European Cycling Routes
Many of our team live and ride all over the world, on both road and mountain bike. It makes sense then to capture that knowledge and share with you some amazing cycling routes and locations.
We try to map out all of the routes that our expert team know of. From the longest road climb in the world, in Colombia, to epic trails in Europe, our database has something special for you to ride. Best of all, our cycling routes have maps, gpx files and detailed descriptions to help you to plan a great cycling holiday. Take a look via the panels below and ride around the world with us.
Romania & Eastern European Road Cycling Routes
Central Europe Road Cycling Routes
SPAIN
SANT CELONI – HARD 60KM
One of the toughest routes in Catalonia, but with epic views. Close to Girona and Barcelona, so you may well see top riders on this climb.
SWITZERLAND
FURKA PASS – HARD 118KM
How can we not take you cycling in the Swiss alps.This route tackles the Furka Pass, the Susten Pass and the Grimsel Pass
SWITZERLAND
TWO ROUTES IN TICINO (122 km & 123 km)
Time for a weekend break and visit to the Swiss Alps to ride these two routes near Lucarno, courtsey of Mary Wilke 🙂
BELGIUM
TOUR OF FLANDERS – HARD 138KM
A welcome introduction to Flanders cycling, this epic route will give you a taste of road cycling in this fanatical cycling country.
Guided Cycling Holidays
Those steep valleys, swathes of wild moorland and rugged hills that sweep across the north of the UK, providing epic riding. Along with old mill towns, the wild moorland tracks are a goldmine of rugged trails for the mountain biker. Take a trip to the North and South Pennines for a great mountain bike adventure.
TODMORDEN CYCLE FACTORY – EASY 10.5 MILES
The first climb of the day heads out the valley floor on the Strava segment known as the ‘Stoodley Lung Buster’. The aim on the day is to climb this fire style road at a steady pace to the top.
HEBDEN RESERVOIRS – MEDIUM 25.5 MILES
A little bit of everything, terrain wise, from this route starting and finishing in the characterful little market town of Hebden Bridge. Some steady fire-road climbing initially followed by farm roads and rolling tarmac through some beautiful countryside.
TODMORDEN RESERVOIRS – MEDIUM 20.5 MILES
A typical Pennine trip, with steep climbs and rolling moorland trails, finishing with some great descents. Be prepared to work and to get the benefit of doing so. A great introduction to Pennine Mountain Biking.
FOXES DEN – MEDIUM 15.5 MILES
A route that climbs out of town to the Pennine Bridleway, taking in good doubletrack and some excellent singletrack as it rolls up and down and around the valley. Nothing too technical, and a great short spin for everyone.
TWO ROSES – MEDIUM 25.7 MILES
A long route that takes in the tracks above Todmorden and to the south and south east. A mix of surfaces, with a long stretch in the middle that follows the contour around the valley, before a great descent to Cragg vale.
TODMORDEN WEST- MEDIUM 14.8 MILES
Great little route around the valley, taking in some excellent singletrack, with a few testing climbs along the way.
TODMORDEN PACKHORSE – HARD 25 MILES
A short spin around the tracks and trails to the north east of this Pennine town, taking in some sweet singletrack along the way, utilising some of the old Packhorse trails. Great for views into the valley.
ABBEY VILLAGE – EASY 3.5 MILES
A pleasant bimble through woods along a chain of three reservoirs. Makes a gentle evening excursion or an outing with youngsters
WHITENDALE – EASY 6.5 MILES
This is an ideal ride for a young family where the smaller members of the party can stretch their legs on tarmac but with negligible traffic. Consequently, we’ve listed it as both a road and MTB route but there’s no law against you doing it on a hybrid.
GRIZEDALE, LANCASHIRE – EASY 13 MILES
A lovely jaunt when you can only get out for an hour on a Sunday morning. Better yet, on a summer’s evening, you’ll ride back up into the sun when the shadows have already settled on the coastal plain.
LUNE ESTUARY – EASY 9.5 MILES
This route is good for bird-watching, skirting the sands of the estuary. If you’re lucky with the turning of the tides, you’ll see fishermen setting huge nets across the river, sihouetted against the sparkling light like a scene from another century.
WADDINGTON FELL – EASY 10.5 MILES
A pleasant double loop on the south-facing flank of Waddington Fell. It’s nowhere difficult, and either loop could be tackled individually. The turf can be soft at the top.
NAPPA FLATS – EASY 7.2 MILES
The terrain is generally easy but be prepared to navigate through unsigned territory and don’t expect to cross the stepping stones dryshod unless it hasn’t rained for thirty days straight or you are Danny MacAskill
SALTER ROAD – MEDIUM 17 MILES
The Salter Road is a grand high-level crossing of the Bowland Fells. It can be done as part of a longer loop but it’s good value as an out-and-back as well.
BEACON FELL – MEDIUM 20 MILES
A varied switchback across the pastures of West Lancashire with a play in the woods to boot. Try to pick a day during a prolonged dry spell or a hard frost, as the section crossing the Brock can get squelchy.
LONGRIDGE SLOPES – EASY 17 MILES
There are a couple of sections where map-reading skills are called upon but most of it is straightforward. One word of caution; the forest ride off the Fell can be an execrable squelchfest after any appreciable dosage of rain. This loop could be omitted and the ride would still preserve its charm.
RIVINGTON PIKE – MEDIUM 7.3 MILES
Rivington’s particularly good for an evening ride to shake off the frustrations of the working day and watch the sun dip over the Fylde coast. The view from up here can be stunning.
DARWEN TOWER – MEDIUM 17.3 MILES
A grand, high-level cruise around the West Pennine Moors. The route follows long chunks of the Witton Weavers’ Way on good tracks so is suitable for a winter’s night. It can, however, get claggy in the woods.
CHIPPING EIGHT – MEDIUM 11.25 MILES
A short but exceptionally varied short tour of Chipping and its environs. Chipping is a charming village hunkered under the flank of Parlick. The route is a double loop so either or both circuits can be taken, with room for a pit-stop after the first lap.
