Tour of Nidderdale MTB Route

The Tour of Nidderdale MTB Route is a popular local classic, recently featured in Singletrack Magazine and combines two of the best and longest off mountain bike descents Nidderdale has to offer. They can be munched up by 6 inch trail bikes or delicately picked through by short travel cross country riders who will regain their time on the many gruelling climbs You have to go up to come down, after all!

The Tour of Nidderdale MTB Route starts at the Yorkshire Water car park at Scar House Reservoir, crossing the dam and then making its way round the far side of the valley, gaining height and taking in some breath-taking views back over Scar House to the dominating peak of Great Whernside, the large hill which separates Nidderdale from Wharfedale.

This leads over the back road to Masham before beginning a 2 mile descent to Bouthwaite and Ramsgill, then a soft farmland return to Lofthouse before the infamous Middlesmoor road climb and the long and challenging track climb that follows it.

The Tour of Nidderdale MTB Route finishes with the famed Scar House Descent, the most technical bit of mountain biking in Nidderdale. Not to be hit recklessly on first riding, this track gets very loose and rocky very quickly - careful line choice, good bike skills and a bit of luck are needed to clean this tricky beast before returning you to the side of Scar House Reservoir.

View Route Map & Description