4.7
(278)
1,108
riders
117
rides
Mountain biking around Great And Little Preston features a landscape characterized by waterways, nature reserves, and open paths. The area offers a mix of flat terrain and gentle inclines, making it accessible for various skill levels. Routes often follow riverbanks and canal towpaths, providing a generally smooth riding experience. The region's network of trails connects local villages with natural areas, suitable for exploring on two wheels.
Last updated: August 18, 2026
4.7
(10)
38
riders
22.2km
01:16
100m
100m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(12)
24
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(5)
11
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
5
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Very muddy on sections and lots of bird twitchers out, oblivious that other people are using the trails as well 🥴
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Lovely staff in the cafe, nice hot cuppa with a view
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Great paved cycleway following the Aire and Calver Navigation Path out of Leeds. The path travels all the way from the centre of the city toward Castleford and there are lots of great sites to see along the way including Skelton Lake and St Aidan's reserve.
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One of the Weirs Lemonroyd Bridge on the River Aire
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Wood Nook Viaduct carries the railway across the Aire and Calder Navigation. The Wakefield Way follows the canal towpath under the bridge, it's a nice flat trail, ideal for easy rides or family adventures.
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There are over 120 mountain bike trails in the Great And Little Preston area. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy rides along canal towpaths to more challenging options.
Yes, Great And Little Preston is well-suited for beginners and families, with 65 easy-rated trails. Many routes follow flat terrain along riverbanks and canal towpaths. A great option is the RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve – Lemonroyd Lock loop from Great and Little Preston, which is 15.5 miles long and explores the nature reserve.
The terrain around Great And Little Preston is characterized by waterways, nature reserves, and open paths. You'll find a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines, with routes often following riverbanks and canal towpaths, providing a generally smooth riding experience.
While the area is predominantly known for its accessible, easy to moderate trails, there are 3 routes rated as difficult for those seeking a greater challenge. These routes may feature more technical sections or steeper climbs.
Many trails offer scenic views of nature reserves and waterways. You can explore areas like the RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve, which is featured on several routes. Other natural attractions nearby include Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve and Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Great And Little Preston are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Fairies Hill Moorings – Stanley Ferry Marina loop from Methley is a popular 13.8-mile circular route.
The trails are generally accessible year-round. However, spring and summer offer the most pleasant conditions with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn provides beautiful scenery, while winter rides might be cooler and some paths could be muddier, especially after heavy rain.
The komoot community highly rates the mountain biking experience in Great And Little Preston, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 250 reviews. Riders often praise the accessible nature of the trails, the scenic views of nature reserves, and the generally smooth riding along canal towpaths.
Many trails in the region connect local villages, which often have public transport links. While specific public transport access points for each trail vary, routes starting from Great and Little Preston itself, such as the St. Aidan's Walking Dragline – RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve loop, are often convenient to reach.
Given the network of trails connecting local villages and following waterways, it is common to find routes that pass near or through areas with cafes and pubs, particularly in and around the larger settlements. You can check individual route details on komoot for specific amenities along the way.
Parking is generally available at key access points for popular trails, especially near nature reserves and village centers. For routes like those around RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve, dedicated parking facilities are often provided. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information.


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