Got a 1 1/2 – 2 hr drive for a 10min meeting at Southwaite services on Tuesday, thought I may as well get a ride in up that way – where's best nearby?

Newcastleton is about half an hour up the A7 just over the border, i was there for a quick blast yesterday with the family so only got to do the blue, but it was good fun.

your best bet is ullswater, which is a short drive from southwaite. Tuesday will be quietish too.

Or the route in the recent ST Mag from Tebay services. Not very XC Gnarr, but some nice quiet trails in buff condition at the moment.

If using sat nav, there's only one 's' in Carlisle.
😉

Whinlatter if you want a safe, easy ride round a trail centre.
Borrowdale Bash
Various Skiddaw options
Cross Fell or Bowderdale/Calf for some wilderness riding. See simonralli s posting from the other day.
Kentmere rides from Staveley with the added bonus of a visit to Wheelbase and Wilfs Cafe for post ride food.

Thanks trekster – think I'll give whinlatter a go

I would go for ullswater too, drive to askham south of penrith, up the hill to the very top, down to the cockpit (stone circle) then down to howtown. Up to martindale, cheeky fp then back up the same way to the cockpit. Fast grassy descent to car to finish.
Cockpit to howtown v good descent. Will take a couple of hours without any dramas