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Were planning a trip to the Lakes in August, first time up there, what rides would you recommend to take do, not really wanting to do the man made trails.. that's not what I see the Lakes about. Thinking maybe one long day, maybe a day with a big push and long descent, then something shorter on last day. Any recommendations appreciated.
Long day = tour of Coniston
Push + descent = up Skiddaw and down Ullock Pike (not done this but looks amazing)
Shorter ride = Keswick-Threlkeld-Lonscale-Latrigg Keswick
Job's a good un.
Get map, read map, ride. No hold that thought best page Gavgas![code]
For a big day out it's got to be Nan Bield
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/anyone-got-a-link-to-the-nan-bield-route
Oh yes!,where to Start,Theres plenty of choice up here in the Lakes,my advice would be to call in at any one of the bike shops Wheelbase at Staveley would be the easiest.
They all have some great laminated route maps that are easy to follow and the staff will best advise you with regard to the weather conditions on the day.
Enjoy.
Si
I'm no expert with just 4 rides under my belt but my thoughts/rides so far are
Borrowdale bash (clockwise), taking in a lovely techy footpath nr the start. We drove through Keswick and parked up a left hand turn in a small car park. It was a Bogtrotters route. Great ride with a bit of everything.
A big loop from Staveley (clockwise) that we got from Wheelbase (very helpfull) that took in Garburn (i think) but not Nan Bield.
A loop of Coniston (clockwise) from Grizedale. Do not miss Parkamoor, my favouritist decsent so far!
And last but not least Helvellyn, a route given to me by some lads on here (thankyou). Glenridding - Keppel Cove - up to the summit - on the way back down go over Raise and down Sticks Pass its superb singletrack with techy little testers and a nice loose finish.
It has to be said that i prefered the lower level stuff to going up Helvellyn. Not sure if all the pushing really bags you a great descent (other than Sticks Pass). It felt like an adventure though and we were all buzzing.
Whenever i go to the lakes it always feels like my best ride ever!
Top tip - the lakes has more choices of paths on the ground than anywhere i have been. Either use a GPS, Iphone or be good with a map and compass because every ten minute a new path will appear and you'll wonder if its yours??
And don't write off Whinlatter so quickly its one of my favourites although as i climb the Southy loop i'm always looking up that very long climb/descent in the distance thinking 'One Day my son'!
Si
I'm no expert with just 4 rides under my belt but my thoughts/rides so far are
Borrowdale bash (clockwise), taking in a lovely techy footpath nr the start. We drove through Keswick and parked up a left hand turn in a small car park. It was a Bogtrotters route. Great ride with a bit of everything.
A big loop from Staveley (clockwise) that we got from Wheelbase (very helpfull) that took in Garburn (i think) but not Nan Bield.
A loop of Coniston (clockwise) from Grizedale. Do not miss Parkamoor, my favouritist decsent so far!
And last but not least Helvellyn, a route given to me by some lads on here (thankyou). Glenridding - Keppel Cove - up to the summit - on the way back down go over Raise and down Sticks Pass its superb singletrack with techy little testers and a nice loose finish.
It has to be said that i prefered the lower level stuff to going up Helvellyn. Not sure if all the pushing really bags you a great descent (other than Sticks Pass). It felt like an adventure though and we were all buzzing.
Whenever i go to the lakes it always feels like my best ride ever!
Top tip - the lakes has more choices of paths on the ground than anywhere i have been. Either use a GPS, Iphone or be good with a map and compass because every ten minute a new path will appear and you'll wonder if its yours??
And don't write off Whinlatter so quickly its one of my favourites although as i climb the Southy loop i'm always looking up that very long climb/descent in the distance thinking 'One Day my son'!
I agree with Gavgas about using the LBS for advice. They are all very clued up (Biketreks in Ambleside is another option).
If it was me, I would avoid doing stuff like Nan Bield as there is a lot of carrying involved and there are loads of excellent trails which are a lot more rideable. However, if the weather is good and you want that feeling of being up high with your bike then go for it.
Try posting up on [url= http://www.ridethelakes.co.uk/cms/ ] Ride The Lakes [/url], and see if any locals are around on dates that suit you,or any rides take your fancy?
Theres an MBR route thats an anti cockwise 20mile loop of conniston, it effin hurts! Took me 4 hours but that was an unfit me.
Plenty of good riding away form the usual honeypots, just grab an OS map and draw a loop, just bear in mind that your average speed may well be half what you expect it to be!
Forgot to add you need a new skill in your locker. Surfing the collection of rocks that makes up a lot of the descents
wow ! lots to take in, thanks for the advice all.. GPS is locked and loaded.. just what to pick now.. 100mm ST4 fun enough for riding up there ?
You'll be fine on 100mm travel - just pick your lines in the rockier sections.
I'd like to cast a vote for the trails around Broughton Moor / Dunnerdale too - some super riding to be had around here, although might be a stretch to visit, depending on where in the Lakes you're staying.