HOLCOMBE MOOR – MEDIUM 12 MILES
The going is generally level but elevated, making it an ideal excursion for a sticky summer’s evening when you want to catch an upland breeze but don’t fancy a big haul to get there. Be aware of potential restrictions at the army ranges.
THIEVELEY PIKE – MEDIUM 11 MILES
Anyone expecting Thieveley Pike to be a soaring pinnacle will be disappointed, just as a prior visitor to the Verdon will question whether the Cliviger valley really counts as a “gorge.”
HAMELDON – MEDIUM 11 MILES
Our route traverses plain old Hameldon, straddling the boundary between Lancashire and Yorkshire. And, if ambiguous hill names confuse you, a curiosity of these moors is that they drain to East and West into two different Calder rivers.
GISBURN & CHAMPION MOOR – HARD 17 MILES
Although the start and finish of the ride are well-waymarked sections of Pennine Bridleway and the Ribble Way, there are a couple of sections in the middle where you will need good map-reading skills (strictly speaking, landscape-reading skills) to find your way.
PENDLE CIRCUMNAVIGATION – HARD 19 MILES
A great tour around the rim of Lancashire’s great whale-back. There are long stretches of tarmac but this matters little as the landscape is beautiful and the lanes quiet. A longer loop could be made including a detour into Ogden Clough.
HAREDEN – HARD 18.5 MILES
A wild and woolly tour of the southern Bowland moors, with several technical climbs, two exceptionally technical descents and one delicious swoopfest.
CROOK OF LUNE – EASY 10 MILES
Family-friendly pootling along a pleasant, level trail set in magnificent riverside woodland. Do as an out-and-back for maximum flexibility or chain together with the Lune Estuary ride or the Salter Road for a much longer outing.
TAKE A BIKECATION VACATION
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Pedalnorth Website2022-09-07 14:59:172022-09-07 15:26:07Coverdale and Wensleydale with Lake CyclingEuropean Cycling Routes
Many of our team live and ride all over the world, on both road and mountain bike. It makes sense then to capture that knowledge and share with you some amazing cycling routes and locations.
We try to map out all of the routes that our expert team know of. From the longest road climb in the world, in Colombia, to epic trails in Europe, our database has something special for you to ride. Best of all, our cycling routes have maps, gpx files and detailed descriptions to help you to plan a great cycling holiday. Take a look via the panels below and ride around the world with us.
Romania & Eastern European Road Cycling Routes
Central Europe Road Cycling Routes
SPAIN
SANT CELONI – HARD 60KM
One of the toughest routes in Catalonia, but with epic views. Close to Girona and Barcelona, so you may well see top riders on this climb.
SWITZERLAND
FURKA PASS – HARD 118KM
How can we not take you cycling in the Swiss alps.This route tackles the Furka Pass, the Susten Pass and the Grimsel Pass
SWITZERLAND
TWO ROUTES IN TICINO (122 km & 123 km)
Time for a weekend break and visit to the Swiss Alps to ride these two routes near Lucarno, courtsey of Mary Wilke 🙂
BELGIUM
TOUR OF FLANDERS – HARD 138KM
A welcome introduction to Flanders cycling, this epic route will give you a taste of road cycling in this fanatical cycling country.
Guided Cycling Holidays
Those steep valleys, swathes of wild moorland and rugged hills that sweep across the north of the UK, providing epic riding. Along with old mill towns, the wild moorland tracks are a goldmine of rugged trails for the mountain biker. Take a trip to the North and South Pennines for a great mountain bike adventure.
TODMORDEN CYCLE FACTORY – EASY 10.5 MILES
The first climb of the day heads out the valley floor on the Strava segment known as the ‘Stoodley Lung Buster’. The aim on the day is to climb this fire style road at a steady pace to the top.
HEBDEN RESERVOIRS – MEDIUM 25.5 MILES
A little bit of everything, terrain wise, from this route starting and finishing in the characterful little market town of Hebden Bridge. Some steady fire-road climbing initially followed by farm roads and rolling tarmac through some beautiful countryside.
TODMORDEN RESERVOIRS – MEDIUM 20.5 MILES
A typical Pennine trip, with steep climbs and rolling moorland trails, finishing with some great descents. Be prepared to work and to get the benefit of doing so. A great introduction to Pennine Mountain Biking.
FOXES DEN – MEDIUM 15.5 MILES
A route that climbs out of town to the Pennine Bridleway, taking in good doubletrack and some excellent singletrack as it rolls up and down and around the valley. Nothing too technical, and a great short spin for everyone.
TWO ROSES – MEDIUM 25.7 MILES
A long route that takes in the tracks above Todmorden and to the south and south east. A mix of surfaces, with a long stretch in the middle that follows the contour around the valley, before a great descent to Cragg vale.
TODMORDEN WEST- MEDIUM 14.8 MILES
Great little route around the valley, taking in some excellent singletrack, with a few testing climbs along the way.
TODMORDEN PACKHORSE – HARD 25 MILES
A short spin around the tracks and trails to the north east of this Pennine town, taking in some sweet singletrack along the way, utilising some of the old Packhorse trails. Great for views into the valley.
ABBEY VILLAGE – EASY 3.5 MILES
A pleasant bimble through woods along a chain of three reservoirs. Makes a gentle evening excursion or an outing with youngsters
WHITENDALE – EASY 6.5 MILES
This is an ideal ride for a young family where the smaller members of the party can stretch their legs on tarmac but with negligible traffic. Consequently, we’ve listed it as both a road and MTB route but there’s no law against you doing it on a hybrid.
GRIZEDALE, LANCASHIRE – EASY 13 MILES
A lovely jaunt when you can only get out for an hour on a Sunday morning. Better yet, on a summer’s evening, you’ll ride back up into the sun when the shadows have already settled on the coastal plain.
LUNE ESTUARY – EASY 9.5 MILES
This route is good for bird-watching, skirting the sands of the estuary. If you’re lucky with the turning of the tides, you’ll see fishermen setting huge nets across the river, sihouetted against the sparkling light like a scene from another century.
