservoir and Grassholme Reservoir. For routes starting from specific locations like Middleton Quarry SSSI or Romaldkirk, local parking options are usually indicated on the route details.

Trail lengths vary, ranging from moderate loops of around 12-20 miles (20-30 km) to more challenging, longer routes. For example, the Blackton Reservoir – Grassholme Reservoir loop from Middleton Quarry SSSI is 20.8 miles (33.5 km), while the High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell Loop extends to 35.5 miles (57.2 km).

The best season for mountain biking around Selset Reservoir is generally spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and trail conditions are more favorable. Winter can bring challenging conditions, including mud, ice, and colder temperatures on the exposed moorland.

The trails around Selset Reservoir feature a mix of gravel tracks, bridleways, and some more technical singletrack. Conditions can vary with weather; expect some muddy sections, especially after rain, given the open moorland and reservoir-side paths. The terrain includes ascents and descents across rolling hills and dales.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the area offers routes with considerable elevation gain. The High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell Loop is a difficult 35.5 miles (57.2 km) path featuring over 1100 meters of elevation gain and expansive views across the fells.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in the area are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Blackton Reservoir – Grassholme Reservoir loop from Middleton Quarry SSSI and the Blackton Reservoir – Barn Honesty Snack Stop loop from Romaldkirk.

Given the varied terrain and potentially exposed moorland, it's advisable to bring appropriate mountain biking gear, including a helmet, water, snacks, a repair kit, and layers of clothing suitable for changing weather conditions. A map or GPS device is also recommended, as some sections can be remote.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied landscape, which includes open moorland, rolling hills, and reservoir views, as well as the mix of gravel tracks and more technical sections.

While the immediate vicinity of Selset Reservoir is quite rural, you can find pubs and cafes in nearby villages such as Romaldkirk, Middleton-in-Teesdale, or Cotherstone, which are often starting points or accessible from some of the routes. The Blackton Reservoir – Barn Honesty Snack Stop loop from Romaldkirk even mentions a 'Barn Honesty Snack Stop' along its route.

Yes, the routes often traverse open moorland and rolling hills, providing expansive views of the surrounding countryside and the reservoirs themselves. The High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell Loop, for instance, is known for its significant elevation and panoramic vistas across the fells.