4.1
(7)
67
riders
18
rides
Mountain biking around West Allen offers a diverse landscape for riders. The region, part of the North Pennines, features extensive moorland, rolling hills, and common land, providing varied terrain. Trails often traverse open countryside, with some routes passing through small villages and along historic paths. The area's geology contributes to a mix of surfaces suitable for mountain biking.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4
riders
Get ready for a challenging mountain biking adventure on the Allendale Common & Whitley Chapel loop. This moderate 18.5-mile (29.8 km) route demands good fitness and advanced riding skills, with…
4.0
(2)
11
riders
46.2km
04:07
1,110m
1,110m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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7
riders
28.6km
02:09
550m
550m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.0
(1)
7
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
34.4km
03:05
780m
780m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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If you have a full hour to hike down from the 4km from the top until the gravel road and don't mind getting wet feet a muddy bike then this is 100% worth it! Otherwise, you might be better off avoiding...
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North west and South west directions are decent stony tracks, leading to roads down to the Allen valley. SouthEast gets you to the ridable bit of Long Drag and down to Riddlehamhope.
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If starting at the north east end, it doesnt look too bad at the start. However, once past that, its very hard to ride. Path is either super narrow or indistinguishable. The heather will snag pedals and gears. There's a significant hike a bike element.
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Before you reach the tarmac road you have to drag, push, pull, lift the bike through difficult, uneven surfaces along the side of the stream. There are dangerous sections within the trail adjacent to the river just before reaching this bridge area
2
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These tarmac roads are a welcome sight, they allow you to rest and split a difficult trail up. There are good views to be seen and back in inhabited areas
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It is wet here, soggy surfaces mean the bike slows down and sometimes come to a standstill. Summer weather would be easier. You are in the clouds in these elevated areas
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This section is tough to get through, the surface was very wet, traction and moving becomes difficult, you might have to push the bike up hill, it is quite steep. Weather conditions can be adverse in this location
0
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This is a difficult section to ride on. The surfaces are clearly rugged rock with quite a steep climb. You have to be careful and use your head here, step off the bike at times before hitting the ejector button. Be sensible and wise
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There are over 15 mountain bike trails available in West Allen, offering a variety of experiences. The komoot community has mapped 19 tours in total, ranging from moderate to difficult.
The mountain bike trails in West Allen primarily range from moderate to difficult. Out of 19 tours, 15 are rated moderate and 3 are difficult, with one easier option available.
While most trails are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easier mountain bike route available in West Allen. It's always recommended to check the specific route details on komoot to ensure it matches your skill level.
Experienced mountain bikers can find challenging routes in West Allen, with 3 trails rated as difficult. These routes often feature significant elevation gains and technical sections across the moorland and hills. Consider the Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Bullman Hills Climb loop from Alston for a demanding ride with over 780 meters of elevation gain.
Yes, many mountain bike routes in West Allen are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Allendale Common & Whitley Chapel loop from Allendale Town and the South Tynedale Railway – Alston Cobbles on Front Street loop from Nenthead.
The best time for mountain biking in West Allen is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and trails are drier. The region's extensive moorland can be exposed and wet during winter months, making conditions more challenging.
Mountain bike trails in West Allen offer scenic views across the extensive moorland, rolling hills, and historic landscapes of the North Pennines. You'll often encounter open countryside, small villages, and historic paths. Routes like the Moorland Crossroads Signpost – Burntridge Stone Trail loop from Allendale provide excellent vistas.
Yes, the West Allen area is home to several natural attractions. You might encounter highlights such as Ashgill Force or the River Nent Waterfall. Other natural monuments like Faw Side Cairn and Green Hill Trig Point are also in the vicinity.
Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many villages like Allendale Town and Alston, which serve as starting points for routes, offer public parking options. It's advisable to check local parking information for your chosen starting point before your ride.
Public transport options to West Allen can be limited, especially to more remote trailheads. Buses serve some of the larger villages like Allendale Town and Alston, but connections might require planning. Bringing your bike on public transport may also have restrictions, so checking with operators beforehand is recommended.
The mountain bike trails in West Allen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 7 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscape, including open moorland and rolling hills, and the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels.
Yes, villages such as Allendale Town and Alston, which are common starting points or pass-through locations for trails, offer cafes, pubs, and bistros where you can refuel. For example, the Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Saddlers Bakery & Bistro loop from Alston specifically highlights a local eatery.


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