The best MTB trails in Forest Of Bowland Aonb

The Forest of Bowland AONB offers a wide selection of mountain biking opportunities, with over 50 routes available on komoot. These trails cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging adventures.

You'll encounter diverse terrain, including expansive heather moorlands, dramatic gritstone fells, and deep river valleys. The area features a mix of natural surfaces, semi-natural woodlands, and some routes incorporate sections of old Roman roads, requiring a mountain bike for the uneven off-road sections.

Yes, there are 15 easy mountain bike trails in the region. A good option for beginners is The 8 – Swoopy Section – Hope Line Trailhead loop from Easington, which covers 10.8 km with a moderate elevation gain, offering a gentle introduction to the area's trails.

For those seeking a greater challenge, there are 6 difficult mountain bike routes in the Forest of Bowland AONB. While not classified as 'difficult' on komoot, the Salter Fell, The Cross O'Greets loop is a moderate 49.6 km route with significant elevation gain (890 m), offering stunning moorland views and requiring good fitness.

Yes, Gisburn Forest is particularly well-suited for families, offering purpose-built facilities like pump tracks and skills areas. Many of the easy-graded trails, such as Gisburn Forest: The 8, are popular choices for family outings.

The AONB is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter extensive heather moorlands, blanket bogs, and gritstone fells. Notable viewpoints include Pendle Hill summit trig point and Clougha Pike, offering panoramic views. The Trough of Bowland also provides scenic vistas through its winding roads.

Gisburn Forest is a popular hub for mountain biking, featuring an extensive network of maintained trails, including blue-graded routes like "The 8" and more challenging sections like "Hully Gully" and "Bigfoot slab." It also provides purpose-built facilities such as pump tracks and skills areas, making it a comprehensive destination for riders.

Many routes in the Forest of Bowland AONB are designed as loops. For example, the Caton Moor loop - Forest Of Bowland is a 15.7 km circular trail through open moorland, offering a great way to experience the landscape without retracing your steps.

The Forest of Bowland AONB is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 190 reviews. Over 3200 mountain bikers have explored the varied terrain, often praising the stunning moorland views, diverse trail difficulties, and the well-maintained routes, especially within Gisburn Forest.

Yes, parking is generally available at popular trailheads, particularly in key areas like Gisburn Forest, which has dedicated facilities. For other routes, parking might be found in nearby villages or designated lay-bys, though it's always advisable to check specific route details beforehand.

The Forest of Bowland AONB can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially on moorland trails.

Many trails in the Forest of Bowland AONB are dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially on moorland areas where ground-nesting birds (like the Hen Harrier) and livestock are present. Always follow the Countryside Code and check specific trail guidelines for any restrictions.