The Lake District is a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and mountain bikers are no exception. The region boasts a variety of bike parks and trails that cater to riders of all skill levels, offering a thrilling and scenic experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best bike parks in the Lake District, highlighting their unique features and facilities.
Whinlatter Forest: The Longest Purpose-Built Trail
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the region, the 19km red-graded Altura Trail. This challenging trail features a variety of technical features, including single-track sections, berms, jumps, rock features, skinnies, cork screws, and tabletops. For those seeking a less demanding ride, the forest also offers the blue-graded Quercus Trail and the 10km Gorse Trail along forest fire roads.
Whinlatter Forest boasts excellent facilities, including bike and e-bike rentals from Cyclewise, as well as skills and bike maintenance courses. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, Whinlatter Forest is a must-visit destination for mountain bikers in the Lake District.
Grizedale Forest: Intermediate and Advanced Trails
Grizedale Forest is another popular destination for mountain bikers in the Lake District. The forest features several trails, including the red-graded North Face MTB Trail and the black-graded Black MTB Trail, catering to intermediate and advanced riders. These trails offer a thrilling and challenging experience, with technical features and stunning scenery.
Bike rentals are available at Grizedale Forest, making it a convenient option for those who don’t have their own equipment. The forest’s trails are suitable for riders of various skill levels, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Silkeborg BikePark: Trails for All Skill Levels
Located just outside the Lake District, Silkeborg BikePark offers a variety of tracks marked by color to indicate complexity. This bike park is suitable for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The park’s well-maintained trails and facilities make it a popular destination for mountain bikers looking to explore the region.
Nordskoven: Three Distinct MTB Tracks
Nordskoven, another bike park near the Lake District, features three distinct MTB tracks: a 9.4km blue track, an 11.5km red track, and a 12.4km black track. These trails cater to riders of various skill levels, providing a diverse range of experiences for mountain bikers.
Bike Hire Facilities in the Lake District
The Lake District offers several bike hire facilities, making it easy for visitors to explore the region’s trails without the need to bring their own equipment. Some of the popular options include:
- Cyclewise at Whinlatter Forest: Offers bike and e-bike rentals, as well as skills and bike maintenance courses.
- Grizedale Forest: Provides bike rentals for riders of various skill levels.
- Keswick: Several places in the town offer mountain bike rentals, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding trails.
Popular Trails in the Lake District for Mountain Biking
In addition to the bike parks, the Lake District is home to several popular trails that offer a thrilling and scenic mountain biking experience. Some of the must-try trails include:
- The Borrowdale Bash: A loop starting and ending in Keswick, featuring excellent scenery and technical sections.
- Helvellyn: Suitable for very experienced riders, offering challenging ascents and descents with breathtaking views.
- Duddon Valley: Features a short but technical trail with rocky patches, challenging ascents, and scenic views.
- Loughrigg Terrace: Offers a scenic ride with lovely views of Grasmere and the surrounding area.
- Black Combe: A medium-difficulty trail with challenging climbs and scenic views.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountain biker, the Lake District has something to offer. From the well-maintained bike parks to the challenging and scenic trails, this region is a true paradise for those who love to explore the great outdoors on two wheels.
Reference:
– Whinlatter Forest Bike Trails
– Grizedale Forest Bike Trails
– Silkeborg BikePark
– Nordskoven Bike Trails