FULLY EXPOSED

Exposed trails are equal parts thrilling and intimidating, whether clinging to a steep hillside, teetering along a ridgeline or just leaving you at the mercy of the elements

BRENT MOOR, DARTMOOR 32.6KM (20.3 MILES)

There’s something about open moorland that makes you feel more exposed than if you were on a mountain. A mountain has a top and a bottom but being in a landscape that seems to have no beginning or end can really get to you. Dartmoor is one of those places. Some might call it bleak, others beautiful, a place to get lost in or to discover what real exposure feels like. With a well-defined track for much of it – not always guaranteed elsewhere on Dartmoor – this is a great route to experience moorland exposure without too great a risk.

Just watch out for the big cats…

GPS download bit.ly/brentmoor

BEN MACDUI, THE CAIRNGORMS 34.9KM (21.6 MILES)

This route comes with a huge warning label slapped on it. There will be hike-a-bike, there will be pushing, there will be no easy way out and if the weather is anything less than perfect, we’d strongly suggest leaving it for another day. This is not a ride for those without mountain experience. Venturing into some of the most wild and inaccessible parts of an already wild and inaccessible area, you need to be on your game and know what to do if things go sideways. All that said, if you’re game for this bit of the Highlands then you’ll be treated to some of the most incredible scenery from the top of Scotland’s second highest mountain.

GPS download bit.ly/benmacdui

THE CHEVIOTS 61.7KM (38.3 MILES)

Split 50/50 between England and Scotland, this ride does exposure in a less obvious manner. The rolling hills of the Scottish borders look gentle, and with its farms and country roads, you’d think it would be tame. But this is a tough part of the world, exposed and empty in places – enough so to keep the Roman empire at bay and gain a reputation for lawlessness with the Border Reivers. In truth, weather plays a massive part in this ride. A dry and still day will make this a pleasant route, a dreich or windy one will be a tough affair that will have you looking in your pack for a second jacket and jam sandwich. GPS download bit.ly/cheviots

HIGH STREET, THE LAKE DISTRICT 61.0KM (37.9 MILES)

No, this isn’t a ride down Penrith town centre, this High Street is actually a high street. Used by the Romans to link the Eden Valley with the central Lakes in the most direct way possible, it plots a straight line up and over the Lakeland Fells with little regard for anything other than optimum efficiency.

On a bike this means you gain height quickly, but it’s not easy going. Often soft under tyre, tricky to navigate when the cloud descends and completely open to the elements, it leaves nowhere to hide. The descent towards Windermere is fun though, and the return leg throws in some ace descents; Garburn Pass and the Old Corpse Road down to Haweswater add excitement to exposure.

GPS download bit.ly/highstreetride

RHYD DDU, SNOWDON 23.7KM (14.7 MILES)

Rhyd Ddu is the most technically testing trail on Snowdon. From the summit, you ride along the ridgelines of Bwlch Main and Llechog where the sense of exposure is very real and the penalty for straying off the trail is very high. If strong winds are forecast, the Ranger Path is a safer bet down. Away from the perilous edges, things don’t get much easier. Being essentially one long rock garden, it’s slippy when wet and will give your arms a proper workout. Don’t be put off, though, Snowdon’s toughest and most exposed descent is also its most rewarding by far.

GPS download bit.ly/rhydddu