3.0
(1)
17
riders
11
rides
Mountain biking around Hirst Courtney offers access to routes through tranquil rural countryside and along the River Aire. The area is characterized by flat terrain, with gentle elevations, making it suitable for various skill levels. While Hirst Courtney itself is a small village, its location in North Yorkshire provides proximity to diverse landscapes, including woodlands and scenic waterways.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
3
riders
32.3km
01:45
40m
40m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
26.6km
01:20
60m
60m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
57.0km
02:56
110m
110m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
27.7km
01:27
40m
40m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
1
riders
51.6km
02:40
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Spectacular abbey for such a small town. Interesting info board describing the 19th Century cholera epidemic and associated graveyard, much like the one just outside the walls opposite York Station.
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Grade I listed building. The surviving fifteenth-century structures formed part of a fortified medieval palace belonging to the Archbishops of York, which was dismantled in the aftermath of the English Civil War. The only remaining parts of the castle are the gatehouse and the banqueting hall. Stones from the destroyed castle were used in the construction of surrounding houses. The foundations of some other structures do remain as well as the castle's cellar, which was excavated in the 19th century. The gatehouse served as a courthouse until the 1930s, before being used as an officers' mess and a building for the Home Guard during World War II. The first fortifications on this site are believed to be those built by King Athelstan in the 10th Century.
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Grade II listed swing bridge opened in 1872. The deck was submerged when the River Ouse flooded in 2015.
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The River Ouse swing bridge is a road bridge over the River Ouse in North Yorkshire, England. It was opened in 2004 when the A63 road bypassed the town of Selby, which traffic previously had to go through to cross the river. It is one of several bridges over the River Ouse between York and the mouth of the Ouse, where it joins the River Trent. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Ouse_swing_bridge
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Selby swing bridge (1891), a hogback railway swing bridge built for the NER as a replacement for the 1840 bridge
2
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Open for all visitors (including sightseeing) from 10.00am to 4.00pm daily and the Gift and Coffee Shop is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm (1.30 to 3.00pm on Sundays). Visiting may be restricted during service times. https://www.selbyabbey.org.uk/
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There are 11 mountain bike trails documented on komoot around Hirst Courtney. These routes offer a range of experiences, from easy, flat paths to moderate routes with slightly more distance.
The mountain bike trails around Hirst Courtney are generally considered easy to moderate. Out of the 11 routes, 7 are rated as easy and 4 as moderate. The terrain is characterized by tranquil rural countryside and gentle elevations, making it suitable for various skill levels.
Yes, many of the trails around Hirst Courtney are suitable for families, particularly the easy-rated routes. The area's flat terrain and scenic rural paths make for enjoyable rides. An example of an easy route is the Cross Keys Pub – Birkin Tea Room loop from Hambleton, which is 16.5 miles long and winds through open countryside.
You can expect serene rural countryside, riverbanks, and open fields. The trails often pass through picturesque landscapes, including views of the River Aire and River Ouse, agricultural land, and historic estates. For example, the Cawood Bridge – Cawood Castle Gatehouse loop from Selby offers views of the River Ouse and historical landmarks.
Yes, all the mountain bike routes listed for Hirst Courtney are circular loops, designed to bring you back to your starting point. This includes routes like the Carlton Towers – St Laurence Church, Snaith loop from Whitley Bridge, which is a longer, moderate option.
Several routes pass by interesting landmarks. For instance, the Carlton Towers – St Laurence Church, Snaith loop from Whitley Bridge takes you past the historic Carlton Towers. You might also encounter the Selby Canal on routes like the Cawood Bridge – Selby Canal loop from Selby, or enjoy views of the River Ouse.
Yes, some routes are designed to connect local villages and points of interest, including pubs and cafes. The Cross Keys Pub – Birkin Tea Room loop from Hambleton explicitly mentions a pub and the Birkin Tea Room, offering convenient stops for refreshments.
The mild weather during spring and autumn makes these seasons ideal for mountain biking in Hirst Courtney, as the landscape is vibrant and pleasant for outdoor activities. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially muddier conditions, especially on unpaved sections.
The komoot community rates the mountain biking experience in Hirst Courtney highly, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Riders often praise the tranquil rural countryside, the scenic riverbanks, and the variety of options for different ability levels, from easy, flat paths to moderate routes.
While specific parking areas are not detailed for every route, trails often start from villages or accessible points where public parking may be available. For routes starting from Selby or Hambleton, look for local public car parks. It's always advisable to check local signage for parking regulations.
The longest mountain bike trail in this guide is the Carlton Towers – St Laurence Church, Snaith loop from Whitley Bridge, covering 35.5 miles (57.2 km). This moderate route typically takes around 2 hours and 57 minutes to complete and leads through agricultural land and past historic estates.
Based on available information, there are no specific permits mentioned or generally required for mountain biking on the public trails and paths around Hirst Courtney. However, always respect private land and follow local access rules.


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