The best MTB trails around Tarn Hows

There are over 200 mountain bike routes available around Tarn Hows, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with approximately 38 easy, 135 moderate, and 39 difficult trails to explore.

The terrain around Tarn Hows is diverse, featuring gravel tracks, bridleways, and singletrack paths. Some sections present technical challenges like rock steps and bouldery bits, while others are smoother and suitable for e-bikes or novice riders. The area is characterized by mixed woodlands and low fells, offering a varied riding experience.

Yes, Tarn Hows offers several easy and family-friendly options. For instance, the Coniston Shore Bridleway – Coniston Cycleways loop from Holme Fell is an easy 8.5-mile trail. Another accessible option is the Head of Coniston Lake – Coniston Shore Bridleway loop from Coniston, which is just under 6 miles and also rated easy. The circular walk around Tarn Hows itself is pram-friendly and offers all-terrain mobility scooter hire, indicating the general accessibility of the area.

Tarn Hows is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking with milder temperatures and stunning scenery. Summer can be popular, while winter rides require appropriate gear for potentially wet or icy conditions. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

Yes, experienced riders will find challenging sections around Tarn Hows. Some paths are described as 'gnarly' with steep sections, occasionally requiring riders to dismount and push. Two prominent trails near Tilberthwaite and Tarn Hows are known for their 'outstanding descents': an old bridleway connecting Yewdale with Knipe Fold, and a permissive route from Tarn Hows to Monk Coniston.

Mountain biking around Tarn Hows offers breathtaking views and interesting landmarks. You can enjoy panoramic vistas over the Langdales, Coniston Water, Windermere, and the Coniston Fells. Notable natural features include Tom Gill Falls, a nearby waterfall, and the iconic man-made Tarn Hows lake itself. Routes may also pass by the disused Hodge Close quarry, and offer views of Black Fell.

Many trails in the Lake District, including those around Tarn Hows, are dog-friendly, especially bridleways and forest tracks. However, it's always best to keep dogs under close control, particularly around livestock, and to check specific trail regulations or signage. Ensure your dog is fit enough for the ride and carry water for them.

Parking is available in the vicinity of Tarn Hows. The area is generally accessible, but specific parking locations can vary depending on your chosen starting point for a ride. It's advisable to check for designated parking areas or car parks near trailheads, especially during peak seasons.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Tarn Hows are designed as loops. For example, the High Cross – Grizedale Cycle Trail loop from Hawkshead is a 9.9-mile circular route. Another option is the North Face Trail Section 13 – Grizedale Forest gravel tracks loop from High Cross, which is a 6.1-mile loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, ranging from easy gravel tracks to challenging singletrack, and the stunning panoramic views over the Lake District landscape, including the Langdales and Coniston Water.

Yes, the Tarn Hows area is well-serviced. While Tarn Hows itself is a natural beauty spot, nearby villages and towns like Coniston and Hawkshead offer various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options suitable for mountain bikers looking to refuel or stay overnight after their rides.

Yes, routes around Tarn Hows often link to the broader network of tracks and trails within Grizedale Forest, offering extended riding opportunities. A notable 22-mile route, 'Coniston Water and Tarn Hows,' incorporates off-road sections and scenic views, connecting different parts of the region.