4.8
(43)
677
riders
12
rides
Mountain biking around Nicholforest offers exploration through a tranquil and scenic rural environment. The region is characterized by a hilly landscape and extensive woodlands, with streams like Kershope and Liddel Water flowing through the area. Its large, sparsely populated nature provides a sense of wildness, with many forest tracks and country roads suitable for cycling. This area, historically an extensive forest, features rolling hills and lush forests, providing a varied backdrop for mountain biking.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.5
(13)
244
riders
21.5km
01:59
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
14.8km
01:08
210m
210m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(8)
148
riders
24.8km
02:18
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(9)
64
riders
52.8km
04:58
940m
940m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
49
riders
10.2km
00:54
150m
150m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. 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
Very fast decent , watch for the sharp left through woodland to Newcastleton
0
0
This modest yet charming suspension bridge is part of the Lakeside Way, the walking and cycling path around Kielder Water. Suspended above the tranquil Lewis Burn, it offers beautiful views of the surrounding pine forest and the rippling water. With its simple steel construction and wooden deck, it is a prime example of functional forest infrastructure—perfectly integrated into the landscape. For cyclists and walkers, it's a lovely spot for a short break, a photo, or simply to reflect on the tranquility of the forest.
10
0
This is a lookout point, good views from a slightly elevated part of the Lakeside Way trail
0
0
Part of whithaugh park activity centre
0
0
An interesting cycle track to the England / Scotland border
1
0
There are 12 mountain bike trails around Nicholforest listed on komoot, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. These include 5 easy, 4 moderate, and 3 difficult routes.
Mountain biking around Nicholforest features a hilly landscape and extensive woodlands. You'll find quiet forest tracks and country roads, with streams like Kershope and Liddel Water adding to the scenic backdrop. The terrain provides a varied experience, from gentle forest loops to more challenging routes with significant elevation.
Yes, Nicholforest offers several easy mountain bike trails. A good option is the Switchback Section – Newcastleton Trails loop from Newcastleton, which is 10.1 miles (16.2 km) long and takes approximately 1 hour 28 minutes. This route provides a gentle introduction to the area's woodlands and rolling hills.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, consider the Newcastleton Trails – Bloody Bush Pillar loop from Newcastleton. This difficult route spans 32.8 miles (52.8 km) and typically takes around 4 hours 58 minutes to complete, featuring significant elevation gain through extensive woodlands.
The mountain bike routes in Nicholforest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the tranquil rural landscape, the sense of wildness, and the well-maintained forest tracks that allow for immersive cycling experiences.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Nicholforest are designed as loops. For example, the easy Switchback Section – Newcastleton Trails loop from Newcastleton is a circular route that allows you to explore the area without retracing your steps.
While riding, you can encounter natural features like the picturesque Kershope Burn. For historical landmarks, nearby attractions include the ancient Bewcastle Church and Cross and the Ruins of Bewcastle Castle, offering glimpses into the region's past.
Yes, Nicholforest serves as an excellent base for accessing the wider Cumbria region, which is well-regarded for its mountain biking. While Nicholforest itself offers informal riding on forest tracks, you can easily reach dedicated trail centers like Whinlatter Forest or explore popular routes within the Lake District National Park from here.
While Nicholforest offers informal riding, the Newcastleton Trails are a notable nearby highlight, providing a more structured mountain biking experience with various sections to explore. Additionally, the broader Cumbria region features premier mountain biking destinations like Whinlatter Forest.
The extensive woodlands and forest tracks of Nicholforest are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, as is typical for Cumbria.
Nicholforest is known for its tranquil and sparsely populated nature, offering a sense of wildness and solitude. This suggests that the mountain bike trails are generally less crowded than more established and popular trail centers, providing a peaceful riding experience.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.