Set off on a mountain biking adventure in God’s Own Country and make use of the diverse terrain and stunning landscapes that await. Yorkshire has a fantastic reputation for mountain biking, allowing riders of all abilities to tackle a wide array of trails. There’s something for everyone here.
Make sure you have a good quality mountain bike suited to the types of routes you want to tackle, then plan your route. Whether you want to tackle trails using a classic mountain bike or an e-mountain bike, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s how to get the most out of your mountain biking adventures.
North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors are known for their market towns and dramatic surrounding landscapes. When it comes to mountain biking, there’s plenty to get stuck into. Tear through rugged moorland and through forests that cover nearby valleys, all while enjoying the imposing scenery around you. Popular routes include the Cleveland Way, from Helmsley to Filey Brigg, where you can soak up heather moorland and coastal views in one ride. Others include Sutton Bank and Dalby Forest.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Yorkshire Dales is a rural paradise characterised by dramatic limestone landmarks and picture-perfect valleys. There are over 900km of bridleways, byways and green lanes here, giving you plenty of variety as a biker. Less experienced riders will love the shorter Malham Tarn route which also has the option to tackle grassy limestone terrain if you wish. You can also try a range of challenging trails such as the Settle Loop which features a big climb as you leave Settle, plus gravel and rocky limestone tracks. Other popular trails include the Swale Trail and Wharfedale Loop.
Peak District National Park
The Peak District is Yorkshire’s next-door neighbour and it has a great reputation for mountain biking. A mix of gritstone edges and moorland makes for a versatile set of trails for riders of all abilities. You can tackle the 21-mile Cut Gate route, which is considered a physically hard route – expect a lot of elevation and descents with this one. Meanwhile, Ladybower Loop and Hope Valley Circuit offer equally thrilling experiences through the area’s natural beauty.
Yorkshire Coastline and Beyond
When you focus on Yorkshire’s coastline, you’ll uncover plenty of mountain biking gems. It’s a great spot for coastal trails and you can even venture to purpose-built bike parks. Make your way from Whitby to Scarbrough on the Whitby Cinder Track, which features two major ascents and follows the old railway line, which closed in 1965. Stretching 21.7 miles, it’s a good choice for a lengthier ride. Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Wild Cycle Challenge is an annual fundraising event that involves cycling 144 miles over two days along a largely secluded circular route.