WADDINGTON FELL – EASY 10.5 MILES
A pleasant double loop on the south-facing flank of Waddington Fell. It’s nowhere difficult, and either loop could be tackled individually. The turf can be soft at the top.
NAPPA FLATS – EASY 7.2 MILES
The terrain is generally easy but be prepared to navigate through unsigned territory and don’t expect to cross the stepping stones dryshod unless it hasn’t rained for thirty days straight or you are Danny MacAskill
SALTER ROAD – MEDIUM 17 MILES
The Salter Road is a grand high-level crossing of the Bowland Fells. It can be done as part of a longer loop but it’s good value as an out-and-back as well.
BEACON FELL – MEDIUM 20 MILES
A varied switchback across the pastures of West Lancashire with a play in the woods to boot. Try to pick a day during a prolonged dry spell or a hard frost, as the section crossing the Brock can get squelchy.
LONGRIDGE SLOPES – EASY 17 MILES
There are a couple of sections where map-reading skills are called upon but most of it is straightforward. One word of caution; the forest ride off the Fell can be an execrable squelchfest after any appreciable dosage of rain. This loop could be omitted and the ride would still preserve its charm.
RIVINGTON PIKE – MEDIUM 7.3 MILES
Rivington’s particularly good for an evening ride to shake off the frustrations of the working day and watch the sun dip over the Fylde coast. The view from up here can be stunning.
DARWEN TOWER – MEDIUM 17.3 MILES
A grand, high-level cruise around the West Pennine Moors. The route follows long chunks of the Witton Weavers’ Way on good tracks so is suitable for a winter’s night. It can, however, get claggy in the woods.
CHIPPING EIGHT – MEDIUM 11.25 MILES
A short but exceptionally varied short tour of Chipping and its environs. Chipping is a charming village hunkered under the flank of Parlick. The route is a double loop so either or both circuits can be taken, with room for a pit-stop after the first lap.
HOLCOMBE MOOR – MEDIUM 12 MILES
The going is generally level but elevated, making it an ideal excursion for a sticky summer’s evening when you want to catch an upland breeze but don’t fancy a big haul to get there. Be aware of potential restrictions at the army ranges.
THIEVELEY PIKE – MEDIUM 11 MILES
Anyone expecting Thieveley Pike to be a soaring pinnacle will be disappointed, just as a prior visitor to the Verdon will question whether the Cliviger valley really counts as a “gorge.”
HAMELDON – MEDIUM 11 MILES
Our route traverses plain old Hameldon, straddling the boundary between Lancashire and Yorkshire. And, if ambiguous hill names confuse you, a curiosity of these moors is that they drain to East and West into two different Calder rivers.
GISBURN & CHAMPION MOOR – HARD 17 MILES
Although the start and finish of the ride are well-waymarked sections of Pennine Bridleway and the Ribble Way, there are a couple of sections in the middle where you will need good map-reading skills (strictly speaking, landscape-reading skills) to find your way.
PENDLE CIRCUMNAVIGATION – HARD 19 MILES
A great tour around the rim of Lancashire’s great whale-back. There are long stretches of tarmac but this matters little as the landscape is beautiful and the lanes quiet. A longer loop could be made including a detour into Ogden Clough.
HAREDEN – HARD 18.5 MILES
A wild and woolly tour of the southern Bowland moors, with several technical climbs, two exceptionally technical descents and one delicious swoopfest.
CROOK OF LUNE – EASY 10 MILES
Family-friendly pootling along a pleasant, level trail set in magnificent riverside woodland. Do as an out-and-back for maximum flexibility or chain together with the Lune Estuary ride or the Salter Road for a much longer outing.
TAKE A BIKECATION VACATION
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Pedalnorth Website2022-09-07 14:59:172022-09-07 15:26:07Coverdale and Wensleydale with Lake CyclingSouth of England Mountain Bike Routes
South of England MTB – Riding the South Downs, Dartmoor and The New Forest
Including areas such as Dartmoor, Exmoor, the New Forest and the South Downs, there’s a fantastic network of trails and bridleways in the South of England.
The rolling hills of the South Downs are a contrast to the rugged terrain of Dartmoor, but both areas provide awesome riding, with some forestry thrown in by a visit to the New Forest.
Take a look below as we grow the route selection, adding to these awesome riding areas of the UK mtb scene.
SOUTH DOWNS EXPRESS – EASY 14 MILES
Wide open views of rolling green hills and sea surround you as the chalk rumbles underneath the rubber. The perfect cruise of a ride, for those looking to get some fresh air and enjoy a pub lunch or tea room riverside at Amberley
STANMER CITY LIMITS – EASY 8 MILES
As the title suggests this is all about enjoying the South Downs views and the singletrack of Stanmer all within the city limits of one of Britain’s most vibrant cities.
TOUR DE RINGS – MEDIUM 17 MILES
This takes in two iron-ages hill forts of Cissbury and Chanctonbury rings with the perfect mix of what the South Downs does best. Rolling undulation, fast white singletrack, sea views and long challenging rewarding climbs and flat out XC!
BIRLING GAP – HARD 17 MILES
It’s not often you can ride cliff top with glaringly wide sea views as a starter before treating yourself to winding forest singletrack to wrap up this fine loop.
HOOKSWAY & GOODWOOD – HARD 24 MILES
There’s the chance to race against thorough-bred race horses as we ride parallel to Goodwood, test your climbing prowess on epic climbs before being rewarded with tree-lined descents and views across the Solent.
Wales has a history in the mountains like no other place in the UK. It’s been a draw for outdoor souls for decades in the modern eras too. It’s time to visit the mountains – and ride Wales. The mountain bike routes in Wales and in Snowdonia and elsewhere are among the very best in Europe,wild and rugged and testing.
We want to show you some of the classic routes and the epic places to ride and visit. If you haven’t been to Wales, then now is your time … take a bikecation in this amazing country.
