I know this has been asked before (no doubt plenty of times!).
I've just been reading the http://www.flattyresmtbroutes.com/ and after reading the description of pushing up a 'rocky track' to then descend on a 'grassy track' was the best way to do it?
I have done the loop from Staveley before followed by a loop from somewhere around Sadgillish to get back but not been over Nan Bield before.
Any idea how long it takes to do Nan Bield from Stavelely or is there a better starting point?
You won't be able to ride the short steep section between Small Water and the top of the pass in either direction - it'll be hard enough just to push up! You'll end up carrying the bike.
This is the start of the Nan Bield descent (southbound), hardly a grassy slope!
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That route would be a full day out for me. 8 hours I reckon, it's tough terrain.
The ride down to small water does look exceptionally difficult but I think it's still rideable. Infact wasn't there some video footage around recently of some pro DHers riding down it?
If you've not done it before then probably best go kentmere-longsleddale-gatesgarth-haweswater-nan bield-kentmere. Then next time choose for yourself as you'll know what you're in for!
yes there was a video not so long ago of the descent of nan bield to haweswater [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/2010/05/video-mojo-trail-diaries-part-2 ]here[/url]
For me its neither way.
Too lumpy and slow IMO. I'll concede this one to the red socks.
[i]The ride down to small water does look exceptionally difficult but I think it's still rideable. Infact wasn't there some video footage around recently of some pro DHers riding down it? [/i]
Didn't Ed Oxley and a few of the Singletrack crew ride it recently? It's not fully rideable even by Steve Peat, you might stand a chance if you're a trials god though (ie better than Hans Rey).
I've done it downhill once and I think I rode about 10% of it, it was crap.
It's one of those trails that you just accept is going to be an absolute bastard of a push/carry and you get on with it.
Route guide here: http://www.singletrackworld.com/trailguide/uk/north-west/the-south-lake-district/
The descent off Nan Bield down towards Kentmere is well worth the carry up!
Cheers guys, always best to check these things as i am neither a trials god or Downhiller...