So I’m visiting my wife’s mate in a couple weeks and we’re staying in Kirby Lonsdale for a long weekend, I was planning to ride at Gisburn but I fancy a natural ride as well. Any suggestions of a three hour rocky ride in the vicinity?

Cheers
Dickie

Maybe contact the guys at Escape bikes might give you pointers but plenty of stuff around Settleif you look.

Sorry long way from my maps at mo but did a rout from there a while ago. Parked just befor bridge on right and headed out to east of village, don’t recall it being very rocky though. If you want rock fest head bit further east to Whernside, over the back to Dent…. Or howgills is not far.

Try this site http://www.mtbthedales.org.uk/ tunnels and bridges at clapham is a good natural trail. The settle loop also but not that technical.As mentioned also howgills just up the road.

You can actually do a decent ride from Kirkby, goes up over Barbon Fell – can get very boggy/wet though. Few rocky bits but nothing too tech really.

If you want rocks you could drive to Staveley and do Garburn Pass or Kentmere/Longsleddale, it’s not far at all really.

http://www.dalesbikedoctor.co.uk/ Have sampled the hospitality of the owner previously when at Kudu and would recommend.

Have stopped off here(Escapebikes) and am impressed by the friendliness of both staff & locals. Will be joining shop rides when down that way in August. http://www.escapebikeshop.com/