Whether cycling along the quiet roads or thundering down the mountainside on your bike the Lake District offers a fantastic combination of stunning views and a great array of purpose built tracks. The Lake District was recently voted the Number One destination in the UK for mountain bikers by What Mountain Bike magazine. Below are some of the places you can hire bikes and equipment and also a few suggestions on where to go cycling.
NB Please remember that the weather can change quickly in the Lake District especially on higher hills. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, take extra layers, food and drink.
Bikes and biking equipment can be hired from Summitreks in Coniston Village call 015394 41822 for more information or click here to visit their website.
The North Face Mountain Bike Trail Grizedale Forest Tel: 01229 860010
The North Face Trail is the North West of England's first purpose built mountain bike trail. Starting at the visitor centre and consisting of a 16km loop which includes 9 sections of sinuous singletrack trail on the west side of Grizedale Forest. The trail offers adrenaline pumping sections of single track descent along with leg burning ascents contouring through oak woodlands and conifer forest. This challenging trail also gives the mountain biker tricky board walk sections through meadows, yet rewards success with outstanding views along the way.
The Altura Trail Whinlatter Forest Park Tel: 017687 78469
Whinlatter Forest Park is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The Altura Trail puts the mountain back into biking and has been built for experienced riders with good off road skills and a higher level of fitness and stamina. The trail is a 19 kilometre red grade mountain bike route which includes 15 kilometres of new single track. There are challenging single track sections and popular features like berms, jumps, rock features, skinnies, cork screws and table tops. There are also fantatsic views of Derwent water, Bassenthwaite, Helvelyn and Skiddaw as the trail takes the rider to an altitude of 500m (1600ft) above Keswick.
Grizedale Forest Grizedale Forest Tel: 01229 860010
As well as containing the North Face Trail Grizedale Forest also caters for novice bikers and families with runs a little less challenging. Information on these routes can be found at the Grizedale Visito Centre and also by clicking here.
Mountain Bike Hire
Grizedale Mountain Bikes Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre Tel: 01229 860 369
Hawkshead Tourist Information Centre Hawkshead Tel: 015394 36946 Mob. 07973695253
Biketreks Ambleside Tel: 015394 31245
Ghyllside Cycles Ambleside Tel: 015394 33592
Country Lanes Lake District Windermere Tel: 015394 44544
Mountain Bike Guides
Right Track Mountain Bike Guides
