The best gravel rides around Easington

Easington offers a diverse range of gravel biking trails, catering to various skill levels. While there are a few easy and moderate routes, the majority of the trails, about 14 out of 17, are considered difficult. This means you'll find plenty of challenging ascents and technical sections, often with significant elevation changes, alongside some more relaxed options.

Yes, there are options suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. The Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest loop — Forest of Bowland is an easy 6.7-mile (10.8 km) trail that offers a pleasant experience with reservoir views and forest paths, making it a good choice for a family outing.

The gravel bike routes around Easington vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter, easier loops like the Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest loop at about 6.7 miles (10.8 km) taking around an hour. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Bowland Knotts Climb – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Tosside, can extend to over 40 miles (64 km) and take several hours to complete, offering significant elevation gains.

Many of the gravel bike trails in the Easington area are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the View of Pen-y-ghent – Settle Town Centre loop from Settle, which offers scenic views, and the Malham Tarn – Settle Town Centre loop from Settle, traversing varied terrain around Malham Tarn.

The Easington area, situated near the Forest of Bowland, is rich in natural beauty. Along the trails, you can encounter impressive geological features like Attermire Scar, enjoy panoramic vistas from viewpoints such as the Trough of Bowland Pass and Cross of Greet Climb from Slaidburn, and discover charming river features like Austwick Beck Ford and Clapper Bridge.

Yes, the region boasts several beautiful waterfalls that can be a highlight of your ride. You might come across Stainforth Force waterfall, Scaleber Force Waterfall, and the picturesque Stainforth Force Waterfall and Packhorse Bridge. These natural features add a scenic element to your gravel biking adventure.

The best time for gravel biking in Easington is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the trails are less likely to be muddy or icy, offering more enjoyable riding conditions. The changing foliage in autumn also provides stunning scenery.

The gravel biking experience in Easington is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse landscape, which includes rolling hills, expansive reservoirs, and sections of woodland. The mix of terrain, from forest tracks to open country paths, and the scenic viewpoints, are often highlighted as key attractions.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Long Lane Descent – View of Moughton and Austwick loop from Clapham offer significant distances and elevation gains. This particular route covers nearly 18.6 miles (29.9 km) with over 500 meters of ascent, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience through varied landscapes.

There are over 15 gravel bike trails recorded around Easington on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult routes to explore the region's diverse terrain.

While Easington itself is a rural area, some of the gravel routes are accessible from nearby towns like Settle, which has a train station. From Settle, you can connect to routes such as the View of Pen-y-ghent – Settle Town Centre loop. It's advisable to check local bus services or train connections to specific starting points for the most convenient access.

Given the rural nature of the Easington area and the Forest of Bowland, dedicated cafes directly on every trail might be limited. However, routes that pass through or near villages like Settle or Tosside will offer opportunities for refreshments. It's always a good idea to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer rides, and plan your stops in advance.