4.0
(16)
69
riders
22
rides
Mountain biking around Thorpe Willoughby features a landscape characterized by flat rural paths and open countryside. The area includes gentle riverside sections and connections between local villages. With minimal elevation changes, the terrain is generally accessible for various skill levels.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
3
riders
32.3km
01:45
40m
40m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
5
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5
riders
26.6km
01:20
60m
60m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. 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.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lots of signage on this route. Some directional and some informative.
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A fallen tree was blocking the whole cycle path this morning. It is reported that it came down yesterday in the late afternoon. Great care is required; it can be navigated with difficulty.
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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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There are over 25 mountain bike trails available around Thorpe Willoughby, offering a variety of routes for different skill levels. You'll find 12 easy routes and 13 moderate routes, with no difficult trails, making the area accessible for many riders.
Yes, Thorpe Willoughby is well-suited for beginners, with 12 easy mountain bike trails. Routes like the Saxton – St Mary's Church (Lead Church) loop from Sherburn-in-Elmet, which is 12.4 miles long, are generally flat and traverse open fields, ideal for those new to mountain biking.
The mountain bike trails around Thorpe Willoughby vary in length. For example, the Cawood Bridge – Cawood Castle Gatehouse loop from Selby is 20.2 miles (32.5 km), while the Solar System Cycleway – Solar System Cycle Route loop from Riccall is 11.3 miles (18.1 km). Most routes fall within a similar range, offering rides that can be completed in 1 to 2 hours.
Yes, the generally flat terrain and minimal elevation changes make many of the trails around Thorpe Willoughby suitable for families. Routes like the Solar System Cycleway – Solar System Cycle Route loop from Riccall are particularly popular for their accessible nature and interesting points along the way.
Absolutely. Many of the mountain bike trails in Thorpe Willoughby are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Cawood Bridge – Cawood Castle Gatehouse loop from Selby and the Cross Keys Pub – Birkin Tea Room loop from Hambleton.
The trails often pass by interesting local landmarks and natural features. You might encounter historical sites like Carlton Towers, or enjoy views along the Selby Canal. Some routes also lead past local establishments such as the Birkin Tea Room.
Yes, several routes connect local villages and pass by pubs, offering a convenient stop during your ride. The Cross Keys Pub – Birkin Tea Room loop from Hambleton is a great example, leading through agricultural land and past local establishments where you can refresh.
The mountain bike trails around Thorpe Willoughby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 16 reviews. Riders often praise the accessible, flat rural paths, the open countryside views, and the gentle riverside sections that make for a pleasant and relaxing ride.
Given the flat, rural nature of the trails, mountain biking in Thorpe Willoughby is enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and lush scenery, while autumn provides beautiful colors. Even in winter, the low elevation and generally well-drained paths can be ridden, though conditions may be muddier.
The mountain bike trails around Thorpe Willoughby are primarily characterized by flat rural paths and open countryside, with minimal elevation changes. There are no trails classified as 'difficult' in this area, making it more suitable for easy to moderate ability levels rather than advanced riders seeking technical challenges.
Many of the rural paths and open countryside trails around Thorpe Willoughby are suitable for riding with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially when passing through agricultural land or near livestock. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or private land sections.
Parking availability varies depending on the specific trailhead. Many routes start from or pass through villages, where public parking might be available. For routes starting from larger towns like Selby or Sherburn-in-Elmet, dedicated car parks are usually present. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for specific parking recommendations.


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