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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
25 - 31 miles
Ride Description
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Day 1 - Arrival
Thursday (Friday on a Bank Holiday)
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: 0 miles, 0km
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Day 2 – Grizedale forest
Friday (BH Saturday)
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: 31 miles , 49km
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Day 3 - Garburn pass and the green quarter
Saturday (BH Sunday)
Again pedalling from the door we are heading towards the Kentmere valley and its 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 into 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: 25 miles 40Km
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Day 4 - The quarries and Lougrigg
Sunday (BH Monday)
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 trails 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 15:30 - 16:00 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: 27 miles , 43km