4.6
(162)
1,222
riders
144
rides
Mountain biking around Cowling, West Yorkshire, features a landscape characterized by rolling hills and rugged terrain, offering diverse experiences for riders. The area includes technical and downhill sections, particularly around Cowling Pinnacle, alongside more accessible paths. Routes often traverse open moorland and follow historic waterways like the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, providing varied riding surfaces and scenic backdrops. This region is part of the broader Yorkshire landscape, known for its extensive network of trails and natural features.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
(3)
15
riders
26.1km
02:16
510m
510m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.3
(4)
26
riders
31.9km
02:22
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Sign up for free
5.0
(4)
14
riders
26.9km
01:54
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
6
riders
21.4km
01:33
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
34.9km
02:20
470m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Fascinating geological feature a path cuts NW to SE so they can be visited directly
0
0
Five Rise Locks what an amazing structure this is. Bingley Five Rise Locks are one of the most awesome features on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. They are the steepest staircase locks, on the longest canal in the country. Probably why it's one of our Seven wonders of the waterways. Actually, Bingley boasts two sets of locks – the larger lock flight features the five locks and stunning views of the Aire Valley. At the top of the flight there is a cafe and a private mooring site for boats. A little further down the towpath are the three locks. Together they form a very popular spot to ride your bike, take a walk or dangle a rod. Our second puncture of the day. However we know we are nearly home
0
0
Holy Trinity Church is in High Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, England. Medieval in origin, the church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building
0
0
Prices look decent with a nice choice of everything. This has ha large extension recently and looks very smart
0
0
There are over 150 mountain bike trails around Cowling, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.6 stars.
Mountain biking around Cowling features a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, open moorland, and canal-side paths. You'll find options for both challenging technical rides, particularly around Cowling Pinnacle, and more leisurely routes along historic waterways like the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
Yes, Cowling offers a good selection of easier trails. Out of the 150 routes, 44 are classified as easy, providing accessible options for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride.
Many of the mountain bike trails around Cowling are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop from Cononley is a moderate 19.8-mile circular path that follows the historic canal.
The Cowling area is rich with scenic viewpoints and historical landmarks. You can encounter sites like Wainman's Pinnacle and Lund's Tower on Earl's Crag, which offer panoramic views. Other notable spots include Weets Hill Summit & Trig Point and Pinhaw Beacon.
While the immediate guide data doesn't highlight specific waterfalls directly on mountain bike routes, the region is near attractions like the Brontë Waterfall. You can also find routes that pass by reservoirs, such as the Lower Coldwell Reservoir – Trawden Forest loop from Laneshaw Bridge, offering picturesque waterside views.
The best time for mountain biking in Cowling generally depends on weather conditions. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can bring more challenging conditions due to rain or snow, especially on higher moorland sections.
Yes, Cowling offers challenging routes for experienced riders. The area around Cowling Pinnacle is known for its technical and downhill sections. For a longer, moderate challenge, consider the Large outdoor area – Gravel Path to the Moor loop from Cononley, which covers nearly 35 km with significant elevation gain.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 150 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from open moorland to canal-side paths, and the scenic backdrops of the Yorkshire landscape.
Absolutely. Many routes in Cowling traverse open moorland, providing expansive views and a sense of wilderness. The Doubler Stones – Bridleway Across Ilkley Moor loop from Cononley is a prime example, leading you directly through this characteristic landscape.
Yes, some routes in the area connect with or are part of the Great North Trail. An example is the Great North Trail: Wycoller and Kelbrook Loop, which offers varied terrain through the local countryside.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.