Destination: Grizedale, near Hawkshead, Cumbria

Most people wanting the trail centre experience in the Lake District head for Whinlatter but, if you’re willing to use your imagination and a map, the combination of purpose built trails and the Lake District’s bridleways at Grizedale can make for a great day’s riding.

How to get there

From the north, approaching via Ambleside, the forest is signposted from the B5285 in Hawkshead village. The main visitor centre and car park is two miles along the road.

From the south, take the A5092 to Greenodd and turn right at Penny Bridge onto the road signed Colton and Oxen Park, then follow signs for Satterthwaite.

Sat Nav: LA22 0QJ

Facilities

On-site bike shop and a visitor centre with cafe and toilets.

Trails

There are five marked trails, ranging from 3km to 23km, that utilise the forest roads and bridleways. They’re all non-technical but worth exploring if you just want to get some miles into your legs. The red graded 16km North Face trail mixes up a fair amount of fire road with some fun singletrack sections. There’s nothing scary technical but some
rocky sections, off-camber boardwalks and tight switchback climbs make a clean run a reasonable challenge. The final swooping descent into the trail centre is top notch and will leave you grinning over your tea and cake.

There’s a short (1km) new black downhill run that is best described as a two-parter. The first half is steep, technical and rocky with some tight turns and reasonable drops. The second half opens out into a fast, swoopy and jumpy run-in. With each run you’ll keep getting faster and faster.

Nearest bike shop

Grizedale Mountain Bikes www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk

Other info

Do take a map and explore off the marked trails and out of the forest. There’s some great riding to be had.

Parking is £1.40 for an hour, £2.70 for two hours, £4.50 for four hours and £5.80 for all day.

Useful links

http://visitlakelandforests.co.uk/index.php/your-forests/grizedale/biking

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