Leeds is a mountain biking paradise, featuring a range of trails from the family-friendly Yeadon Tarn to the technical challenges of Stainburn Forest. Cyclists of all skill levels can explore scenic routes like the 27-mile Wetherby Red Kite Route and the breathtaking views of Otley Chevin, making every ride an adventure in this vibrant city.
What are the best mountain bike trails in Leeds?
Leeds offers a diverse range of mountain bike trails suitable for all skill levels, including:
- Leeds Urban Bike Park – family-friendly to expert trails.
- Wetherby Red Kite Route – scenic 27-mile trail.
- Yeadon Tarn – beginner-friendly BMX and mountain bike track.
- Stainburn Forest – technical trails for experienced riders.
- Harewood Estate – scenic trails with historical sights.
- Meanwood Valley Trail – a natural route with varying difficulty.
- Esholt Woods – adrenaline-pumping trails maintained by volunteers.
- Temple Newsam Trails – fast downhill track perfect for groups.
- Ilkley Moor – family-friendly and challenging red route rides.
- Otley Chevin – trails offering breathtaking views and varied terrain.
Nestled in the verdant countryside and bustling urban landscapes, Leeds presents a picturesque playground for mountain bike enthusiasts. From the thrilling descents of dense woodland to the serene paths that meander through historic estates, the city is a testament to biking diversity. Whether you are a seasoned rider or someone who’s just getting acquainted with the thrill of two wheels, Leeds offers a collection of trails that cater to every level of expertise.
Leeds Urban Bike Park
Beginning our journey at the Leeds Urban Bike Park, we find a testament to the city’s commitment to cycling. The park offers an array of trails, including the family-friendly green trail and the more demanding red trail, featuring challenging climbs, descents, and technical rock jumps. Expert riders can tackle black trail sections, designed for high-quality off-road mountain bikes. Post-adventure, the on-site cafe provides the perfect spot for rest and refreshments. Located in Middleton, the park’s difficulty ranges from easy to difficult, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all riders. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Wetherby Red Kite Route
Wetherby and its environs offer a delightful escape on the Red Kite Route, a 27-mile trail that connects the town with Harrogate and Leeds. The trail includes the simpler Starling Route, the more challenging Owl Route, and the main Red Kite Route, which can be tackled as a whole or in segments. As riders navigate through scenic woods and pass inviting pubs, the trail maintains a moderate difficulty level, making it suitable for families and intermediate cyclists. The adventure begins in Wetherby, where signposts guide the way. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Yeadon Tarn
For those new to the sport or accompanying younger riders, Yeadon Tarn offers a beginner-friendly BMX track that doubles as a gentle mountain biking trail. More experienced cyclists can enjoy the challenge of tarmac berms and numerous jumps. Regardless of the type of bike—mountain, BMX, or hybrid—Yeadon Tarn provides an enjoyable day out for all. Situated in Yeadon, the trail is marked as easy, inviting riders of all ages and skill levels. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Stainburn Forest
For the mountain biking connoisseur, Stainburn Forest near Otley is renowned for its technical trails. These hand-built paths, like the Warren Boulder Trail, offer extreme challenges with steep climbs, drops, and jumps. The Descent Line provides a slightly less demanding, yet still challenging, alternative. It’s advised to walk the routes before riding to get a feel for the terrain. Amidst the beauty of Stainburn Forest’s flora and fauna, riders can enjoy a diverse and exhilarating biking experience. The trails range in difficulty from easy to severe, making it a destination for serious riders. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Harewood Estate
Riders seeking a blend of scenic views and varied trail lengths will find the Harewood Estate to be an ideal destination. Payment is required for entry, but the investment yields access to trails that meander through stunning landscapes and sights like deer and historical filming locations. The western trail of the estate offers particularly friendly terrain with clear paths and manageable inclines, making it suitable for both easy and moderate riding. The estate’s location in Eccup and Harewood only enhances the appeal of this biking haven. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Meanwood Valley Trail
The Meanwood Valley Trail provides a bucolic respite despite its proximity to the city. Starting at Woodhouse Moor, the trail takes cyclists past historic mills and through Meanwood Park. The route increases in difficulty with climbs, rocks, and complex terrain, offering a more engaging experience for experienced riders. The natural beauty of the trail is such that it feels more like a remote Yorkshire wilderness than a route within Leeds. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Esholt Woods
Esholt Woods is a diverse and challenging biking destination, featuring rugged terrain, smooth tracks, and an enchanting landscape. Volunteer-maintained trails, steep descents, and rock rolls offer an adrenaline-pumping experience as riders navigate through the serene environment. The woods provide a mix of easy to difficult trails, suitable for a range of cyclists and starting points in Yeadon or Calverley. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Temple Newsam Trails
In collaboration with Leeds City Council, the Temple Newsam Trails have become a staple in the local mountain biking scene. The fast downhill track features hard-packed soil, berms, tabletops, and tight turns requiring skillful handling. Despite being one of the shortest MTB trails in Leeds, it’s ideal for repeated runs and friendly competition, making it a great spot for group outings. Located at Temple Newsam, the trails offer easy to moderate difficulty levels. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Ilkley Moor
Ilkley MTB has worked diligently to promote cycling on Ilkley Moor, resulting in a mix of family-friendly and challenging red route rides. Routes like the Silver Well Access Road cater to casual riders, while trails like ‘The Gully’ offer steep descents for more daring cyclists. Weather conditions can impact trail difficulty, especially during rain, so riders should prepare accordingly. The scenic Ilkley Moor location only adds to the appeal. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Otley Chevin
The bridleways of Otley Chevin are a highlight for mountain bikers in Leeds. Starting on tarmac, the trail soon leads into the wilderness, offering fast descents and a winding path through the forest. The landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking views of Otley and the Wharfe Valley. With sections such as an old Roman road, the Chevin boulders, and secluded paths, the terrain varies from easy to severe, ensuring a memorable ride. Find it on Google Maps. Check out the routes.
Leeds’ commitment to mountain biking is evident through these trails, each with its own allure. From the technical challenges of Stainburn Forest to the family-friendly atmosphere of Yeadon Tarn, there is a route to satisfy every cyclist’s craving for adventure. These destinations not only offer a chance to engage with the sport but also to appreciate the remarkable landscapes Leeds has to offer. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, the allure of these trails calls for exploration, promising both exhilaration and tranquility on two wheels.
- Leeds is home to a diverse range of mountain bike trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly paths to technical challenges.
- The Wetherby Red Kite Route is a scenic 27-mile trail connecting Wetherby with Harrogate and Leeds, offering both simple and challenging segments.
- Yeadon Tarn features a beginner-friendly BMX track and gentle mountain biking trail, making it ideal for new cyclists and families.
- Stainburn Forest is renowned for its technical trails, providing extreme challenges for experienced riders amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
- The Otley Chevin offers breathtaking views and a mix of easy to severe terrain, making it a popular choice for mountain bikers looking for adventure.