The best MTB trails around Lens

The mountain bike trails around Lens are characterized by a unique blend of natural and transformed landscapes. You'll encounter numerous reclaimed slag heaps, known as "terril" or "terrils," which are artificial hills formed from mining waste. These provide varied terrain, from challenging ascents and descents to panoramic viewpoints. Additionally, the region features greenways, paths through marshlands, and some forested areas, offering a diverse riding experience.

Yes, Lens offers trails for various skill levels, including options suitable for beginners and families. While many routes involve the unique challenges of the slag heaps, there are also easier paths. For example, the Hairpin Descent – Cabiddu Park MTB Base loop from Wingles is an easy 11.1 km route that provides a good introduction to the area's cycling. Overall, there are over 90 easy routes available.

For a more challenging ride with significant elevation, the slag heaps are your best bet. The Loos-en-Gohelle slag heaps (Terril 74 and 74a), for instance, are the highest artificial mountains in Europe and offer demanding climbs. A difficult route like the Caucourt ford – Caucourt Mill loop from Bouvigny-Boyeffles covers 53.3 km with over 660 meters of elevation gain, providing a substantial workout.

To fully experience the unique slag heap landscapes, consider routes that specifically incorporate these features. The Tout in haut de ch'terril – Spoil heaps 74 and 74a loop from Aix-Noulette is a great option, taking you around the prominent Spoil heaps 74 and 74a, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Another excellent choice is the Pévèle greenway – Leforest slag heap loop from Libercourt, which combines a greenway experience with an ascent of the Leforest slag heap.

Yes, many mountain bike routes around Lens are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the popular Marais de la Galance – Lagoon of Harnes loop from Pont-à-Vendin is a moderate 40 km circular trail exploring marshlands. Another option is the EuroVélo 5 at Souchez – The two Towers loop from Bully - Grenay, a moderate 57.1 km route.

Mountain biking in Lens offers unique scenic views, primarily from the summits of the slag heaps. These elevated points provide breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding coalfield, the regenerated natural landscapes, and distant heritage sites. You'll also find views of marshlands, canals, and greenways, offering a diverse visual experience that blends industrial history with natural beauty.

Yes, the trails often pass by significant natural attractions and landmarks. You can encounter the unique Marais de la Galance, a marshland area, or ride past various lakes such as Etang de Wingles. The prominent slag heaps themselves are natural monuments, including the Leforest slag heap and the Spoil heaps 74 and 74a, which offer impressive viewpoints like the View of the mining basin and the hills of Artois.

The mountain bike trails around Lens are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 1,100 reviews. Riders often praise the unique terrain provided by the slag heaps, the diverse scenery ranging from marshlands to greenways, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels. The blend of physical challenge and historical context is frequently highlighted as a key appeal.

Yes, the region around Lens offers longer routes and incorporates parts of greenways. For instance, the Chemin bras mort Oignies – Chevalet D'Evin loop from Leforest is a moderate 51.8 km route. The Marais de la Galance – Bois de Florimond Pumptrack loop from Liévin is even longer at 61.3 km. The area is also part of the wider Hauts-de-France cycling network, which includes sections of the EuroVélo 3 route, offering extensive cycling opportunities.

The best season for mountain biking in Lens generally spans from spring through autumn. During these months, the weather is typically more favorable, with milder temperatures and less precipitation, making the trails more enjoyable and less muddy. While riding is possible year-round, conditions can be more challenging in winter due to colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy surfaces, especially on the slag heaps.

Many routes in Lens naturally combine natural landscapes with historical context due to the region's mining heritage. Riding on the slag heaps themselves offers a direct connection to this past, as these are transformed industrial sites now reclaimed by nature. The panoramic views from their summits often encompass both natural beauty and remnants of the mining basin, providing a unique perspective on the area's history and regeneration.