Secret Ambleside - Lake District Riding - Full Itinerary

The Mountain Biking - Introduction

The UNESCO world heritage site of the Lake District is well known for its rugged mountain tops and ancient high level passes, but its’ valleys and foot hills also have so much to offer for the mountain biker.

If you have explored the many MTB trail centres scattered all over the UK and fancy something a little different, then this centre based, long weekend break is for you. With a superb network of bridleways the area surrounding Ambleside, in the heart of the lake district, makes for some truly amazing riding and our guides know how to link them together making for unforgettable days out.

Having a local guide allows you to ride all the classic descents, take in the epic view points and you will always have the security of their handy bike repair skills if the trail bites. If you have tackled some red graded trail centre routes and want to test your skills on some ‘proper’ terrain, then look no further, this is the tour for you. If you are looking at booking an Alps, or further afield MTB holiday and want to brush up on your natural riding then the Lake District is ideal, with its combination of steady climbs and descents requiring your full concentration.

Usual daily distances: 40 to 50km
Days of cycling: 3
Terrain: The ancient rights of way network, known as bridleways, allows us access to an exceptional variety of remote tracks and trails. Often rocky, mostly flowing and sometimes accessed by sections of quiet country backroads, there is real diversity on this trip.
Tour staff: 1 Mountain bike guide, qualified, local to The Lakes and an expert on all of the trails, their variations and their challenges.

If you want to find out more about the mountain biking, the guiding or anything else about the tour – please just give us a call. Our office team is always ready to help with enquiries.

Day 1 Thursday (Friday on a Bank Holiday) – Arrival

The tour is run from Ambleside which is 19miles from the M6 motorway and is also accessible via train/local bus. If you require a group transfer from an airport then get in touch for a quote.
You are free to arrive at any point in the afternoon today to get settled into our chosen guest house. With people arriving at different times today our CycleActive guide will meet up with you the following day to get the riding started.

Meals Included: None
Cycling: 0Km

Day 2 Friday (BH Saturday) – Grizedale forest

Riding from the guest house, today we head into Grizdale forest, with its amazing network of byways and bridleways. While the majority of bikers visiting the area pedal around the North Face MTB trail, we explore the true trail gems of the area with, rock slabs, rooty single track and the locals favourites such as the Fox and Breasty Haw! (yes that’s an actual place) Once you have pedalled these you will never dream of riding the red route again! If you are a fan of cake or maybe even ice cream, then we will of course find time to taste the finest in the area along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling: 49Km

Day 3 Saturday (BH Sunday) - Garburn pass and the green quarter

Again pedalling from the door we are heading towards the Kentmere valley and it’s trail network. Big views are the manner of the day, with the open fell beckoning. The green quarter has a bit of everything, with steady climbs, swoopy singletrack and rock scattered descents, all making for a true mix of what the Lake District is all about. The infamous Garburn pass is tackled in the afternoon with the ascent made in true local style (hike-a-bike), allowing for the super-fast and fun descent onto Troutbeck. This pass has something for everyone and is an ideal introduction into the upland riding the area has to offer.

After another day on the bike you get to explore Ambleside’s many eating spots, pubs or even watch a film at the cinema. You could even spoil yourself with a trip to the spa, if your body is needing some TLC.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling: 40Km

Day 4 Sunday (BH Monday) - The quarries and Lougrigg

Jumping straight onto a gravel cycleway we warmup by pedalling towards Iron Keld and it’s rocky route heading towards the slate quarries of Tilberthwaite. This low lying woodland area hides huge disused quarries, along with some of the best, all weather trials in the area. Skirting around many of the small lakes, you will pass through small villages such as Little Langdale and Elterwater heading towards Loughrigg and it’s spectacular terrace trail. Deep in William Wordsworth country, you will soon see why this area gave him such creativity, as you struggle to not look at the views.

We aim to be back into Ambleside for 3:30-4 today so you can pack up and make your journey home. If you would like an extra nights accommodation then please just let us know and we can arrange this for you.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling: 43Km

FURTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION

Accommodation on tour

The price you pay for your holiday includes all 3 nights accommodation, in good guesthouses and friendly, small hotels or country inns - all carefully selected by us. The accommodation is based on two people sharing each room, and includes a large English breakfast each morning. If you wish to have sole occupancy of a room for the whole tour a supplement will be payable. Please see the website for the cost of single occupancy.

Cycling Support
Throughout the holiday you’ll only need to carry the clothing, equipment and food you need each day. As each ride is a loop, starting and finishing at Biketreks bike shop in the heart of Ambleside.
The guide leading this tour will always be a highly experienced, qualified leader and instructor, with a Mountain Leader qualification in addition to the top level MBLA Mountain Bike Leader qualification. They will also be an expert in the local trails and terrain, know how to avoid problems, fix bikes and get local assistance if needed. However, some bike problems are not easy to fix on a ride and for this reason we suggest that you bring a bike that is in good working order. Our guide will travel with a fairly comprehensive toolkit and selection of spares, and you can put your own items in your bags to travel with you from night to night too. If necessary there are bike shops along the way, which can help with major repairs.

Cycle Rental

If you want to use your own bike for this trip then you are welcome to do so, although we strongly recommend that you go through our pre-tour bike preparation notes with care. If you prefer to rent, we offer excellent bikes from Trek. Please call us to discuss bike rental so we can find the right option for you.

Clothing and Equipment
On booking, a detailed list of useful and essential items will be sent to you. You must bring your own, properly fitting cycle helmet that must be worn for all cycle rides.