There’s no shortage of classic trails in this part of world, but if you wanted to sample all that’s special about Dales mtb’ing in just over 30km, this little loop would take some beating.
It kicks off steep and stony — challenging, but certainly do-able if you’re fully tuned in. Then cruises sweetly over Dawson’s Close, with great views of Pen-y-ghent. The Pennine Way carries you around the mountain’s southern flanks, before a rough and rocky descent drops you into Ribblesdale. The Pen-y-ghent cafe is an obligatory halfway tea stop, then it’s another lengthy climb up onto Horton Moor — watch out for Hull Pot, it’ll swallow more than your front wheel. The going gets soft on Foxup Moor but don’t be put off — the final section is well surfaced and there’s a great descent back into Littondale.