The best MTB trails around Stow

Stow offers a selection of 13 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes and 8 moderate routes to explore.

Yes, Stow has several beginner-friendly options. The Littleborough Road Toll House – Catchwater Drain Bridge loop from South Leverton is an easy 18.8 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for those new to mountain biking. Stow Town Forest also features beginner-friendly options like the Red Trail and Red Cutoff.

The mountain bike trails in Stow are known for their varied terrain, incorporating natural elements such as roots, rocks, and changes in elevation. Many are well-maintained singletrack paths, providing engaging challenges for riders. Areas like Stow Town Forest and Steele Farm Trail are good examples of this mix.

While Stow offers a good range of moderate trails, such as the Bardney Lock – St Lawrence's Church, Bardney loop from Saxilby, which is a longer 60.3 km ride, the region research indicates some black diamond sections within Stow Town Forest and challenging grades at Gardner Hill, particularly Gardner Hill North with its 13.2% average grade. These areas provide more technical elements for advanced riders.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Stow are designed as loops. Examples include the Catchwater Drain Bridge – Littleborough Road Toll House loop from Dunham-on-Trent and the Fledborough Viaduct – River Trent Viaduct loop from Torksey CP, offering convenient circular rides.

The mountain bike trails in Stow are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.2 stars from over 5 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain and the engaging challenges offered by the routes.

Absolutely. Trails like the Steele Farm Trail offer scenic rides through areas such as Beaver Brook and meadows. The extensive trail networks within Stow Town Forest and Marlborough-Sudbury State Forest also provide beautiful natural backdrops for your ride.

While enjoying the trails, you can also explore nearby points of interest. Consider visiting the historic Fledborough Viaduct, or the charming Doddington Hall and Gardens. The Fledborough to Doddington & Harby Railway Path also offers a unique route for exploration.

Stow offers several prime areas for mountain biking. Key locations include Stow Town Forest, known for its diverse trails like the Orange and Blue Loops, and Gardner Hill, which features challenging routes such as Gardner Hill North. Other popular spots include Marlborough-Sudbury State Forest, Captain Sargent Conservation Land, and Annie Moore.

Trail lengths vary significantly in Stow. You can find shorter routes like the easy Littleborough Road Toll House – Catchwater Drain Bridge loop from South Leverton at 18.8 km, up to much longer rides such as the moderate Bardney Lock – St Lawrence's Church, Bardney loop from Saxilby, which spans over 60 km.

While specific crowd levels aren't detailed, exploring the less-trafficked sections within the larger conservation areas like Marlborough-Sudbury State Forest or Captain Sargent Conservation Land might offer a more secluded experience compared to the more popular loops in Stow Town Forest. Early mornings or weekdays are generally good times to find quieter trails.