The best MTB trails around Howden

There are over 45 mountain bike trails around Howden, offering a variety of routes through reservoirs, woodlands, and historical sites. These trails are generally well-suited for mountain biking, providing a balance of natural beauty and accessible paths.

Yes, Howden offers a good selection of easy mountain bike trails, with over 25 routes categorized as easy. A great option for beginners is the Calder Wood Wild Garlic Trail – Calder Wood loop from Livingston North, which is 20.6 km long and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to complete. Another easy route is the Eliburn Reservoir loop from Livingston North, covering 20.1 km in about 1 hour 11 minutes.

Many of the mountain bike trails around Howden are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular circular routes include the North Esk Reservoir loop from Livingstone, a 47.7 km moderate trail, and the Ratho Quay loop from Livingston, which is 43.9 km long and follows waterside paths.

Yes, Howden has several family-friendly mountain bike routes, particularly among its easy-rated trails. These routes often feature flatter sections and well-maintained paths, suitable for riders of varying ages and skill levels. The Eliburn Reservoir loop from Livingston North is a good choice for families, offering a relatively short and scenic ride.

The terrain around Howden features a mix of flat sections and moderate ascents. You'll encounter paths through woodlands, along reservoirs, and near historical sites. The trails are generally well-suited for mountain biking, providing a balance of natural beauty and accessible paths without any difficult sections.

While mountain biking around Howden, you can encounter several interesting landmarks and natural features. Some routes pass near historical grounds like those on the Linlithgow Palace – Philpstoun Bing loop from Livingston North. Other notable attractions in the wider area include the Cockleroy Hill Summit, sections of the Union Canal, and the Union Canal Towpath.

The mountain bike trails around Howden are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied landscapes, including reservoir loops and woodland paths, and the accessibility of routes suitable for different skill levels.

The mountain bike trails around Howden are categorized as either easy or moderate, with no routes currently classified as difficult. While some moderate trails offer longer distances and more elevation gain, such as the North Esk Reservoir loop from Livingstone, they do not feature technically challenging sections typically found in difficult-rated trails.

Mountain biking in Howden is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with changing foliage in the woodlands. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter rides are possible, though conditions may be wetter and require appropriate gear.

Many routes around Howden are designed to be accessible, and some start points are near public transport links. For example, routes like the Linlithgow Palace – Philpstoun Bing loop from Livingston North and the Calder Wood Wild Garlic Trail – Calder Wood loop from Livingston North start from Livingston North, which may offer public transport connections. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules for specific starting points.

For mountain biking in Howden, it's recommended to bring essentials such as a helmet, appropriate cycling clothing, water, snacks, a repair kit for your bike, and a first-aid kit. Given the varied terrain and potential for changing weather, waterproof layers are also advisable. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.