The best MTB trails around Alston Moor

The mountain bike trails around Alston Moor are generally considered moderate to difficult, with no easy routes listed in this guide. The terrain features high fells and expansive moorland, often involving significant ascents and descents.

The trails in Alston Moor vary in length and duration. For example, the Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Saddlers Bakery & Bistro loop from Alston is about 17.5 miles (28.1 km) and takes around 2 hours 6 minutes. More challenging routes like the Greg's Hut – Great Dun Fell Track loop from Alston Moor extend to 28.7 miles (46.2 km) and can take over 4 hours to complete.

Mountain biking in Alston Moor offers panoramic views across the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll experience high fells, open moorland, and river valleys. Many routes feature expansive vistas, particularly from higher elevations like those found on the Greg's Hut – Great Dun Fell Track loop from Alston Moor.

Yes, Alston Moor offers several challenging routes. The High Cup Nick – Cow Green Reservoir and Dam loop from Burnhope Seat is a difficult 38.7-mile (62.3 km) path with significant ascents and descents through remote moorland. Another demanding option is the Greg's Hut – Great Dun Fell Track loop from Alston Moor, which covers 28.7 miles (46.2 km) with over 1100 meters of elevation gain.

The Alston Moor area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can find impressive waterfalls like Cauldron Snout Waterfall and Ashgill Force. For those interested in peaks, Cross Fell Summit and Dufton Pike are notable landmarks in the wider region.

The mountain bike trails in Alston Moor are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 7 reviews. Many riders appreciate the varied terrain, the challenging ascents, and the expansive views across the fells and moorland.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Alston Moor are designed as loops. Examples include the Greg's Hut – Great Dun Fell Track loop from Alston Moor and the High Cup Nick – Cow Green Reservoir and Dam loop from Burnhope Seat, offering convenient starting and ending points.

The best time for mountain biking in Alston Moor is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is milder and the trails are drier. The exposed nature of the fells means conditions can change quickly, so always be prepared for varied weather.

The trails in Alston Moor are characterized by a mix of surfaces, including gravel tracks, grassy paths, and some rocky sections, reflecting the region's high fells and moorland. The area's lead mining heritage has also shaped some of the routes. Expect varied conditions, especially after rain.

Yes, some routes incorporate the region's rich history. The South Tynedale Railway – Alston Cobbles on Front Street loop from Nenthead, for instance, leads through rolling hills and historic village settings, offering a glimpse into the area's past.

There are 13 mountain bike trails available in the Alston Moor area, ranging from moderate to difficult in intensity. These routes allow you to explore the diverse landscapes of the North Pennines.