The best MTB trails around Harewood

There are over 125 mountain bike trails around Harewood, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels. This includes 59 easy routes, 65 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route for experienced riders.

Yes, Harewood offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Eccup Reservoir Dam Wall – Woodland Singletrack Trail loop from Roundhay is an easy 15.5-mile (25.0 km) path that includes woodland singletrack and views of Eccup Reservoir, suitable for all fitness and skill levels.

The terrain around Harewood is diverse, featuring extensive woodlands with towering oaks and other ancient trees, open estate views, and sections around the 32-acre Harewood Lake. You'll encounter a mix of natural features, including woodland singletrack, gravel roads, and varied elevation changes, from gentle gradients to more challenging climbs.

Many trails offer scenic views and pass by notable natural features. You can explore the historic Harewood Estate, ride alongside the 32-acre lake, and enjoy the extensive woodlands. Specific highlights include Eccup Reservoir, and the iconic Nellie's Tree. In spring, the woodlands are vibrant with daffodils and bluebells, and you might spot wildlife like kingfishers and otters near the lake.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Harewood are designed as loops. For instance, the Descent to the River – Woodhall Bridge loop from Cote Hill is a moderate 13.1-mile (21.1 km) circular trail that takes you through varied landscapes with descents.

Harewood offers enjoyable mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers like daffodils and bluebells to the woodlands, while autumn showcases beautiful foliage. Summer provides generally dry conditions. However, trail conditions can vary, especially after heavy rain, so it's always a good idea to check local conditions before heading out.

While many outdoor areas in Harewood are dog-friendly, specific rules may apply to mountain bike trails, especially within the Harewood Estate or nature reserves to protect wildlife. It's advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly around livestock or sensitive habitats, and to check for any specific signage on individual trails regarding dog access.

Parking options are available at various access points around the Harewood area. Specific parking locations will depend on the starting point of your chosen trail. Many routes begin near villages or public access points where parking facilities, sometimes paid, can be found. Always check local signage for parking regulations.

Public transport options to the Harewood area are available, primarily via bus services from nearby towns like Leeds. However, direct access to specific trailheads might require a short ride or walk from bus stops. Planning your route in advance and checking bus schedules is recommended to ensure convenient access to your desired starting point.

The mountain biking experience in Harewood is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 350 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of challenging and easy routes, and the scenic beauty of the woodlands and reservoir views. The variety of trails ensures there's something for every skill level.

Yes, there are cafes and pubs located in and around the villages surrounding the Harewood Estate, offering refreshments and meals after your ride. These establishments are typically found in Harewood village itself or in nearby communities like Alwoodley and Roundhay, which serve as common starting points for many trails.

While Harewood primarily features easy to moderate trails, there is at least one route classified as difficult, offering a more challenging experience for advanced riders. These routes typically involve significant elevation gains and more technical sections, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills.

The mountain bike trails in Harewood vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes, such as the Eccup Reservoir Dam Wall – View Across Eccup Reservoir loop from Roundhay, which is 14.8 miles (23.8 km), or longer, more challenging rides like the Gill Beck Crossing – Nellie's Tree loop from Alwoodley, which spans 28.7 miles (46.2 km).