MTB in the Lake District

[Mr Gearchange]

Next week we have a family holiday to the lakes - naturally I'm taking the bike.

I'm probably going to be afforded a days riding - maybe a day and a half if I can swing it (3 kids in tow) so looking for some suggestions as to where to ride.

Whilst all day epics in the wilderness would be awesome I will be riding solo and don't know the area so they aren't really appropriate/ sensible.

So I'm probably looking for some trail centre/ forestry commission type stuff if anyone can point me in the right direction - red and blacks rather than blues and greens.

Suggestions very welcome.

Thanks

[nammynake]

I really enjoyed Grizedale - think it was the red route.

However, there are some incredible natural trails in the Lakes. I have a guide book somewhere I'll try to dig out, but I'm sure a quick search on the web will throw up plenty of good suggestions.

[Rob_T]

try this

http://lakeland-loop.blogspot.co.uk

depending on where you are staying there's bound to be one of the days start points close to you, then you can request a pick up at the end of the day or cycle back on the road…

you can buy the guide book on ebay for about £2 or £3

[TvrJohn]

That blog made an interesting read

[ewenm]

I'd always prefer natural trails, but given lack of local knowledge and time restrictions Grizedale (central Lakes) or Whinlatter (north Lakes) are probably the best places to head for.

[Blakeatron]

I live in Windermere - so local routes all the way!

Grizedale is nice but quite short and not overly testing, whinlatter is more fun but again not overly long - but there are 2 of them!

Where are you staying and what days are you hoping to ride?

[Mr Gearchange]

I'm 2 miles south of Keswick. Don't know which days - fairly flexible I think

[Mr Gearchange]

Did the red (north face) at Grizedale - was pretty underwhelming, not very taxing, quite short and too much fire road.

Did the red (Altura) at Whinlatter this morning - both loops. Best trail I have ever ridden.
Plenty of climbing and fast technical descending - the north loop descent was particularly good.

I'm going back this evening to do them again!

[Stugots]

As above Whinlatter is fab

[TheBALDpuma]

I did Whinlatter last year, and I'm going to go visit again this year. A lot of fun.

[paddy27]

Whinater is great fun and not far from where you ar staying. There are two routes as other have said. Some great fun to be had there.

[matt-ITR]

I think the Lake District trail centres are average at best.
It really is worth going on a natural route. If you can read a map, you will be fine.

You can extend some of the trails at Grizedale and do a bit of both, which I quite enjoyed.