PONT SCETHIN – MEDIUM 13 MILES
One of the classic routes for North Wales. Long climbs on excellent hard packed tracks, with epic descents to make you grin all day long.
RHAYADER CLASSIC – MEDIUM 21 MILES
A hilly ride with plenty of technical descents to test your skills and grab some grins, together with lung busting climbs, mixed with amazing scenery and a stunning finish to top things off.
PENMACHNO TRAILS – MEDIUM 16 MILES
The Penmachno Trails are the hidden gem of North Wales biking; 30km of singletrack and forest trail with spectacular views and the feel of a proper mountain biking adventure.
The trails are split into two loops that can be ridden individually or as one amazing 30km ride.
BERWYN MOUNTAINS – MEDIUM 17 MILES
A cracking route with some long and epic descents that won’t trouble you, but which will get you grinning and wanting to return to the area for more routes.
RHYD DDU SNOWDON – HARD 14 MILES
It goes up, then it goes down! It’s tough going up, and it’s a real whizz going down, with lots of tricky and fast sections that you’ll need to take care on. Awesome mountain day though. Just remember to adhere to the mtb restrictions.
MARIN TRAIL – HARD 17 MILES
Brilliant mountain riding, with big climbs, big descents and awesome singletrack. Most of the uphill is on forest tracks, with the singletrack fun going down when required. A technical and fun route for all to enjoy.
BRECON GAP – HARD 22 MILES
The terrain is rideable in all seasons but beware in bad weather conditions. The Gap takes you up to 600m above sea level and is very open and windswept. It is essential to take food, adequate clothing and tools before you attempt this route.
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Pedalnorth Website2022-09-07 14:59:172022-09-07 15:26:07Coverdale and Wensleydale with Lake Cycling
Close to the urbanisation of Sheffield and Manchester, this very special National Park has always provided a haven for the working people of Britain’s industrial heartlands. The mountain buike trails vary, from the rugged and wild Dark Peak, to the limestone valleys of the White Peak, but all provide a superb day mountain biking in the Peak District National Park
Edale has a unique place in our countryside access history, being the venue for the mass trespass that led to the opening up of the paths that we all now enjoy.
With epic trails, winding bridleways, and hidden limestone valleys, the area has something for everyone,including some of the best access routes and post riding facilities. The Peak District is a great place to visit for mountain bike routes of all standards, so plan your own visit here.
LINNET CLOUGH – EASY 12.5 MILES
An interesting excursion into the hills, on the fringes of Manchester, which opens up the wild terrain of these hills.
LADYBOWER LOOP – MEDIUM 16.5 MILES
A great route which turns most of the roadwork into a warm-up and finishes with the memorable descent through the heather above Cutthroat Bridge.
MAM TOR – MEDIUM 12.4 MILES
A rollicking eight around the Hope Valley. Cave Dale is one of the techiest descents around these parts so be ready to hang on tight. The route across Mam Tor to Hollins Cross and down to Edale is sublime.
HAYFIELD TO HOPE – HARD 24 MILES
An unforgettable sweep of High Peak goodness, with rolling tracks, great climbs and descents on awesome rocky trails. One to test the best climbers.
CUT GATE – HARD 39 MILES
Rolling, tight, technical, steep, fast and fun, Cut Gate has it all. It can be a mountainbikeneering trip in poor weather, but when the sun shines, you’d be hard pushed to have a better day out.
HOPE VALLEY – HARD 30 MILES
It’s a full day epic, with steep climbs, fast and technical descents and some great views along the way. Weaving around the Hope Valley, it’s a route to test anyone. Take care on the Cave Dale descent.
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Pedalnorth Website2022-09-07 14:59:172022-09-07 15:26:07Coverdale and Wensleydale with Lake Cycling
The hidden moors and valleys of the North Yorks Moors provide some of the best natural singletrack anywhere in the British Isles. Mountain biking in the Moors is an experience for everyone. Routes vary from an amble along the Hambleton Hills to full-on world standard routes at Dalby Forest – a venue recently voted as being the world’s favourite XC venue. With over 70km of singletrack.
The variety of this area is superb; moorland heather tracks, steep sided valley’s, twisting woodland singletrack. Yep, the Moors has it all. Easily accessible from the A1, one of England’s main road routes, it has a historical place in the British mtb scene. The best centres to locate yourself are Helmsley, Guisborough and of course, Dalby Forest and Pickering.
COLD KIRBY TO BILSDALE – HARD 25 MILES
This is a burner, a real test of your stamina. As it starts, we follow the BW from Cold Kirby, before detouring off the BW and along the road via Old Byland, to avoid a poor section, before we return to the excellent trails.
THE DROVERS WAY – MEDIUM 13.5 MILES
This route follows the edge of the Hambleton Hills, along the ancient highway that links Sutton Bank with the picturesque village of Osmotherley.
GREAT HOGRAH MOOR – MEDIUM 14 MILES
At only 14 miles this route really packs a punch, starting off with a steep climb of Ingleby Bank over rough and technical terrain. Then the singletrack begins, giving you a taster of what’s on offer further along at Great Hograh Moor.
HAMBLETON HILLS – HARD 32 MILES
The route starts with a climb, and rolls you down through trees before tarmac leads you back. Along the way you climb and descend on rocky technical tracks, wide fast double tracks and even get in some secret singletrack at Hanwby Moor.
HELMSLEY LOOP – MEDIUM 19.5 MILES
Starting with a pleasant gravel track through a wooded dale, the route takes you out into a little frequented part of the moors, before bringing you back to Helmsley via the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.
LEVISHAM & DALBY – HARD 21 MILES
Don’t be lured into complacency – there is plenty of climbing and plenty of tricky terrain to negotiate.Though short, this is a testing route that can easily be extended.
OSMOTHERLEY INTRO – MEDIUM 15.4 MILES
This is a fantastic introduction to Moors riding. Don’t look at the middle section as 5 miles of toil – it’s 2 1/2 miles of toil, followed by a great downhill section. From Square Corner – yep, check the map name – we’ve taken this route down the Cleveland Way and past the reservoir, towards the village.
