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 - 7 Miles/600ft Ascent
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.
Askrigg, Addlebrough Loop - 9.5 Miles/1100ft Ascent
Starting from the pretty village of Askrigg with its three pubs and village store/cafe, you go on road across the dale and over the River Ure to Worton. Here you cross the main road so please be careful! A short road climb soon turns into a gravel climb as you go through a farm yard going the bridleway. A steady, but technical in places climb soon brings you to the flat where you have plenty of time to catch a breath. Stunning views up Wensleydale as far as the eye can see, you pass through a gate and join a quiet road where you get further views of Raydale and Semer Water. Just before you reach the farm yard, take the signposted bridleway into the fields to the left. Follow up the hill and through the gates just to the right. A slippy little climb when wet, but achievable by most riders, follow until you come to the next gate. Now the fun begins! Watch out for the bog crossings! Several tricky little streams and bogs lead all the way around the back of Addlebrough, some bigger than others.
Hawes, Ten End - 10.5 Miles/1400ft Ascent
A killer climb rewarded with some pretty awesome views and memorable riding over moorland, which is technical in places. A real mix of tarmac, gravel, grass and loads of fun on the moorland section. The first climb really is a lung buster, but don't be put off. Sit in a comfortable gear and crack on at your own pace. Even if you walk the steepest section you'll be in good company, not many riders will conquer the whole climb without a push or two. If you're doing this ride in the wet you'll be in for a bit of slop too. Great fun! On the second section please take care on the stream crossing. The water can be powerful and slippy on the rocks at the bottom. Flowy manicured trail fans beware!
Wether Fell, Hawes End - 13 Miles/2200ft Ascent
A mighty climb (which can be avoided with a quick detour) takes you to the very top of Wensleydale with stunning views of the Upper Dale and over to Semer Water. Leaving from Hawes and through the small village of Burtersett, reaching the top without a push is quite a challenge. If you fancy an easier, but longer climb, then you can take the Roman Road, which is much easier-going. On top you'll find a mix of single track and moorland riding and a nice downhill to Countersett where you need to really keep a check on your speed. A second climb, this time officially on the Roman Road, leads you to another helping of high level single track around the front of Wether Fell with great trails and those awesome views. Downhill back to Burtersett and a well-earned coffee back in Hawes.
Castle Bolton Loop - 8.5 Miles/1100ft Ascent
Clockwise or anti-clockwise, this is good for adventurous kids. Steady climbs in places, but pushing is most definitely allowed if you need to. Starting from the Castle where there is ample parking for a small charge and supports the Castle and the Estate. Gravel tracks and grassy sections lead to wide open moorland. Plenty of wildlife up here and panoramic views. Keep an eye out for the shooting lodges along the way, these are left open for shelter should you need them. A couple of smaller climbs are thrown in for good measure, but nothing more than a five minute walk if they're not to your liking. Finish off with refreshments and a trot around the Castle. Please note that some of this route is a permissive right of way through Bolton Estate. We ask that you take extra care here and adhere to any closures or diversions should they arise on any rare occasion.
Hawes, Newby Head, Ten End - 21 Miles/2400ft Ascent
Starting from Hawes, you've got a 3 1/2 mile, 1000ft climb from the off. Tempting right? Right! High level and technical in places, slap bang in the middle of God's own Country. Steady peddling on some nice flowy sections leads you to a very short tarmac section where you join the moorland. This soon leads you into a superb track more akin with a trail centre than the Yorkshire Dales. Across the road at Newby Head leads to a great section of tech single track. Another 900ft of climbing is made better with a quick glance around, where you are treat to views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Ribblehead Viaduct. This journey back to Hawes is along the same Bridleway as you climbed on but keep a sharp eye out for the finger post at the rocky section pointing to the right. Follow this post for Ten End downhill and its tech grassland. A classic Dales ride.
West Burton Carlton Moor Loop - 10.5 Miles/1750ft Ascent
Circular from West Burton tackling gravel, grass, rocks and hike-a-bike. One of our favourite rides, this really has a bit of everything. Gravel on the first section of the ride has a climb of around 450ft but soon mellows out of a steady pedal along some very pretty countryside. Ahead is another 850ft climb including 5-10 minute section of hike-a-bike up the east side of Penn Hill. At the top you're in for some awesome single track with an awesome view. Keep safe though as you'll be right on the edge of the hill top! Long and flowy down hill on the shooting track leads to a gravel trail and then a grassy, stoney climb, sometimes technical in places. A flowy down leads to some rutted grassy/stoney steps which can be slippy in the wet. Further down you will meet a more loose and rocky track. A brilliant ride, though short, is more suited to a seasoned rider. A definite ride for a summers evening to catch a glorious sunset!
More routes coming soon...