Calderdale — Yorkshire's mountain biking trail honeypot

Some way south of both the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors is a little valley, so steep sided in places that the sun doesn't technically rise in winter for months. It is stuffed full of secret pack-horse trails, wide open moorland, hilariously technical descents and nadgery climbs. The hills aren't astonishingly high, but you'll be afforded some amazing views, and if you've a mind to push yourself, you can find climbs and descents to satisfy even the most gnarly of palates. A trail honeypot, if you will. This valley is Calderdale.

I’ve picked a selection of trails that showcase some of the best the valley has to offer. Some are short, for a quick energetic spin, some are much, much longer, but all will display different facets of the riding around Calderdale. Be advised though, even the easiest of them contain some reasonably stiff climbs - the valley sides are steep, after all - but they're all very rewarding.

First up, there's a fun little spin up and around Norland to whet your appetite - it’s full of sweet little trail nuggets, not least the storming descent back to Copley which will make your mouth water - and quite possibly your feet too, if it's been raining. And if you're after a more substantial ride in the same area then the loop up to Scammonden Dam, which nudges Ripponden, should see you right.

Fancy getting a little Brontë? The loop from Ogden Water up into proper Brontë country should fit the bill. It drops you down to Oxenhope and back up to the Black and White Moors before a fantastic singletrack charge back to your starting point. Sightings of Heathcliff and Cathy are unfortunately not guaranteed.

And then I’ve picked some fantastic loops around Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. These take in a plethora of local delights, but all have similarities - wide open moorland, lungbusting climbs, and the occasional nadgery surprise. And plenty of places for coffee and snacks, naturally.

If you really want to make a day of it, then you must try the Mary Towneley Loop: Huge climbs, enormous descents, staggering views, singletrack, double track, and gates (oh yes, gates) - this ride has the lot.

Whichever loop you choose, you'll perhaps begin to appreciate why some locals never ride anywhere else.