RAG ROBIN RAMBLE – MEDIUM 9 MILES
You’ve guessed it, this route starts with a climb. However, the country landowner has made it easy for you, by tarmacking the narrow lane which winds its way up to the junction with the Cleveland Way.
RIEVAULX WOODS – MEDIUM 10.2 MILES
Numerous bridleways and tracks cut across this valley. The route here is a good introduction, and a great little evening or afternoon ride. A few steep climbs and a terrific short singletrack descent, good woodland trails, and great little swooping descent across open meadows.
ROSEDALE RAMBLE HARD 21.4 MILES
A superb introduction to Rosedale’s famous singletrack. I saw this route on the Muddy Bums website and had to ride it, so thanks guys. I’ve altered it only slightly, to bring in some more technical singletrack.
RUDLAND RIGG – HARD 18 MILES
This route has a section of moorland singletrack that is amongst the best in the UK – yep. I know that’s a big statement, but ride it and see. The route itself starts off with some easy riding and some woodland downhilling, followed by a long climb along Rudland Rigg, before turning off on singletrack to Low Row.
SUTTON BANK & BOLTBY SCAR – MEDIUM 16 MILES
The route takes you along the escarpment overlooking the Vale of York, with some new technical trails created to add to the fun. This is a technical line, with twists and turns over rocks.
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Pedalnorth Website2022-10-14 21:21:132022-10-16 20:57:24Poplaca and Villages Ride from Sibiu
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Pedalnorth Website2022-09-07 14:59:172022-09-07 15:26:07Coverdale and Wensleydale with Lake Cycling
Lake District Mountain Bike Routes
The English Lake District – magical trails in the hills
Sitting on the western edges of the United Kingdom,the magnificent high fells and valleys provide awesome trail riding opportunities in wild and rugged terrain.
With two great forest centres too, at Grizedale and Whinlatter, the Lake District should be on every mountain bikers list. The area is also filled with accommodation options and great places to eat, including the legendary Wilf’s Cafe at Staveley – so get along to the Lakes and ride in some of the most beautiful and technically testing areas of the UK.
AMBLESIDE EIGHT – MEDIUM 19 MILES
A superb double-loop around Ambeside’s environs. As every mathematician knows, the beauty of eight is that it can easily be halved so, if you’re short of time or breath, either of these loops would be a pleasant outing
ASKHAM & ULLSWATER – HARD 22.6 MILES
A demanding yet incredibly rewarding outing in the far Northeast of the district, taking in the dazzling descent from The Cockpit to Howtown, the surprisingly gnarly traverse of Silver Point and a beautiful drop down the side of Beda Fell into Martindale.
AYSIDE – EASY 8 MILES
This is an enjoyable easy excursion in the southern extremities of the Lakes. It would make a good family outing with a mixture of easy, traffic-free or very quiet lanes, forest tracks and farm tracks.
BACK OF SKIDDAW – HARD 30 MILES
A big, stirring tour of one of Lakeland’s quieter corners. There are sub-Scottish levels of loneliness to be had, in the upper Caldew valley especially.
BLACK COMBE – MEDIUM 8.6 MILES
You’ll need to pack your lungs – much of the climbing will have you simultaneously screaming for a lower gear and wrestling the front wheel back down. But the route is easy to follow and is all rideable apart from a section at 200m that would challenge the toughest climber.
BREASTHIGH – MEDIUM 9 MILES
Don’t be lured into complacency – there is plenty of climbing and plenty of tricky terrain to negotiate.Though short, this is a testing route that can easily be extended.
CLAIFE HEIGHTS – MEDIUM 15 MILES
It’s uphill, so accept it and enjoy. This route typifies that, as you climb on tarmac towards the tracks that take you across Claife Heights, before sweeping descents on hard packed and well drained tracks lead you down again.
CONISTON WASDALE – HARD 36 MILES
An extremely demanding tour of the South Lakes, featuring four substantial climbs. Options for shortening are few. Put it this way – when “bailing out” means Hardknott followed by Wrynose, you know it’s a toughie, right?
CRAKE VALLEY – EASY 9 MILES
An easy but enjoyable pootle around a network of byways. Even this far south, it still counts as The Lakes because there’s a glimpse of Allan Tarn (the Octopus Lagoon in Swallows and Amazons) at one stage.
DUDDON VALLEY- MEDIUM 13 MILES
Short but stunningly sweet.
Three descents that all rank among the finest in the Lakes.
EASTERN PASSES – HARD 11 MILES
A cracking ride into the hills around the south-eastern Lake District, with epic descents that are hard earned, but definitely worth the effort.
FLOUTERN PASS – MEDIUM 21 MILES
A cracking ride in the western Lakes near ennerdale, taking in tough but rewarding trails.
GAMBLESMIRE – EASY 12 MILES
A sublime delight on a late summer’s night, the hedgerows dripping with brambles. A good proportion of the ride is in narrow, sunken drove roads, which would make good shelter in wild weather.
GARBURN PASS – MEDIUM 13.6 MILES
So classic, it’s the Baker Street of Lakeland passes. You could thread it into a longer ride by using it as a warm-up to the Eastern Passes but it’s a perfect pint-sized ride on its own.
GATESGARTH & NAN BIELD – HARD 20 MILES
This route is not for the feint hearted. It includes two big ascents, one over Gatesgarth, on a track but very few have cleared it, for it is steep and relentless for 3.4 miles. The second is a hike a bike up Nan Bield pass.
GRASMERE LOUGHRIGG – MEDIUM 20 MILES
This route rolls and climbs around the fells close to Grasmere and Ambleside, using the lanes to weave together a great route. There’s nothing too testing about the route in terms of technicality, which can easily be extended to Knipe Fold and Hawkshead.
GREEN QUARTER – EASY 8.5 MILES
The easiest of the Lakeland passes is followed by a steep haul on grass, a fine moorland cruise and a rattling good descent. This route would make a good, easy-going Sunday excursion after a quad-hardening Saturday.
