The route can be done in either direction. If you like escaping the crowds, this is the route for you. Ullswater Lake is the second largest in the Lake District, and this route is renowned for being one of the most technical but rewarding mountain bike routes in the UK.Īlthough 8 miles may seem fairly low compared to other similar routes, this looped trail shows off one of the Lake District’s most picturesque spots before spiralling off into what seems very much like the middle of nowhere. Whinlatter Visitor Centre, beside Bassenthwaite Lake, also boasts brilliant osprey viewing points via its Osprey Watch. Cyclists can reach altitudes of 500m on this route with stunning scenery across Derwent Water and Helvellyn. Rest assured, it’s all worth it, though, as the views are spectacular. There are various single-track sections that pose a challenge with features including berms, jumps and corkscrews. The Altura Trail, in particular, is built for experienced mountain bikers with a solid base fitness and good stamina.Ĭyclists are tested on this route, to say the least. There are various trails here with ranging difficulty levels catering for a wide variety of cycling abilities. Whinlatter Forest Park, on the outskirts of Braithwaite, is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. Whether it’s the steep climbs or testing terrain, mountain bikes and forests go hand in hand. There’s just something about forests that makes mountain bikers tick. Some sections of this route involve stunning woodland areas with a mixture of steep and short climbs. You’ll also find great variety in the terrain around this part of the Lake District. This route follows Lake Windermere’s western shore, beginning at Harrow Slack and finishing at Wray Castle in Ambleside.Īt roughly 7 miles long (one way), it’s another perfect mountain bike route for families, not least for the blissful picnic spots along Lake Windermere-the largest natural lake in the Lake District and indeed all of England.įor fans of children’s books, there’s even an opportunity to see Beatrix Potter’s farm and former home, Hill Top, in Near Sawrey along this lakeside route. Region: Windermere, South-Eastern Lake District This is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England. You’ll also find the famous Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, or ‘La’al Ratty’, as it’s known locally. Muncaster also boasts a historic castle and gardens of the same name, which you’ll find at one end of the route. The fell itself is a narrow ridge of land, measuring just 1.2km wide, lying between the River Mite in the north and River Esk in the south. This somewhat ‘gentler’ mountain bike route in the south-west of the Lake District is suitable for all the family, children included, making it a perfect day activity if you’re holidaying nearby. Muncaster Fell is far less physically demanding than Helvellyn, even despite its 2,100 ft. Related: Hike-a-bike-how to carry your bike on the trails With various steep descents and a few ‘hike-a-bike’ sections thrown in for good measure, Helvellyn is one of the Lake District’s most challenging mountain bike routes.īut it’s also among the most rewarding if you can make it to the top, as the views are incredible-especially in summer. This route is certainly for the more experienced mountain bikers among us. over Sticks Pass before descending Dolywagon Pike and Grisedale. Starting from the Ullswater Information Centre in Glenridding, this route climbs more than 3,000ft. Helvellyn boasts the third-highest point not just in the Lake District but in the whole of England, and this specific 13-mile mountain bike trail takes on the country’s highest bridleway, too. We start our trail on a mountain-naturally. Region: Glenridding, Eastern Lake District

Waterfall glen mountain bike trail