GRIZEDALE FOREST, LAKE DISTRICT

Distance 33.6km (20.9 miles) Climbing 1,160m (3,805ft) Time 3hrs to 5hrs

Route summary: A superb wild and rocky ride along natural, technical trails, taking in a short section of the excellent North Face manmade trail. Sheltered and good in the wet. Start/finish: Hawkshead car park (postcode LA22 0NT, grid ref: SD 354/981).

LOCATION DETAILS: The rugged Lake District National Park covers 2,362km2 and is full of picturesque landscapes and wonderful technical riding. Conditions can change quickly, though, so if the forecast is uncertain, it’s best to stay low. This route proves there’s a lot of great riding to be had off the mountaintops.

GETTING THERE: Grizedale Forest is just west of Windermere and can be reached via the ferry from Windermere village. If driving, take the A591 to Ambleside and then the A593 and B5286 to Hawkshead, following the Grizedale signs on the right, up a tiny lane, for two miles.

MAPS AND BOOKS: Ordnance Survey Landranger 97: Kendal & Morecambe. Lake District Mountain Bike Routes: 22 Classic Routes in the Cumbrian Fells and Dales by Tom Hutton (Out There Guides).

FACILITIES: Stay at the YHA Hawkshead Hostel by Esthwaite Water (0345 371 9321, www.yha.org.

uk) or Pepper House in Satterthwaite (01229 860206). See www.lakedistrict.gov.uk for more options. For refreshments on the route, there’s The Eagle’s Head pub in Satterwaite (01229 890237) and the Tower Bank Arms pub and the Belle Green tearoom in Near Sawrey. Grizedale Visitor Centre has a big car park, good cafe, toilets and a great bike shop with hire, demos and a fully-stocked workshop (01229 860335, www.velobikes.co.uk).