HAWKSHEAD HILLTOPS – HARD 23 MILES
We like hilly routes and this one is no exception. It starts off easily enough, before a steep climb on Claife Heights begins to work the muscles, but gives a superb descent to Hawkshead.
HELVELLYN EAST – HARD 10 MILES
A magnificent blast up England’s greatest legal high. Well worth doing as an out-and-back because the descent is magnificently rideable and the pleasure is all the greater if you’ve struggled on the same terrain on the way up.
HELVELLYN ENTIRE – HARD 25 MILES
Not only is Helvellyn generous with its altitude, not only does it bear a name like an epic poem but it offers an unusually generous choice of routes to its summit with no fewer than ten bridleways setting off from the surrounding valleys.
HELVELLYN WEST – HARD 10 MILES
A brawl with gravity on the Western flank of rideable Lakeland’s biggest bruiser. One of the many great thing about Helvellyn is the number (nine) of legitimate routes to the summit from valley level.
HIGH STREET & BOREDALE – MEDIUM 20 MILES
This route is so classic that the National Trust should slap a preservation order on it forthwith. It has the lot – big, beefy climbs, grassy ridge-riding and two rollicking descents.
HIGH STREET SOUTH – MEDIUM 12 MILES
Well worth doing as an out-and-back but can be made into a loop either by wandering far to the north or by making a brief sortie on foot to Nan Bield Pass (no bridleway for c.1 mile) and returning via Kentmere and Garburn Pass.
IRTON FELL – MEDIUM 13.4 MILES
A superb tour of West Cumbria, far away from the crowds. We rode this route (and the neighbouring Muncaster Fell loop) on a dry Bank Holiday Sunday and saw no other riders.
KENTMERE LOOP – EASY 12.4 MILES
A wild moornland crossing of Green Quarter, a stony hop over Stile End then a rutted swing over Whiteside End (more classically done as a coda to Garburn Pass)
LOADPOT HILL – MEDIUM 14.3 MILES
It’s a long but steady pull on grass onto Loadpot Hill and you don’t keep the height for long. But the wild, swoopy, single-track descent to Heltondale makes it all worthwhile.
LONSCALE FELL – MEDIUM 10 MILES
Prior to the floods of 2015 we would have taken you along the old railway cycle route to Threlkeld. Due to the bridge being taken in the floods we’ve re-assessed things and taken a steady road and track climb on the other side of the river.
LOUGHRIGG LOOP – MEDIUM 14 MILES
If you don’t have a superb time on this route, whatever the weather, it may be time to have a long, hard, look in the mirror and ask yourself if you’re just a bit of a misery-guts.
LOWESWATER LOOP – EASY 5.3 MILES
Short, gentle, beautiful. There’s a tucked-away quality to Loweswater – you can afford a fleeting sense of smugness leaving the hordes in Borrowdale and Buttermere for the quiet delights of Loweswater and Lorton Vale.
MUNCASTER FELL – EASY 9.7 MILES
A gentle bimble round the wooded flanks of this outlying granite ridge. Suitable for doing with youngsters, especially if you find yourself riding alongside the L’a’l Ratty.
NAN BIELD & GARBURN – MEDIUM 16.2 MILES
A surprisingly lonely dale head, dotted with deer if you’re lucky, followed by the classic Lakeland crossing of Garburn. Go in May to catch the stitchwort and bluebells in Low Lane.
P IS FOR PARKAMOOR – EASY 9.5 MILES
Great. Just great. It’s only short, so we’ve dropped it in with the easy rides but that has to be taken with a huge pinch of salt – nowhere in the Lakes counts as properly easy.
RATHERHEATH – MEDIUM 22 MILES
There are many reasons why you should do this ride: if the higher hills are misted up, snowed up or rained off, if you only have time to venture a little way from the motorway or if you have someone in the party likely to be nervous on the harder trails.
ROSTHWAITE TO GRASMERE – HARD 17 MILES
A tough crossing of two high, remote mountain passes, with long stretches of push’n’carry and a need for good navigation skills … and humour. You’ll also need good downhilling skills for the super techy finale down Hazel Bank.
SATTERTHWAITE SAUNTER – MEDIUM 23 MILES
This route is excellent at all times of the year. There is lots of climbing involved, but some fantastic descents too, all on good firm tracks.
SKIDDAW – MEDIUM 4.3 MILES
A pilgrimage to the summit of Northern Lakeland’s grand patriarch. Once up, you can sit and enjoy the view,then ride down at speed in the fading light of a summer evening.
SLEDDALE & SWINDALE – MEDIUM 11.3 MILES
A short but wild loop into the desolate stretch of land between Shap and the High Street fells. Expect Cairngorm-like desolation and solitude, even on a Bank Holiday weekend.
S/E LAKES WEEKEND LOOP – HARD 73 MILES
Mortals will find this challenge enough for a weekend but there will always be someone who wants to show off and do this in a day. If you are that show-off, write in to tell us your epic story.
STAKE PASS & GREENUP – HARD 18 MILES
One for push ‘n’ carry nostalgic and masochists. Ignore the modest distance – there’s plenty of brutal terrain to snag your pedals on here. One adjective you would never deploy for this route is “flowing”.
THE OTHER BORROWDALE – EASY 15.3 MILES
This Borrowdale, of course, is very different from its famous namesake, being tucked away in the shy wedge of cragless land between the A6 and M6. Ride it if you like escaping the hordes, ride it if you like that sense of exploring or ride it if you just like riding.
THIRLMERE BANKS – EASY 10.5 MILES
An undulating trundle through the forests followed by a gentle bimble round the lakeside road. The road carries very little traffic so is suitable for reasonably biddable children. If they can spell “circumnavigate” they’re probably old enough to do this ride.
TOUR DE CONISTON – HARD 23 MILES
This ride links together the magnificent Walna Scar route with the equally-impressive Parkamoor ride to make a monster. The linking route, for once, does not feel at all like a filler – the crossing of Subberthwaite Common is a real highlight.
