The best MTB trails in North Yorkshire

The Dalby Forest Red loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience through varied woodland on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. This difficult 22.2-mile (35.8 km) route features a demanding mix of fast-flowing singletrack, technical sections, and natural paths with gravel. You will encounter challenging climbs, tricky descents, rocky features, and purpose-built elements like berms and jumps. The trail also includes roots, switchbacks, and hidden dips, demanding good fitness and advanced riding skills. As you ride, you will enjoy picturesque scenery and amazing views, especially from spots like Crosscliff Viewpoint. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 11 minutes covering the 1617 feet (493 metres) of elevation gain on this extensive loop.

This Red-graded trail is designed for proficient mountain bikers with solid off-roading skills. Some sections are quite technical and may even require you to push your bike. The route winds through the entire Dalby Forest, offering a long, fast, and flowing trip through the trees. Make sure you are prepared for a hard mountain bike ride that tests both your fitness and your technical abilities.

The Dalby Forest Red loop stands out as one of the longest red routes in the UK, providing a full day of mountain biking for capable riders. It combines natural terrain with exciting, purpose-built features, making it an excellent opportunity to test and develop your skills. The forest is also home to a black-graded World Cup MTB trail, highlighting the high caliber of riding available here. This route allows you to experience Dalby's finest scenery while pushing your limits.

Embark on the Tour of Nidderdale, a classic mountain biking route that takes you through the diverse landscapes of the Nidderdale National Landscape. This moderate 15.0-mile (24.1 km) ride features a significant 1706 feet (520 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 1 minutes. You will encounter a mix of stony tracks high above the valley, remote moorland, and softer farmland sections. Prepare for both challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, including the technical Scar House Descent. Along the way, enjoy expansive views across Scar House Reservoir, with the impressive Great Whernside peak often in sight.

When planning your ride, note that the Tour of Nidderdale is often considered an all-weather classic, meaning you can typically enjoy it regardless of the season. Parking is generally available near Scar House Reservoir, which serves as a common starting point for the route. While the route is robust, be prepared for loose and rocky sections, particularly on the descents, which require careful handling. Always check local conditions before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

This route is a well-regarded local favorite, celebrated for its varied terrain and the rewarding challenge it presents to mountain bikers. It offers a true immersion into the natural beauty of the Nidderdale National Landscape, showcasing its unique blend of high moorland and pastoral valleys. The combination of demanding climbs and thrilling descents makes it a standout option for those seeking a dynamic and memorable ride in the region.

Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure through the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. This section of the Great North Trail covers 24.4 miles (39.2 km) and features a diverse mix of historical paths, including Roman roads and ancient drovers' routes. You will encounter hard stone trails, moorland singletrack, and rocky tracks, all set against a backdrop of dramatic limestone cliffs and scars. From viewpoints like Giggleswick Scar, you can take in panoramic views of the Dales, with lush green fields and traditional stone barns dotting the landscape. Expect to gain 2406 feet (733 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 19 minutes.

When planning your ride, be prepared for varied surfacing, as the trail can be rugged and boggy, especially when crossing moorland or fields. Some sections, particularly through sheep fields, might have indistinct paths, making navigation a bit more challenging. To handle the rougher parts of the route comfortably, a hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike equipped with good tires is highly recommended. Always check local conditions before you head out, especially after heavy rain.

This route offers a unique opportunity to ride through a landscape rich in history, following ancient routes that have been used for centuries. The blend of challenging terrain and scenic beauty makes it a notable part of the Great North Trail. You will experience the raw, untamed character of the Dales, with its distinctive geological features and expansive views, providing a memorable journey for any mountain biker.

Embark on the Bolton Abbey to Grassington loop for a diverse mountain biking adventure through the Yorkshire Dales. This moderate 24.0-mile (38.6 km) route features a challenging 2150 feet (655 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 8 minutes to complete. You will navigate varied terrain, from well-made tracks and open moorland to rocky descents and rutted sandy singletrack, all while enjoying expansive views of Simons Seat and the picturesque River Wharfe, passing historical landmarks like Bolton Abbey and Barden Tower.

To tackle this popular trail, you should be prepared for significant elevation changes and varied surfaces, including sections that can be boggy. Good fitness and advanced riding skills are necessary, as some portions may require you to dismount and push your bike. Ensure your mountain bike is in excellent condition and you carry appropriate gear for a ride of this length and difficulty, especially given the mix of off-road and short tarmac sections.

This loop is celebrated as one of the most popular mountain biking trails in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, known for its dynamic ride experience. It combines fun off-roading with memorable descents, including a testing climb over Barden Fell and a fast downhill towards Bolton Abbey. The route's appeal lies in its blend of diverse terrain, rich historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural vistas, making the return journey on quiet B roads particularly pleasant.

Embark on the Gibbon Hill and Greet's Hill loop for a moderate mountain biking adventure through the classic Yorkshire Dales landscape. This 9.9-mile (16.0 km) route, with a total elevation gain of 1454 feet (443 metres), typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. You will encounter a diverse mix of surfaces, including walled lanes, stone tracks, and grassy sections, with spectacular views awaiting you, particularly from Greets Hill, offering expansive moorlands and verdant valleys under a big sky.

To tackle this loop, you should possess good fitness and advanced riding skills, as some sections will test your ability despite its moderate classification. The trail features a significant portion of unpaved tracks, alongside gravel and some asphalt. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, planning your visit to the Yorkshire Dales National Park often involves checking local resources for designated parking areas and any seasonal considerations.

This loop is particularly known for its fast and open bridleway track that descends towards Reeth, providing an exhilarating experience. It is a popular choice among local mountain bikers in the Ellerton Abbey area, offering a good balance of technical challenges and open moorland riding. The route allows you to explore the extensive bridleway network in a less-traveled part of the National Park, ensuring plenty of fun without being overly technical throughout its entirety.