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Heading up to Keswick for our usual New Year's trip on Sunday, but a little worried about the weather....
Over on UK Climbing I'm being warned that winter routes arent in as the snow and ice hasnt consolidated, shame, but what does this mean for our riding opportunities?
I'd love to have ridden Helvellyn this year, but doesnt seem like a good choice under a few feet of loose snow. What about routes like Back of Skiddaw and Borrowdale Bash? How are the trail centres getting on?
Alot of snow and ice around here right down to the bottom of the hills. I've not been out on the bike of late - climbing conditions in Scotland are great. I think you might struggle on the Skiddaw Borrowdale routes but Borrowdale prob worth a go as it contains alot of road and is easy to cut short.
thanks, sounds like skis and snowshoes might be the best option, rather than a bike or axe.
Its fine mucho fun to be had!! The snow has frozen and has the crunchy grippy texture to it. Perfect winter mtbing conditions IMO. Although its due to get milder and rain boxing day onwards so that will change things somewhat.
anc - can you recommend any particular rides given the current conditions?
The Borrowdale bash is fine in full winter conditions, as is back of skiddaw and Caldbeck fells(did this sunday). Helvelyn is also fine, so long as you have good mountain sense, which i guess you do being a climber. When it freezes up it actually makes some of it easier, ie the wet sections over the Dodds are a easier climb when the ground is hard. High wind and cloud would be the only thing I'd avoid with helvelyn or any of the high level routes this time of year with a bike but thats just common sense, better left to a still crisp winters day. And obviously steer well clear of the cornices!! 😆 Whinlatters a laugh also, not sure what the access up the pass is like at the mo, but it should be fine by the time you arrive. Basically anything you'd ride any other time of the year 😉
I run 2.3 tyres at quite low pressures when it frozen up which gives plenty grip. Off out tonight... can't wait!! 😀
cheers - the webcam on George Fisher shows an amazing view, cant wait to get up there.