The best MTB trails around Richmondshire

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.

Embark on the Grinton and Calver Hill loop, a moderate mountain biking route that offers a dynamic ride through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You will navigate varied terrain, from natural singletrack and stone tracks to quiet roads, keeping your ride engaging. As you climb Calver Hill, prepare for expansive views across the Swale Valley, extending into Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. This loop covers 14.0 miles (22.5 km) with an elevation gain of 1182 feet (360 metres), typically taking around 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete.

For a convenient start to your ride, consider beginning at the Dales Bike Centre & Café in Fremington, which also provides bike hire if you need it. This spot serves as a great base before or after your mountain biking adventure. Be aware that certain parts of the trail can become slippery and muddy, especially following rain, so check weather conditions before you go. You might also encounter sections requiring you to push your bike uphill, adding to the challenge.

This route is particularly known for its rewarding experience for riders with good fitness and advanced skills. A highlight for many is the Rocky Path to Fremington, a section of natural singletrack that adds a fun, adventurous element to your ride. The trail's location in the Yorkshire Dales ensures you are surrounded by the region's characteristic rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

The Bainbridge to Semer Water loop is a moderate 13.9-mile mountain bike route in the Yorkshire Dales, featuring rocky Roman roads and lake

Get ready for a difficult mountain biking adventure on the Tan Hill and Rogan's Seat loop, a challenging 24.4-mile (39.3 km) ride through the rugged Yorkshire Dales. This route packs in 3188 feet (972 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 3 hours and 48 minutes to complete for experienced riders. You'll navigate a mix of unpaved and natural surfaces, including extensive singletrack, as you traverse rolling hills and vast open moorland. A highlight is reaching the historic Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub, offering a rewarding stop amidst the dramatic scenery.

This loop demands advanced riding skills and very good physical fitness, so come prepared for a tough day in the saddle. Some sections are so challenging you might even need to push your bike. If you're looking for a formidable yet rewarding experience that tests your limits, this trail is for you. Ensure your bike is in top condition and you carry all necessary supplies, as parts of the route feel remote and wild.

The area is rich in history, with old lead mine workings and spoil heaps visible along the way, hinting at the region's industrial past. Beyond the challenging climbs and technical descents, you'll encounter picturesque water features like Wain Wath Force and East Gill Force. The trail offers a true sense of solitude and immersion in the wilderness of North Yorkshire, making it a standout mountain biking destination in the Northern Dales.