WHINLATTER

Whinlatter’s location is stunning. None of the official riding here is super-gnarly or steep, and the trails thread their way sinuously through the trees rather than throwing you down the kind of boulder-strewn descents the Lakes are known for. The red-graded Altura route is split into north and south loops, and the climbs are engaging, with few boring fireroad slogs to be found. In winter it feels ancient, almost primordial, here, as you weave through the trees, past mounds of emerald moss and with glimpses of huge grey mountains.

Some of the best flow sections are in the second half of the north loop, once you’ve climbed to a chunky 550m. Starting out on top of the hill, ‘Happy Days’ is a real speed generator and builds pace through a series of fast, rough turns before eventually diving back into dark trees. It feels really organic and raw for a manmade trail. Shortly after, the final switchbacks of ‘Big Dipper’ and ‘Grand National’ deliver the forest’s highest speeds. Going flatout on Whinlatter’s rock-laced surface works your suspension and pushes the limits of tyre grip, so if you’re really flying, some features and turns demand careful attention.

The south loop has a long, near-continuous descent, with small jumps and linked turns that breed speed and test your nerve. Whinlatter’s not just an all-weather option, it’s a wicked alternative to the natural Lakes riding that’s simply not possible in bad weather or without huge hike-a-bike missions, and one that transcends its old-school trail centre formula.