Mountain Bike Routes
Wensleydale is a hidden gem for mountain bikers, with plenty of bridleways to take you up and down dale. From fast rocky doubletrack to steep twisting trails across moorland, all with incredible views, you're not going to get bored quickly.
Cotterdale Loop
Classic Wensleydale riding. A small amount of road work through the town of Hawes you’re soon off the beaten track and onto gravel tracks, through fields following well marked bridleways and steady climbs through forestry plantations. Then get ready for one of the longest descents in the dale, fast and flowy for the first half and getting a little rockier towards the bottom
Hawes and Hardraw Loop
This short loop is a mixture of off road tracks and quiet roads.
Only 6 miles long this is a great little loop to get a taste for the riding in Wensleydale. The route winds it way out of Hawes up through the hamlet of Gayle on quiet lanes before a short sharp climb that is rewarded with stunning views down over the town. It then descends slowly down on gravel tracks and grassy bridleways with a small road section into Hardraw. Here you'll find plenty of picnic spots as well as a small cafe and the Green Dragon pub, great for a refuel before the last road climb and descent back into Hawes.
Suitable for children confident on their bikes, who have a basic experience of off-road riding and a sense of adventure.
The route involves a short section through the town.
Castle Bolton to Askrigg
A 7 mile linear ride for adventurous kids, families, and those wanting non technical off road riding. Suitable for riders with confident bike handling skills.
Riding this both ways in a day is very achievable but would be a challenge for younger children.
We recommend starting at Castle Bolton were there is plenty of parking and toilets, as well as a small cafe.
The route winds its way out of Castle Bolton along gravel tracks offering views up and down the Wensleydale Valley. The old lead mines half way is an ideal place to explore at lunch time. There isn't a massive amount of climbing on this route but it' certainly not flat. If you drop all the way into Askrigg then there is a fair climb back out if you are riding back to Castle Bolton
There are plenty of options to cut the ride short if required.
Stags Fell
A proper Wensleydale winch and plummet. One major climb and one MAJOR descent!
Starting from Hawes you use the famous Buttertubs climb to takes you high above the dale. One last pull up the steep bridleway and you're at the top. From here you traverse across the upper slopes of Stags Fell before turning off the track onto a singletrack bridleway and begin to descent. The descent is steep in places with some fast off camber grassy turns. It eventually spits you back out onto a rocky double track for the high speed finish to one of the best descents in Wensleydale.
More routes coming soon...