The best gravel rides around Orton

There are several gravel bike trails around Orton, with komoot featuring 6 routes that cater to various preferences. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult options, ensuring there's something for most gravel cyclists.

Gravel biking around Orton features a diverse landscape of limestone fells, rolling hills, and expansive moorlands within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You'll encounter distinctive geological formations like limestone pavements, along with open pastures delineated by stone walls. Some routes also include 'tasty canyons, rockin' ridgelines, and mellow forested backroads,' providing a varied and engaging experience.

While many routes around Orton are rated difficult due to significant elevation gain, there is at least one moderate option available. The View of Borrowdale Valley – Gated Road South of Shap loop from Borrowdale Wood is an 11.8-mile moderate path that offers scenic views and includes sections of gated roads, which might be more suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride.

The Orton area offers stunning vistas. You might encounter expansive views from places like Orton Scar, which on a clear day can stretch to the Lake District, Howgill Fells, and the Eden Valley. Specific viewpoints highlighted in the region include Grey Crag Summit and Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter, offering panoramic views of the fells.

Yes, the region boasts beautiful natural features. You can find Cautley Spout Waterfall, a notable natural monument. Additionally, the area is home to several lakes, including the 'unusual small lake' Sunbiggin Tarn, known for its diverse bird and animal life, and Gurnal Dubs Tarn.

The best time for gravel biking in Orton is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months when the weather is milder and the trails are drier. The landscape, with its rolling hills and heather-covered moorlands, is particularly vibrant during these seasons. Winter can bring challenging conditions, including colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy trails.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Orton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Lowgill Viaduct – View of Lune Gorge loop from Yorkshire Dales National Park is a difficult 30.3-mile circular route, offering a comprehensive tour of the local landscape.

Orton village itself is a charming and peaceful place to explore. You can visit the historic All Saints Church, enjoy local amenities like a pub and café, or even stop by Kennedy's Chocolate Factory. The village also hosts a monthly farmers market, perfect for sampling local produce and crafts.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Orton offers several difficult routes with significant elevation gain. The Gated Road South of Shap – Heart-Shaped Wood, Lune Valley loop from Sedbergh School is a particularly demanding 54.3-mile route with over 1100 meters of ascent, providing a substantial test for advanced gravel bikers.

The Orton Fells are unique due to their distinctive limestone geology. You'll ride through areas with stunning limestone pavements, formed by glacial action, which create a rugged and visually interesting terrain. The fells offer expansive views and a sense of remoteness, making for a memorable gravel biking experience within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Absolutely. The Heart-Shaped Wood, Lune Valley – View of Borrowdale Valley loop from Tebay is a popular 11.4-mile difficult route that takes you through rolling hills and open fells, offering beautiful views of both the Lune Valley and Borrowdale Valley.