4.1
(40)
785
riders
3
rides
Mountain biking around Holwick offers diverse terrain within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The landscape is shaped by the Whin Sill, featuring geological formations like Holwick Scar. Riders can explore picturesque riverside paths along the River Tees, expansive open moorland, and rolling hills. This varied topography provides a range of environments for mountain biking.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
15
riders
57.2km
04:42
1,160m
1,160m
Tackle the High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell Loop, a difficult mountain biking route that spans 35.5 miles (57.2 km) through the dramatic North Pennines. You will climb 3790…
4.8
(35)
574
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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4.5
(4)
188
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
43
riders
17.0km
01:34
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
6
riders
33.5km
02:23
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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nice spot to refuel before shredding Transmision
0
0
Very good trail with some good jumps but rocky
0
0
Komoot features over 5 mountain bike trails around Holwick. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from moderate loops around reservoirs to challenging climbs across fells.
Yes, Holwick offers options suitable for beginners. For an easier ride, consider the Brain Freeze Trail – Cragg Wood Singletrack loop from Blackling Hole waterfall. This 14.7 km route is rated as easy and takes about 1 hour 12 minutes to complete, leading through Cragg Wood.
Holwick's mountain bike trails often pass by stunning natural features. You can encounter impressive waterfalls like High Force Waterfall and Cauldron Snout Waterfall. Many routes also explore the scenic Lunedale Valley and pass by reservoirs such as Grassholme Reservoir and Blackton Reservoir.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Holwick are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the moderate Blackton Reservoir – Grassholme Reservoir loop from Middleton Quarry SSSI and the challenging High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell Loop.
The best time for mountain biking in Holwick is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is milder and trails are drier. While winter riding is possible, conditions can be challenging with snow, ice, and shorter daylight hours, especially on exposed moorland sections.
Trail durations vary significantly based on difficulty and length. You can find shorter rides, like the easy Brain Freeze Trail – Cragg Wood Singletrack loop which takes about 1 hour 12 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell Loop, can take around 4 hours 42 minutes to complete.
Yes, Holwick offers challenging routes for experienced mountain bikers. The High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell Loop is a difficult 57.2 km trail with significant elevation gain across fells, providing a demanding ride for those seeking a challenge.
The mountain bike trails in Holwick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from riverside paths along the River Tees to expansive open moorland and rolling hills, as well as the stunning geological formations like Holwick Scar.
While specific pub stops are not detailed for every route, the Holwick area, being part of the North Pennines, has several villages and hamlets with traditional pubs. Routes like the Blackton Reservoir – Barn Honesty Snack Stop loop from Romaldkirk start or pass near settlements where you might find refreshment options.
Many trails in the Holwick area are suitable for dogs, especially those on public bridleways or open access land. However, always keep dogs under close control, particularly near livestock or in ground-nesting bird areas. It's advisable to check specific trail regulations and local signage, and be prepared to clean up after your pet.
While Holwick's trails are generally not as heavily trafficked as some more popular mountain biking destinations, for a potentially quieter experience, consider exploring routes that venture further into the expansive moorland or those that are slightly longer, as these tend to attract fewer riders. The Dig In Bench Viewpoint – Brain Freeze Trail loop from Blackling Hole waterfall offers a moderate ride with scenic views, which might be less crowded than the most popular routes.


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