The best MTB trails around Bowes

There are 17 mountain bike trails around Bowes listed on komoot, offering a variety of routes through moorland and historic landscapes.

Yes, there is one easy mountain bike trail available. A good option for beginners is the Bowes Castle Ruins – Bowes Castle Ruins loop from Barnard Castle, which is 19.6 km long and features a manageable elevation gain of 261 meters.

For advanced mountain bikers, there are 4 difficult trails. The Tan Hill and Rogan's Seat loop — Yorkshire Dales is a challenging 39.3 km route with significant climbs totaling 971 meters, offering expansive moorland views.

Many of the mountain bike routes around Bowes are circular. For example, the Bowes Castle Ruins – Tan Hill Inn loop from Barnard Castle is a 47.9 km moderate circular route that combines historic sites with open country riding.

Mountain biking around Bowes offers diverse scenery, including open moorland, rolling hills, and river valleys. You'll encounter historic ruins, such as Bowes Castle Ruins, and water features like Wain Wath Force and East Gill Force, which are part of the landscape on routes like the Wain Wath Force – East Gill Force loop from Harker's House Meadows.

Yes, several routes pass by significant landmarks. You can explore Bowes Castle Ruins, or ride past reservoirs like Grassholme Reservoir and Blackton Reservoir. The area also features the Lunedale Valley and the Hury Reservoir Dam.

The mountain bike trails in Bowes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from challenging climbs to scenic paths, and the opportunity to explore historic sites.

Yes, the famous Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub, is a feature on several routes. The Tan Hill Inn – Tan Hill Road Climb loop from Keld is a moderate 38.8 km route that includes this iconic landmark.

Trail durations vary depending on difficulty and length. An easy route like the Bowes Castle Ruins – Bowes Castle Ruins loop from Barnard Castle typically takes about 1 hour 14 minutes, while more difficult routes such as the Tan Hill and Rogan's Seat loop — Yorkshire Dales can take around 3 hours 48 minutes.

The Bowes area features significant elevation changes, particularly around prominent points like Tan Hill and Rogan's Seat. Difficult routes can involve nearly 1000 meters of ascent, while easier trails have more modest climbs, such as 261 meters.

While many routes involve significant climbs and moorland terrain, there is one easy trail that could be suitable for families with some mountain biking experience. The Bowes Castle Ruins – Bowes Castle Ruins loop from Barnard Castle is a shorter, less demanding option.