The festival is based in two main locations, one can be found near the village of Reeth in the Swaledale area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, while the other is in the Lord Stones Country Park on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. There will be beginner-friendly, child-friendly, and tougher trails, suitable for pro riders, taking place in Yorkshire’s glorious countryside. That being said, the most exciting and anticipated race by far will be the Ard Rock Enduro competition, a 45km loop accompanied by various challenges and is sure not to disappoint. The event boasts exclusive routes and tailor-made, one-off trails open for the weekend and only to participants. There will also be an exhibition area, open from Friday to Sunday, where the best and most well-known brands in the business will be showcasing their finest equipment and hosting demonstrations for all to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to compete, take part in challenges or simply sit on the sidelines, this is the place for you!
Ard Rock Festival offers a weekend full of events for all ages including a pump track and a daring airbag jump. There is a designated kid’s zone and coaching sessions geared towards younger ones looking to get started or improve on their existing skills. A strong sense of community is a strong selling point for this festival and the availability of on-site camping ensures you won’t miss a thing. Attendees, taking part or not, are invited to make the most of the street food vendors serving international delights, accompanied by live music and DJ sets. For those looking to discover something a little further afield, the Dales Bike Centre Café or one of Yorkshire’s charming local pubs will welcome you with open arms.
Depending on which of the events you choose to attend, either the Dales or the Moors will be at your disposal throughout the duration of your stay. Both are sure to feature picturesque landscapes and acres of space to roam the countryside in peace, while they each bring unique offerings to the table. The Yorkshire Dales National Park and its lush upland scenery boast historic trails following Roman roads, monastic highways, mining tracks and drovers’ roads, which tell the tales of times gone by. When it comes to cycling and mountain biking, the Dales are home to all types of trails and terrains, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for all levels of expertise. On the other hand, the North York Moors National Park is home to paths and trails along disused railways and bridleways in addition to three cycling centres – in Dalby Forest, Great Fryup Dale and Sutton Bank.
The Ard Rock festival promotes environmentally friendly and eco-conscious practices while the surrounding landscapes provide you with the perfect opportunity to reap all of nature’s benefits. However, if camping isn’t your cup of (Yorkshire) tea, why not check out our properties? There is a wide range of one-of-a-kind accommodation options that would make the perfect base for any of the events and then, after your endurance test, you’ll be able to look forward to relaxing in style and soaking your aching muscles in the tub!