4.8
(13)
56
riders
15
rides
Mountain biking around Headon Cum Upton offers routes through a rural English landscape, characterized by low-lying terrain and historical features. The area, situated in Nottinghamshire, includes villages and hamlets, with some parts suggesting elevated ground, such as the village name deriving from "high hill" and the presence of Mill Hill Clump. The landscape features open fields, thorn hedges, and drainage ditches, providing a mix of surfaces for mountain bike trails. River valleys and historical sites like the Dumblehole fish ponds…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.9
(7)
22
riders
39.0km
02:30
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
6
riders
27.0km
01:57
130m
130m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
7
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The path beside the Fossdyke has at one end the Brayford pool in Lincoln with pubs, restaurants and cinema. The route continues past the Pyewipe Inn, Beyond that is Burton Waters with the very popular Woodcocks. Further on is the village of Saxilby with its railway station.
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narrow path here alongside a very busy main road - barriers either side though.
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Description of gravel not accurate, at on point you have to cycle around the side of a wheat field, very rutted, also nettles about 3 feet high in places. When you turn of the road on the byway it is blocked across the field with electric fences for the horses. Not a very nice ride.
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This place is really in the middle of nowhere, it's at the junction of Thornhill Lane and Littleborough Road. It can't be missed because there's nutting else there. What makes it special is its unique six sided shape. Definitely a place of note and worth a photo.
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I believe this used to be a coal power station that was decommissioned in 2019. The cooling towers are quite impressive, and the wide gravel track passes very close to them.
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lovely cafe and pub. Good food and coffee. Open Wed, Thurs frid, sat 9-3pm
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A great place to access this cycle route is the Park & Bike parking in Skellingthorpe.
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The terrain around Headon Cum Upton is generally low-lying, characterized by open fields, thorn hedges, and drainage ditches. You'll find a mix of surfaces, including rural paths and river valleys. While the area is mostly flat, historical references to 'high hill' and features like Mill Hill Clump suggest some gentle elevation changes. Routes often follow river paths, offering a varied but generally accessible riding experience.
Yes, there are several easy mountain bike routes around Headon Cum Upton, making them suitable for beginners or families. For example, the Littleborough Road Toll House – Catchwater Drain Bridge loop from South Leverton is an easy 11.7-mile path that navigates through open countryside, perfect for a relaxed ride.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Headon Cum Upton are designed as circular loops. Examples include the popular River Trent Viaduct – Fossdyke Navigation loop from Normanton on Trent and the Catchwater Drain Bridge – Littleborough Road Toll House loop from Dunham-on-Trent, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
The routes often follow river valleys, offering views of the rural landscape. You might encounter historical features like the Dumblehole fish ponds or the site of Mill Hill Clump. While specific viewpoints are not highlighted, the open countryside and river paths provide a pleasant natural setting. You can also explore nearby attractions such as the Fledborough Viaduct or the Torksey Viaduct.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can find historical sites like the Fledborough Viaduct and the Torksey Viaduct. The village of Headon itself has a history dating back to the Domesday Book, and the local St. Peter's Church is a Grade I listed building with Anglo-Saxon features. The landscape also features remnants of old oak and ash tree plantations and enclosed fields.
The best time to go mountain biking in Headon Cum Upton is generally during the drier months to avoid muddy conditions on the rural paths and drainage ditches. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and longer daylight hours, while autumn provides beautiful scenery. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
While specific mountain bike parking areas are not detailed, parking is generally available in the villages within the Headon Cum Upton parish, such as Headon or Upton. Always ensure you park responsibly and check for any local parking restrictions or designated visitor parking areas.
Headon Cum Upton is a rural area, and public transport options might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for services connecting to nearby towns like Retford, which may offer more comprehensive public transport links. From there, you might need to cycle or arrange further transport to the trailheads.
The civil parish of Headon Cum Upton includes the villages of Headon, Upton, and Nether Headon. While specific cafes or pubs directly on the trails are not listed, you may find local establishments in these villages or nearby larger towns where you can stop for refreshments. It's recommended to check opening times in advance, especially in rural areas.
The mountain bike routes around Headon Cum Upton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the quiet, rural English landscape, the varied topography including river valleys and open fields, and the options available for different ability levels, from easy to moderate.
While there are no 'difficult' graded trails, the area offers several moderate routes for those seeking a longer ride. The River Trent Viaduct – Fossdyke Navigation loop from Normanton on Trent is a 24.2-mile moderate trail, and the Wooden Bridge Over River – Idle Valley Nature Reserve loop from Retford is another moderate option at 27.1 miles, offering more extensive exploration of the region.


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