TOUR OF SKIDDAW – HARD 19 MILES
Prior to the floods of 2015 we would have taken you along the old railway cycle route to Threlkeld. Due to the bridge being taken in the floods we’ve re-assessed things and taken a steady road and track climb on the other side of the river, dropping into Threlkeld.
ULPHA FELL – HARD 14 MILES
There are plenty of people who will tell you that the Lake District is just too full and too commercialised – an endless parade of concession stands selling achingly tasteful Peter Rabbit coasters and ‘Daffodils’ tea towels. This route enables you to explore the less frequented fells.
UPPER BORROWDALE – HARD 14=0 MILES
One of the very best short and challenging mountain bike routes in the Lake District. Definitely a classic ride any time of year
WALNA SCAR – HARD 13.5 MILES
One of the best trails in the UK, Walna Scar road – a route to live in your memory
WESTERN PASSES – HARD 20 MILES
One of the toughest rides in the Lake District, and one that you’ll need your skills and stamina for, but well worth the effort – spectacular
WINDERMERE LAKESIDE – EASY 8.3 MILES
A chance to ride with the family along the picturesque shoreline of this spectacular place, share the views and idyllic atmosphere, before simply sitting down to cake.
WITHERSLACK – EASY 7.3 MILES
An easy evening or morning spin to get the legs moving and to see the beauty of South Lakeland. Easily accesible ride from M6 and North Lancashire
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Pedalnorth Website2022-09-07 14:59:172022-09-07 15:26:07Coverdale and Wensleydale with Lake Cycling
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Pedalnorth Website2022-07-21 20:35:522022-08-31 19:40:51Paltinu Lake Ride Romania
We’ve listed a selection of the best mtb routes in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas. Many of the routes can be linked quite easily to take you further and increase the challenge. They are designed in the main as bite size chunks that will provide excellent rides for most abilities.
Our map below shows you exactly where the routes are. Simply pan in and click on a bike and a link will take you to the web page, or click the panels as you read through our great selection of rides.
BARBONDALE MTB – MEDIUM 10.5 MILES
This ride was added to our database to celebrate Natural England’s decision to extend the Yorkshire Dales National Park westward. It’s a short spin, eminently suitable for an evening ride, but could be extended further west to make a longer ride.
BISHOPDALE – MEDIUM 11.2 MILES
A ride that maximizes the extensive bridleways in the area, to bring a finish with an epic 4 mile descent on sweeping tracks.
BARDEN MOOR – MEDIUM 23 MILES
One of the moor interesting (pardon the pun) moorland areas of Yorkshire, with some great sweeping tracks
BOWDERDALE – HARD 24 MILES
A tough full mountain route on the edge of the western dales. One for the real adventure seekers
BUCKDEN TO SEMER WATER – HARD 23 MILES
Excellent climbs and great descents, twisting their way across the Dales, this ride will leave you with big grins all round.
BUTERSETT & DOD FELL – MEDIUM 12.5 MILES
This is an excellent evening ride or one for a slow afternoon. It climbs dramatically up the fellside above Wensleydale on good tracks.
CAM ROAD & HAWES – HARD 35 KM
This is an excellent evening ride or one for a slow afternoon. It climbs dramatically up the fellside above Wensleydale on good tracks.
CARPERBY EIGHT – MEDIUM 22 MILES
Your cycle climbing skills and fitness will be tested on this ride. There’s lots of climbing from the start. However, what goes up must come down means that there are some great fast descents
COVERDALE HIGH ROAD – HARD 15.4 MILES
This is a cracking mid-morning or early evening ride over some fantastic Moorland. It has some superb steep and rocky Dales descents along the way.
DALLOWGILL – HARD 25 MILES
The views are spectacular as the routes crosses moorland tracks and rises and falls with spectacular descents all day long.
DENT TO HAWES – HARD 25 MILES
An excellent loop straddling the main watershed of Northern England. The initial climb is brawny but surprisingly do-able and both big descents are to-die-for.
GREWELTHORPE LOOP – MEDIUM 9.4 MILES
This route is a superb winter night ride – so long as all the ice has cleared! The green lanes are safe and fast, and the climb up onto the moor opens up great night skies.
GRINTON MOOR – MEDIUM 12.4 MILES
This will leave you with a great big grin on your face, and remind you to come back again for more of the same. It’s only the distance that stops it being classed as a hard route.
HEALAUGH – MEDIUM 10 MILES
Setting out from Healaugh this route climbs straight away – sorry Garry. The track is however good and allows you to gain height.
HEART OF THE DALES – HARD 36.3 MILES
This is a fantastically varied ride through the heart of the Dales. It packs in five serious climbs and enough teeth-rattling descents to leave the keenest rider satisfied.
HOWGILLS – HARD 14 MILES
These hills provide an unparalleled riding experience – smooth surfaces, stunning views and a wealth of bridleways.
HUTTON ROOF – EASY 8.5 MILES
This corner of Cumbria is massively overlooked in favour of the famous haunts but proves to be pleasant, rolling limestone country.
INGLEBOROUGH ROUND – HARD 26 MILES
Although not our hardest route, it covers some rough ground and takes you into the real Dales, as you circumnavigate Ingleborough.
INGLEBOROUGH DIRECT – HARD 6 MILES
I can categorically state that the last few steppy sections to the summit are totally unrideable to mortals.
KETTLEWELL KILLER LOOP – HARD 21.2 MILES
The riding around here is extremely steep and wonderful. So pack a camera, tubes, tools, a map and off you go!
KIRKBY MALZEARD MOOR – MEDIUM 16 MILES
The mountain biking in this route is superb, tarmac lanes leading into rocky but well defined track around Kirby Malzeard Moor.
LADY ANNE & WILD BOAR – HARD 38 MILES
This is a tough but magnificent loop around the North-Western Dales involving five substantial climbs and some wild, remote trails.
