Discover the UK's best Mountain Biking destinations
From rugged mountain ranges to serene hillsides, the UK offers an incredible array of trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking thrilling descents, technical challenges, or simply a peaceful ride surrounded by dramatic scenery, there’s a route here for you. This guide spotlights five standout mountain biking destinations across the UK, each with its own character and must-ride route.
Lake District
The Lake District is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and pristine lakes, making it one of the UK's most popular outdoor destinations. Its extensive network of trails ensures mountain bikers of all skill levels will find a challenge tailored to their ability. Spanning from Kendal to Cleator Moor in the north-west and Keswick to Winster in the Lyth Valley, there are plenty of routes to choose from within our guidebook.
Difficulty:
Difficulty ratings range from blue (medium), red (hard) and black (very hard). Novice MTBers with reasonable handling skills should be able to complete blue routes.
Highlights:
- Circumnavigation of Lake Windermere
- Spectacular views of the famous lakes, Coniston Water and more.
- Tour of Loughrigg Fell by bike.
For an adventure-packed visit, consider tackling the Garburn Pass, which combines steep climbs with rewarding views of the lakes below.
Mountain Biking in the Lake District
£14.95
A guidebook for 24 original and exciting graded mountain biking routes in the Lake District, offering some of the best MTB riding in the UK. Includes circular routes suitable for all abilities, from Kendal to Cleator Moor in the north-west and Keswick to Winster in the Lyth Valley, including a circumnavigation of Windermere.
More informationYorkshire Dales
With sprawling moorlands, ancient limestone cliffs, and historic villages, the Yorkshire Dales exude quintessential English charm. The varied terrain makes it an ideal destination for mountain bikers of all levels. Routes can be found in all of the major dales: Wensleydale, Swaledale, Ribblesdale, Dentdale and Wensleydale.
Difficulty:
Varying difficulties and lengths of route are featured in the guidebook, ranging from blue (medium) to red (hard) and black (very hard).
Highlights:
- Tours of two of the three Yorkshire peaks: Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent
- Routes surrounding Kirkby Lonsdale, Settle, and Kirkby Stephen
- Take on the challenge of the Dales Leg-Breaker and the Howgills Classic.
For a slightly easier option, visit the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct from the saddle.
Mountain Biking in the Yorkshire Dales
£14.95
A guidebook to 30 short, medium, long and full-day MTB routes across the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The circular rides visit all the major dales, including a tour of the Howgills, and include loops around two of the Three Peaks, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. Choose a route by grade, percentage off-road, length or time at a glance.
More informationSouthern and Central Scotland
Southern and Central Scotland combine diverse trail offerings with rolling hills, deep forests, and revitalising countryside air. For mountain biking, this area strikes a balance between rugged cross-country routes and easy access from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Visit the 7stanes trail centres in Dumfries and Galloway and explore parks including the Pentland Hills.
Difficulty:
Difficulty gradings from blue (moderate) to red (hard) and black (very hard) with distances between 17 and 66km. Lack of waymarkers makes navigation difficult.
Highlights:
- Glentrool and the Galloway Forest Park
- Tackle the Campsie Fells and the Earl's Seat
- A circular route exploring Glasgow's waterways
For less experienced riders, simpler trails can be found in areas like Mugdock Country Park.
Mountain Biking in Southern and Central Scotland
£15.95
This guidebook describes 21 mountain biking routes in central and southern Scotland, including the 7stanes in Dumfries and Galloway, and cross-country routes in the Campsie Fells, Pentland Hills and Lammermuirs, the Galloway Forest, Tweed Valley, Cheviots and Lowther Hills. The routes range from 17 to 66km, graded from moderate to very hard.
More informationWest and North West Scotland
Further north in Scotland, you'll arguably find some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. If solitude and raw natural beauty appeal, then this is the destination for you. Covering areas such as the Isle of Skye, Fort William and Torridon, these remote areas feature both towering mountains and vast lochs.
Difficulty:
Difficulty gradings from blue (moderate) to red (hard) and black (very hard) with distances between 19.5 and 74km. In some cases, a willingness to hike and bike may be required.
Highlights:
- Cycle through the Cuillin
- Reach the heights of the Harris Hills
- Have a gentler cycle around Loch Lundie
For an additional challenge, tackle the Tour of Ben Nevis for a difficult circular mountain route around the highest peak in the UK.
Mountain Biking in West and North West Scotland
£17.95
This guidebook describes 25 mountain biking routes in West and North West Scotland, an area including Fort William, Rannoch Moor, Glen Spean, Invergarry, Loch Sunart, Strathfarrar, Kinlochewe, Sutherland, the Outer Hebrides and the mountains of Torridon and Skye. The routes range from 20 to 73km, graded blue, red or black for difficulty.
More informationNorth Downs
The North Downs bring together a landscape of chalky hills, thick woodlands, and charming villages—a haven for bikers in southeast England. The routes' proximity to urban areas means easy access from Canterbury, Maidstone, Guildford and more.
Difficulty:
Difficulty gradings range from blue (moderate) to red (hard) and black (very hard). Difficult and technical sections are indicated.
Highlights:
- Single track trails through the Surrey hills.
- Explore the rolling, wooded downland of Kent and Surrey.
- Picturesque villages provide the perfect opportunity for a pub stop.
Why not try the Downs Link, which joins the North Downs to the South Downs at Shoreham-by-Sea for a 59km red (hard) route?
Mountain Biking on the North Downs
£14.95
This guidebook covers 21 routes across the North Downs, an area boasting some of south east England's finest trails. Included is a 59km MTB route on the Downs Link which joins the North Downs to the South Downs at Shoreham-by-Sea. Rides are graded by difficulty, and illustrated with OS map extracts and height profiles.
More informationChoose a route by grade, percentage off-road, length or time at a glance in our Mountain Biking guidebook range.
