LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

GETTING THERE

Windermere (9 miles from Grasmere, where the sportive now starts) nationalrail.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK

Tweedies Bar in Grasmere serves up excellent pub grub and ale. There’s also the Macdonald Swan Hotel, just out of town on the A591

WHERE TO STAY

The first and only time Cycling Plus has ridden the Fred since the start moved to Grasmere, we stayed at the Forest Side. Excellent hotel and location, just over the road from the start line.

BIKE SHOPS

Wheelbase, Staveley, near Kendal wheelbase.co.uk; Biketreks, Ambleside bike-treks.co.uk

THE EVENT

The event, on Sunday 7 May, costs £60 to enter. The ballot closed on 22 January, though charity places, which ask you to pay £250 plus the entry fee, may still be available, with money raised going to charity. Throughout the year riders can complete the same route on the self-supported Four Seasons Fred with timing cards available at fredwhittonchallenge.org. uk/fourseasons.php.