Stainburn Forest

Visitor information

Exhilaration awaits at Stainburn Forest

Come and visit this forest of two halves just west of Harrogate. The coniferous canopy of Stainburn Forest provides the perfect setting for your outdoor adventure. 

For the keen mountain bikers, park at the Norwood Edge Car Park for access to a selection of short, yet rewarding trails that will challenge even the best riders! The trails are maintained by SingletrAction volunteer group in conjunction with Forestry England.

If you want to explore the forest at a more relaxed pace, the Stainburn Moor Car Park offers a range of paths for you to stretch your legs and take in the peace of the surroundings. 

At a glance

  • 3 mountain biking trails 
  • Walking 
  • Dogs welcome

Things to do

Follow this short, flowing single track loop through the trees which returns through the recently clearfelled area for great views of the Washburn Valley.

The construction of this route has been funded by the North Yorkshire Aggregates Grant Scheme. Maintenance of the trail is done by SingletrAction volunteer group in conjunction with Forestry England. 

If you want to extend your ride, this trail is a fast descent line which splits off from the red loop, joining up at the bottom of the hill with the black climb.

The construction of this route has been funded by the North Yorkshire Aggregates Grant Scheme. Maintenance of the trail is done by SingletrAction volunteer group in conjunction with Forestry England. 

A short but challenging route. Narrow single track, rocky trails with varied surfaces passing through remote forest. Some very steep climbs, descents and technical obstacles and north shore sections needing a high level of technical ability.

Experienced, excellent bike handling skills and a high level of fitness required. Part of the route is man made by volunteers from Singletraction, the rest has been built with funding from the North Yorkshire Aggregate Grant Scheme. Maintenance of the trail is done by SingletrAction volunteer group in conjunction with Forestry England. 

Nearby forests

A view across an open valley with small villages and towns in the distance. With tops of trees in the foreground

Experience stunning views and visit the iconic Kilburn White Horse at Kilburn Woods.

Kilburn White Horse is the most northerly turf-cut figure in Britain and one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire. It's easily visible from the south, below Sutton Bank, and while it's difficult to get a sense of its scale from the path on the escarpment edge above, there are steps down the side which give a closer view.

Field of purple orchids in the sun

Wheldrake Wood is a fantastic place to escape the everyday bustle of York and stretch your legs with a woodland walk. With an abundance of wildlife, mixture of trees and network of informal paths, Wheldrake Wood is the place to go for your next outdoor adventure. 

Starting from Broad Highway Car Park, you can choose to stay on the main path or for the more adventurous, explore further by branching off on smaller trails.

Gisburn Forest entrance

Step into the fairy tale woods of Gisburn Forest and Stocks. Explore the trails and experience a sense of space and freedom as you breathe in the fresh air and hear the peaceful bird song.

Gisburn’s dramatic scenery, with deep forest and challenging hills, provides the perfect backdrop for our award-winning mountain bike trails. Demanding climbs and exhilarating downhills make it the ultimate off-road mecca!

Shaded forest woodland walk

Rochdale Woodland is a wildlife haven. Woodpeckers, dippers and kingfishers are regulars, along with many other species and wet grassland areas, providing a fantastic habitat for frogs, toads and insects.

With mature broadleaf trees and coppiced willow, Rochdale also supports a healthy population of woodland birds.

Meadowfields (off Albert Royd Street) is a mix of woodland and expansive open grassland on the banks of the River Roch.

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