4.4
(226)
1,777
riders
78
rides
Mountain biking around Austwick offers diverse terrain within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The region is characterized by distinctive limestone scenery, including fells, scars, and expansive limestone pavements. Riders can expect a mix of paths, singletrack, and gravel surfaces, with varying levels of elevation gain. Woodlands like Oxenber and Wharfe Woods also provide scenic sections for mountain bike trails.
Last updated: July 15, 2026
4.7
(9)
38
riders
19.9km
01:48
370m
380m
Mountain bike the Austwick to Giggleswick Scar loop for a moderate ride through the distinctive limestone landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. This 12.4-mile (19.9 km) route involves about 1230 feet (375 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hours and 47 minutes to complete. You'll encounter a mix of hard stone trails, moorland singletrack, and fast limestone grassland, with sections of rough, broken limestone. Enjoy views of fells, scars, and expansive limestone pavements, including the imposing Giggleswick Scar itself, and pass through woodlands like Oxenber and Wharfe Woods. You can also spot the ancient clapper bridge across Austwick Beck along the way.
While rated moderate, this route demands good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be aware that certain trail features can become particularly challenging, off-camber, and slick when wet, so choose your day carefully. Some sections may be challenging enough that you might need to push your bike. Always ensure your mountain bike is in good condition for the diverse terrain you will encounter.
This loop is the most popular mountain biking route around Austwick, known for its engaging terrain and stunning Dales scenery. The area's trails often hold historical significance, having originated as Roman roads, monastic highways, or drover's roads. Giggleswick Scar is a significant landmark, a large limestone outcrop that runs for about a mile and marks a section of the South Craven Fault.
4.9
(19)
122
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.4
(5)
24
riders
15.6km
01:18
260m
260m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
74
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
51
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Great place for topping up on fuel, busy but quick service
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Can you ride over it both ways without falling off 😎 hold your nerves , perfectly rideable in both directions
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There are over 75 mountain bike trails around Austwick, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Yes, Austwick offers 13 easy mountain bike trails. A good option for those starting out is the Giggleswick Scar – Stone Slab Bridge loop from Church of The Epiphany, which covers 15.6 km with moderate elevation changes.
The terrain around Austwick is diverse, characterized by distinctive limestone scenery including fells, scars, and expansive limestone pavements. Riders can expect a mix of paths, singletrack, and gravel surfaces, with varying levels of elevation gain and technical difficulty. Woodlands like Oxenber and Wharfe Woods also provide scenic sections.
Yes, for experienced riders, there are 18 difficult mountain bike trails around Austwick. The region's fells and prominent summits like Ingleborough offer significant challenges, with routes available that include diverse terrain and substantial climbs.
Many of the mountain bike trails around Austwick are circular. For example, the Austwick to Giggleswick Scar loop — Yorkshire Dales National Park is a popular 19.9 km circular route, and the Long Lane Descent – Stone Slab Bridge loop from Church of The Epiphany offers a 16.5 km circular ride.
The area is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter unique geological features like the Norber Erratics, dramatic limestone pavements, and scars. Prominent peaks such as Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough summit, and Whernside Summit are nearby. Additionally, you might pass by serene bodies of water like Malham Tarn or Ingleborough Estate Lake.
Austwick is suitable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring is particularly beautiful when woodlands like Oxenber and Wharfe Woods are vibrant with bluebells. However, caution is advised during summer and winter weekends due to potential pedestrian traffic on some lanes. Always check local conditions before heading out.
While specific 'family-friendly' designations are not always clear, the 13 easy trails around Austwick are generally more suitable for families or those with less experience. These routes tend to have less elevation gain and technical difficulty, offering a more relaxed riding experience.
For trails accessing the Norber Erratics, free parking is available along Crummack Lane. Generally, Austwick village itself offers various parking options, and many trailheads may have designated or informal parking areas. It's advisable to check specific route details for the most convenient parking.
The mountain bike trails around Austwick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. Riders often praise the stunning limestone scenery, the diverse mix of paths and singletrack, and the variety of routes catering to different skill levels.
Austwick is a village in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. While specific public transport links directly to every trailhead might be limited, local bus services connect Austwick to larger towns. Planning your journey in advance and checking local bus timetables is recommended.
Yes, many routes in the Austwick area offer extensive views, particularly those that ascend the fells. The Yorkshire Three Peaks, including Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent, and Whernside, provide panoramic vistas. Even moderate routes like the View of Moughton and Austwick – Long Lane Descent loop from Dalesbridge Lodge offer scenic outlooks over the distinctive landscape.


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