Just returned from a great week fell-running, mtb and walking in the Lakes. I have been going to Lakes for almost 40 years and never fail to enjoy myself. But what struck me this time was the helpfulness and generosity of spirit from the people I met:
Whinlatter Forest Centre – the lovely ladies in the shop, the cafe staff and the guy in the bike shop. All incredibly welcoming and helpful. The ladies were thoughtful re parking and advice on the trails and a coffee shop that sells HOT coffee to take away – note to national chains, hot not lukewarm!
William at Biketreks Ambleside – thanks for the advice and time. I will be back!
Wearing’s bookshop A’side – still a fave and love the way all books are so neatly wrapped
Keith from A’side – great to meet you at top if Iron Keld and thanks for driving me hard over the rest of the route. I learned a lot and you gave me a lot of confidence on the bouldery stuff
Two days mtb – one at Whinlatter. Well worth the trip. Did all the routes (tiring!) and enjoyed them all – if not some of the exposure on the north trail near the start. Am I getting vertigo? Loved the decents on both N and S trail and great finish to the N. Also enjoyed the blue trail despite crash on the bridge and smashing my helmet.
Second – followed most of standard Iron Keld/Loughrigg route. Started at Ambleside – over L’rigg, Skelwith, Arnside climb to Iron Keld (wow -steeper than expected and very wet and slippy on the grass!), great descent and then link to Hodge Close, Tilberthwaite, Little Langdale, Elterewater (via LH deviation after the gate to take in quick pint at the Wainwright – great technical descent into quarry), Red Bank, L Terrace and home. Great ride.
But as for MTB not creating more erosion than walkers – go and see the track past Arnside farm to Iron Keld. Bike scars in the wet are not a pretty sight!
Nice change to swap off-camber roots of Surrey Hills with the scree and boulder challenges of the Lakes. Can’t wait to get back up north!