I’m thinking of going to the Lakes in a couple of weeks time for the weekend (birthday treat :-). Where would be a good place to be based to have options for glorious winter sunshine or bucketing it down raining? Ambleside? High Street if it’s nice? Anywhere else?

Thanks!

Personally Ambleside is your best central location, conditions are damp but fully rideable Several loops you can do from there!

My only contribution would be to suggest you stay well away from Highstreet unless it’s frozen solid!
Loads of all-weather stuff from Ambleside: Loughrig, Claife, Iron Keld, etc.

If you’re going to Ambleside, be aware that this road was completely closed on Dec 30th due to flooding and the River Rothay was racing along at one hell of a rate. The road was over a foot deep in places.

No idea how much it’s changed since then but I know there’s been a lot more rain.

Stick to low(ish) level rocky stuff and you’ll be fine. I wouldn’t go near High Street after weather like that!