If you hadn’t ridden a MTB in the lakes for about 10 years, and were staying near Bassenthwaite for 4 days next weekend (yay for self catering cottages being open again!) where would you ride?
Will probably do Whinlatter one day with MrsW, but the other 3 days I’m free to ride. Got the Borrowdale bash on the list, but I think I saw a thread the other day with talk of an extension?
Happy with (almost) any length, minimal hike a bike would be ideal. Likely riding either an Oiz or carbon hardtail but happy on most natural stuff. Not super fussed about summits- walked/run up quite a few in the past, I’m more interested in decent riding.
Gpx links most appreciated- I’m handy with a map and compass but it means a day out takes a lot longer!
This was my go to site when I started riding the lakes if it helps?
https://flattyres-mtb.co.uk/route-guides/lake-district-mtb-routes/
This site might give you some inspiration too.
https://lakesmtb.co.uk
It is mostly central and southern but has a back of skiddaw route.
Both great links thanks, there’s plenty there to keep me quiet!
The bash extension starts with the FO over walls crag to ash ness and is a must. If the weather is good you should ride skiddaw, Carl side ullock pike as it finishes near bassenthwaite and is excellent, I know you said no hike a bike but it’s a push rather than carry and well worth it. For a nice old school ride that starts from home, head up to dash falls from bassenthwaite, along to skiddaw house and round lonscales and descend spooney green lane to Keswick. If full of energy can add Dodd summit in the way back to bassenthwaite.
Depends how handy you are on the Oiz, really (I have one, but normally take an Occam to the Lakes). Would have thought that Borrowdale Bash with Walla Crag added at the start would be a good fit, not sure I'd add in the extension up around Sty Head though. Would involve a bit of hike a bike as well.
Back of Skiddaw is good, but much more XC in nature, except for a short section on Lonscale Crags which is tricky with a big drop to the side. That version on the Lakes MTB site is a much shorter version than the usual.
Worth probably dipping south to ride some of the stuff near Ambleside, or Grizedale, if you have the opportunity.
If you are doing Walla Crag bear in mind it’s a foot path and the land at the top is pretty fragile. (No I’m not angling for a does mountain biking do more damage then walkers.)
Get up early ride or drive the couple miles to wythop, take track along side of lake for a few Kms, climb up to whinlatter from thornthwaite, through forest and up grisedale pike hike a bike top bit, then descend hobcarton, then time in whinlatter.
