SAM Itinerary Title
Lake District MTB - 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 foothills 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 for unforgettable days out.
Having a local guide allows you to ride all the classic descents and take in the epic viewpoints, with the added security of their 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, 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, this Lake District MTB holiday is ideal, with its combination of steady climbs and descents requiring your full concentration.
Usual daily distances:
40 to 50km
25 - 31 miles
Terrain:
The ancient network of bridleways grants us access to a diverse range of remote tracks and trails. These paths are often rocky, generally flow smoothly, and occasionally connect through quiet country backroads, offering a truly varied riding experience on this trip.
If you'd like to learn more about the mountain biking, the guiding, or anything else, please get in touch, and one of our team members will get back to you.
Ride Description
Day 1 - Arrival
Thursday (Friday on a Bank Holiday)
The tour runs from Ambleside, located 19 miles from the M6 motorway, which is also accessible by train or local bus. If you need a group transfer from an airport, please contact us for a quote.
You’re welcome to arrive at any time this afternoon to settle into our selected guesthouse. As guests will be arriving at different times, our guide will meet with you the following morning to kick off the ride.
Meals Included: None
Cycling: 0 miles, 0km
Day 2 – Grizedale forest
Friday (BH Saturday)
Riding from the guesthouse, today we head into Grizedale 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 singletrack, and local 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, we will, of course, find time to taste the finest in the area along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling: 31 miles , 49km
After a fantastic day on the bike, the good times keep rolling back in Ambleside. With so many great places to eat, we leave the evening dining choice up to the group. Because our riders are all like-minded mountain bikers, everyone naturally gels and gets on brilliantly—and while our local guides head home to their families for the evening, heading out together to pick a spot, grab some local food, and share trail stories always makes for a brilliant night.
Day 3 - Three Rivers and the Green Quarter
Saturday (BH Sunday)
Pedalling straight from the door, we head towards the Kentmere Valley and its fantastic trail network. Big views are the order of the day as the open fell beckons.
The trails here—including Green Quarter, Three Rivers, and HP Woods—offer a bit of everything: steady climbs, swoopy singletrack, and rock-scattered descents, creating a true mix of what Lake District riding is all about.
Continuing our loop deeper into the valley network in the afternoon, we link up more of the area's superb singletrack and fun descents. This network has something for everyone and provides an ideal introduction to 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
Day 4 - The quarries and Lougrigg
Sunday (BH Monday)
Jumping straight onto a gravel cycleway, we warm up by pedalling towards Iron Keld and its 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 region. Skirting around many of the small lakes, you will pass through charming villages such as Little Langdale and Elterwater, heading towards Loughrigg and its spectacular terrace trail. Deep in William Wordsworth country, you will soon see why this area inspired such creativity, as you struggle not to stare at the views.
We aim to be back in Ambleside by 15:30 – 16:00 today so you can pack up and make your journey home. If you would like an extra night's accommodation, please let us know and we can arrange this for you.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling: 27 miles , 43km