MTB: Dent – the Viaducts

Route Info

This is a great route starting from the picturesque village of Dent where there is a car park and toilets, as well as a selection of pubs, cafes and a shop. There is a short, tarmac warm up before the big climb of the day. This is a largely a stone track and trail called the Craven Way which crosses a remote section of moorland to drop you down to the famous Ribblehead viaduct. Part of the descent is a technical drop down a stone pitched section which is entertaining or a push.

At Ribblehead you will find the Station Inn and often a tea wagon in summer. A bit of road work and then in is off on to a bridleway known as Black Rake. Some of this can be boggy but generally the surface is firmer than it looks. A quick exit on to a road and then on to a section of Pennine Bridleway as it climbs on to the side of Wold Fell.

Then there is a great rocky descent down Arten Gill under the second major viaduct of the day all the way into the valley. it is then a great gentle run back to Dent.

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