Heading up to the Lake District for the 1/2 term hols, been given a 1/2 day possible a days’ pass to head out on the bike… any suggestions for some decent singletrack…

bumping this as I have the same pass coming up.

I’ve done whinlatter, its not bad, I wouldn’t travel a long way for it though.

grizedale any good?

The north face trail is good fun, but I did it with a friend for the first one in 30mins including her having a puncture, so it’s not exactly a half day ride.

The ‘natural’ singletrack away from the TNF trail at Grizedale is superb, lot’s of different sections you can string together so you’re never too far from the car either. Get hold of the lakes guide book or do a bit of digging online and you’ll find out where it all is.

I would say Whinlatter is better just because the trails are longer, bigger and just a little more fun, also a lot more there. You could probably make the stuff at Whinlatter last a half day if you do one of them twice, but they are well worth it.

where are you based when your up there?

grizedale forest avoiding the north face.

park at visitor center.

Grandads, dads and dentist
breasty haws
hole in the wall
up the bridal way from the tarn then down the rocky bridalway to visitor center.
over to lawsons
back up and down the river run.
play on the black run.
back to visitor center.

4 or 5 hours there.

Is Red Mist in Grizedale? That’s one of my favourite descents I’ve done this year

I would say Whinlatter is better just because the trails are longer, bigger and just a little more fun, also a lot more there. You could probably make the stuff at Whinlatter last a half day if you do one of them twice, but they are well worth it.

I ride natural as a rule but to drive past all the wonderful actual mountains to ride this would be madness – some cracking stuff near to whinlatter as well – Borrowdale – skiddaw and the descent we dont mention
tbh I dont even think it is that good a trail centre never miond the choice in the Lakes

The natural stuff at Grizedale is better IMHO though I have not done the new trail there – the riding there is not weather dependent as it is rocky

The north face trail is good fun, but I did it with a friend for the first one in 30mins including her having a puncture, so it’s not exactly a half day ride

You did a 10 mile off-road circuit in 30mins despite having a puncture – what drugs are you taking ? 🙂

Surly going to the Lakes, and then riding a trail centre is akin to going to a whorehouse and only getting a kiss…

If you’re limited for time then the NF trail isn’t a bad choice, but if you get hold of one of the maps from the vistor centre that show the “trad” BWs you can devise a pretty good ride.

For example do the first couple of sections of NF, then go south to Parkamoor and do the brilliant descent to Low Nibthwaite. Bit of a slog to get back, but you can then do the descent at Bresty Haw.

Much depends on where you are staying though – lots of good stuff all over the place, but you lose a lot of time driving

garburn pass from stavely is doable in 3 to 4 hours.

Surly going to the Lakes, and then riding a trail centre is akin to going to a whorehouse and only getting a kiss… from the doorman

FTFY

Had a week in the lakes earlier this year. This was my favourite ride

strava link

bit hike a bike, but great descent.

up and down Helvellyn shirley.

North face trail is pretty good when linked up with all the other BWs.Start in Hawksheadand warm up by climbing Vicarage Lane which will lead you to the best bit of TNF trail to the visitor centre,from there keep following the TNF when you come across Low Parkamoor signs follow them great views of Coniston,keep following the bridalway untill you drop down to a cottage take a sharp left and head to Sttterwaite great trails,when you hit the village look out for the Breast Haw BW.Bit of a climb then some more great trails untill you hit the road.Turn left for a few hundred metres then you will see another BW on the right drop down across a stream then a grassy/boggy bit untill you hit the wood class trail back down to the road.You have the choice of a road ride back to Hawkshead or co visit Claife and its stunning views!

Thanks guys

Philfive – staying near Newby Bridge, the tracks you mentioned are they marked or is this all local knowledge only?

Teeto – hahaha noted and well said

christhetall – thanks for the tip

will get a map and see what I can dig up… don’t mind hiking a bike up just so I can get the descent….just don’t want to get lost as my map reading skills are pretty sh”%

cheers

If you’re staying near newby bridge then your half day pass will all be used up just travelling to and from keswick.

Something around Grizedale is the obvious choice since its right on your doorstep.

Where abouts are you staying?

They are a local knowledge thing but they are also all marked maps.

Big +1 for what postierich said. Did that the other day – cracking ride and not really at all weather dependent.

Though TBH pretty much any BW in Grizedale is good.

loads around at half day..3-4hrs..
Borrowdale Bash (Keswick)
Tour of Coniston inc packamoor
Hodge Close / Hawkshead / Grizedale great singletrack..
Grizedale Grunt..
Elterwater / Ambleside / Hodge Close

please dont visit the lakes and do eitehr of the trail centres, the natural riding is awsome…

Davidtaylforth – believe it’s the swan hotel At newby

Guess really need the map….

Thanks guys

Lakes at half term? Sped the half day getting out!

I’d forget about the bike ride and treat yourself to a spa day….at the lakeside hotel.

There’s a few bits round strawberry bank way which you could sneak in if you’ve got a couple of spare hours one day. Within cycling distance of the hotel.