Dalby Forest Mountain Biking

Dalby Forest is the headline MTB venue in the North York Moors — a Forestry England plantation on the limestone plateau north of Pickering, with one of the most varied trail networks in northern England. It hosted UCI Mountain Bike World Cup races between 2010 and 2015 and remains the regional benchmark for cross-country and red-graded riding.

What to expect

Four main trails. The Ellerburn Family Trail is a flat green loop suitable for trailers. The Adderstone Easy is blue/red, 7km. The Dixon’s Hollow Red Route is the headline ride — 35km of fast singletrack with rocky descents and exposed moorland sections. The Black Run is a pro-line cross-country challenge. A jumps area and pump track complete the venue.

Practical notes

Open year-round. Purple Mountain Bike Centre at Dalby handles hire, repairs and bike-wash; the cafe is decent. Forestry England parking fee applies. Pickering, Helmsley and Whitby all sit within easy driving distance with good accommodation. Best combined with rides at Sutton Bank further west for a North York Moors MTB weekend. The Yorkshire Coast is 30 minutes’ drive if you want a beach day after.

Getting there car-free

Dalby Forest sits on the southern edge of the North York Moors, a few miles beyond Thornton-le-Dale. The nearest stations are Malton and Scarborough; from there the Coastliner bus runs close to the forest, though the final stretch in can still need a taxi.

Can you get to Dalby Forest without a car?

With planning. Train to Malton or Scarborough, then the Coastliner bus toward the forest. The last few miles into Dalby may need a taxi, so check connections before you travel.