LANGTHWAITE SHORT – MEDIUM 9.4 MILES
A 2 hour ride up and over Swaledale moorlands with steep ascents & descents, starting with a killer climb.
MALHAM TARN – EASY 10.4 MILES
If you’re looking for a great ride for older kids and families in the Yorkshire Dales, between 10 and 25 km, then this is the one.
MASTILES LANE – MEDIUM 14 MILES
One of the classic routes in the Dales, with an awesome descent to finish off, flying down to Wharfdale.
MORESDALE ROAD – MEDIUM 18 MILES
Taking in some of the best tracks that Swaledale has to offer, this uses well defined and accessible moorland tracks, as well as bridleways, to produce a great ride.
NIDDERDALE LOOP – HARD 21 MILES
This ride is an excellent trip out, with some hard climbs matched by superb descents. The climb to Middlesmoor will test all riders, and you may want to stop to enjoy the view at the top – it is fantastic.
NINE STANDARDS – HARD 26 MILES
The route bestrides the main watershed of northern England so there are a couple of substantial climbs, but these are partly alleviated by tarmac.
NUTWITH WOODS – EASY 9 MILES
A jaunt in the woods that will leave you thirsty for more. Try a few laps of this, or join it up with the Grewelthorpe night loop and head over the moors.
SCAR HOUSE – EASY 4.5 MILES
The track is good and reasonably level, with enough undulation for the odd freewheeling. From Pateley Bridge take the road signed Ramsgill and Lofthouse.
SETTLE LOOP – MEDIUM 18.5 MILES
Steep climbs, rocky trails, and fast descents to die for. This route forms part of a loop within the Pennine Bridleway, but is a superb outing on its own.
SETTLE TO WHARFDALE – HARD 30.6 MILES
This is a fantastic route, bringing together some superb elements: the Settle Loop; Mastiles Lane; and Old Cote Moor – a fantastic three course meal.
STUDLEY ROYAL – EASY 3.4 MILES
Here’s one for the younger members of the family; an easy ride from the Fountain’s Abbey visitor’s centre, through the deer park and back again for Brymor ice cream – the best anywhere.
SWALEDALE MIXED – EASY 10 MILES
We wanted to throw in an easy opportunity for the younger kids to ride a section of the Tour de France and also enjoy some of Swaledale’s great tracks. This way they can make a choice in terms of where they think their cycling lies.
SWALEDALE TWIST & SHOUT – HARD 15 MILES
This is a hard route from the word go. The tracks are great but tricky in places with technical twists. They will shake, rattle and roll you through Swaledale. The superb section of singletrack will make you twist and shout.
THE CAM ROAD – HARD 22 MILES
From the moment that you take to the saddle, the road climbs steeply, leading onto a further 3 1/2 mile climb along the Cam Road. Even the descent into Hawes from Cam Houses takes some technical skill and will test your fitness.
THREE DALES – HARD 24 MILES
Steep climbs on limestone meadows, rocky descents where ‘speed is your friend’ if well controlled, with the odd rolling section thrown in on the Pennine Bridleway.
VALLEY & PINSEAT – MEDIUM 23 MILES
Excellent climbs on road and trail and a great descent on the hard but loose tracks down Pinseat. Flowing tracks along the river make this a great and steady day out and a super intro to riding Swaledale.
WENSLEYDALE WANDERER – MEDIUM 15 MILES
This traverses the hills of splendid Wensleydale, peeking over into Swaledale, before an epic descent of Peatmoor Lane. This and the ‘Carpeby ‘ route would make an excellent trip north for anyone.
WHERNSIDE LOOP – HARD 28 MILES
This ride describes a loop around the Cinderella hill, taking in some beautiful Dales scenery and a good variety of under-tyre surfaces. It has climbs to test all riders, and descents to live in the memory for weeks.
WHITASIDE MOOR – HARD 17 MILES
Winding its way across Swaledale, keeping height where necessary, and losing it where it’s fun to do so. It brings in some singletrack that is sweet and secret, due to its hidden nature.
WENSLEYDALE TRAILFEST – HARD 20 MILES
A route with lots of climbing thaat rewards you with some of the best trail descents in the Yorkshire Dales, on all year round surfaces.
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Pedalnorth Website2020-07-12 20:33:402022-08-31 19:45:15Magura Town and the Mountains
Barbondale mtb
BARBONDALE
Route Information
Stats: 10.5 miles, 1,800 ft of ascent
OS Map 
Refreshments
Depending on season and time of day, there may be an ice-cream van at Devil’s Bridge but you’re not going to go hungry in 10½ miles, are you?
Character
This ride is added to celebrate Natural England’s decision to extend the Yorkshire Dales National Park westward. It’s a short spin, eminently suitable for an evening ride, but could be extended further west to make a longer ride.
Route
1. Park at Devil’s Bridge, the favoured stretching-spot for cramped motorcyclists, just outside Kirkby Lonsdale. Head east on the small lane that crosses the bridge (and must once have been the A65). At the top of a slight rise, turn left on a bridleway (marked Collier’s Lane) at the entrance to a caravan park. Follow this between the park and the golf course then, at the road, turn right on tarmac. Keep climbing, going straight over a couple of crossroads, heading towards Bullpot Farm.
2. At the farm, turn left down a well-signed bridleway. There’s been a bit of scramble bike damage so try not to add to it. There’s quite a rocky, technical descent into Barbondale – it forks near the bottom but both branches converge at the road. Turn right on the road, but only for a few metres before turning sharp left.
3. Barbondale is an idyllic picnic spot and there’ll likely be small children splashing in the beck. You can join in, as there’s a ford (there’s also a bridge for anyone keen to stay dry).
4. Follow the track down, staying on the true right of Barbon Beck. At a fork in the woods, keep left but don’t cross the stream. Too soon, the track emerges onto a swooping driveway so follow this down and to the left, near the small church.
5. Turn right at the road and then left at the Barbon Inn, following lanes back to Casterton. This allows you to return to Devil’s Bridge by the sunken bridleway you came up.
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