THE LAKE DISTRICT’S SECRET RIDES

Cut loose from the crowds and explore Cumbria’s less-travelled trails

BLACK COMBE 15.3KM (9.5 MILES)

Cumbria’s most south-westerly lump is a simple beast, both in appearance and in navigation. There’s one track over

Black Combe, so finding your way is, literally, straight forward… which, in an area where the weather typically consists of varying densities of cloud and rain, is a good thing. Get it on a fine day though and you’ll be treated to some dazzling views over the water to Lancashire and even Wales. While

15km might seem short, with 750m of climbing this route packs a decent amount of altitude into its length.

GPS download bit.ly/blackcombe

MITREDALE 20.2KM (12.6 MILES)

Nestled in between Wasdale and Eskdale, Mitredale is easily overlooked, so much so it’s often dubbed The Hidden Valley.

It’s not particularly long, has no claims to fame or major tourist attractions, but this means that it’s often quiet when everywhere else is heaving. This loop is like a classic Lakes ride in miniature with a little bit of everything along the way, from loose, rock descents to empty fell tops, making it a good option for newcomers to the Lakes, and West Cumbria in particular. GPS download bit.ly/mitredale

GREAT ASBY SCAR 35.3KM (21.9 MILES)

A ride through the Yorkshire Dales, in Cumbria. Thanks to a bit of administrative border redrawing a few years ago, the Lake District is not the only National Park in Cumbria. The east of the county has always had a slightly Dales feel, so its inclusion in the Yorkshire Dales National Park does make some kind of sense. Starting a stone’s throw from Tebay services, the hulking Howgills might hog the limelight, but this ride is all about the limestone pavement at Great Asby Scar. Definitely one to tick off in your geological I-spy book.

GPS download bit.ly/greatasbyscar

MUNCASTER 24.2KM (15 MILES)

Not every ride in Cumbria needs to be an epic. This route is just a particularly pleasant exploration of some of the tamer, but no less picturesque, parts of the Western Fells. The ride starts in the rugged tree-lined Eskdale valley before climbing up to the grassy savannah of Birker Fell and the lesser-known gem that is Devoke Water. With views into the central Lakeland Fells and then out to the Irish Sea, this ride shows that Cumbrian riding rocks, even without the rock.

GPS download bit.ly/muncasterride

HIGH STILE 11.5KM (7.1 MILES)

One up, one down, some of the best views in Cumbria. What’s not to love? Well, if you’re not willing to put the work in, this route is not for you and while it might be short, it’s not to be underestimated. The hike – and it is a proper hike – up to Red Pike is brutal and the descent down

Gamlin End and Scarth Gap Pass is properly technical from top to bottom. But that’s why you want to do it, right? If you get to the end and want more of the same, take a look at the Four Passes ride – you can probably work out what you’ll be getting yourself into.

GPS download bit.ly/highstile