So its not that often I get a completely free day, but this weekend ,both the kids are at camp and the wifes working so its biking weekend

If the weather is gash then a good sesh around the peaks is in order BUT fingers crossed it holds then I fancy a trip around Helvellyn ,after having a look at the countless vids and routes , my preferred route is from Paterdale up Dolly and back around sticks pass , has anyone any imput as the lad coming with didn’t fancy the decent down Dolly

Down sticks good, but up dolly a bit of a slog. I’d go up the zig zags from glenridding to raise (almost rideable!) then carry on up to Helvellyn summit, retrace route back to raise then on to sticks.

Up Keppel Cove, through the zig-zags as suggested. You can ride most of it. Then back down Stick’s.

Keswick mountain festival this weekend,

It will be busy.

the lad coming with didn’t fancy the decent down Dolly

Neither would I, on the brakes all the way.

tbh having done the route you propose, go somewhere else.

I,m riding Hellvellyn this weekend staying at the YHA we are riding all weekend feel free to join us!

Up to the top from Glenridding via zig zags, over to the Wythburn descent which then brings you down to Raise, good day out

^^ As above, Kepple Cove, push up to the summit if you want, back over Raise and down sticks. We did it on our honeymoon 🙂

Keswick mountain festival this weekend, It will be busy.

Thanks for the heads up, we were due to do Skiddaw this weekend!

For a few more miles and a bit of variation:

Up to Dockray on the road, all the way along the Old Coach Road towards Threlkeld, up to the chapel in St Johns in the Vale and south down bridleway to Sosgill Bridge. down the road to Thirlspot and carry up to Whiteside Bank, west bridleway is rideable in places once you plateau. Helvellyn, Sticks Pass, Bleabank Side and Seldom Seen for one of the best descents in the Lakes. Result.

Cheers for the heads up on the Keswick mountain festival ,I didn’t realise, Postierich thanks for the offer , I may very well take you up on it as local knowledge is lacking