DOWNHILL DELIGHTS

Five routes with the best, chunkiest descents in the UK

LAKES – NAN BIELD 16.4KM (10.2MILES)

A classic, and for good reason. After the brutal hike-a-bike up Nan Bield Pass from Haweswater, the sight of the trail twisting its way down the other side of the pass towards Kentmere is a sight for sore legs (weather permitting). Those twists and turns are deceiving. Despite looking like they will be full of flow, they are rocky and unforgiving – much like a good DH track. The trail then eases off, opens up and it’s death-grip time, just watch out for sheep. At the bottom you have a choice – cross over to Longsleddale and back over the much tamer Gatescarth Pass or turn around and ride/push back up to the Nan Bield Pass summit and ride down the mess of rocks you pushed up earlier. The choice is yours.

GPS download bit.ly/nanbield