Mountain Biking in the Lake District

Discover why the Lake District is one of the UK's finest mountain biking destinations, where dramatic fell passes, technical singletrack, and stunning lakeside trails offer outstanding riding for every level of ability. From short loops around Loughrigg Fell and the Langdales to full-day epics over the Garburn Pass and a complete circumnavigation of Windermere, the Lake District delivers spectacular scenery and memorable riding in equal measure.

Suitable for novice and expert riders alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guide describes 24 graded circular mountain bike routes across the Lake District, from Kendal in the south to Cleator Moor in the northwest and Keswick to Winster in the Lyth Valley. Routes are arranged by difficulty and length, from short loops of a few hours to full-day challenges, with 1:50,000 OS map extracts and elevation profiles included for every ride.

• Choose from 24 graded circular MTB routes across the Lake District, with 7 short loops, 6 medium loops, 4 long loops, and 4 full-day rides, taking in trails from Borrowdale and Hawkshead to Kentmere, Grizedale, Haweswater, and Dunnerdale.
• Select routes by grade, percentage off-road, length, or time using a clear at-a-glance summary table, with routes graded blue (medium), red (hard), and black (very hard) to suit novice riders through to expert MTBers looking for a serious challenge.
• Discover the highlights of Lake District MTB, including the dramatic Garburn and Gatesgarth passes, the Tour de Windermere circumnavigation, the Grizedale Grunt, the Blencathra and Old Coach Road circuit, and views across Coniston Water, Ullswater, Derwent Water, and Haweswater.
• Navigate every route with confidence using OS 1:50,000 map extracts and elevation profiles, with numbered references linking the route text, map, and profile together to help you stay on track at every junction.
• Plan your rides with practical information on getting to the Lake District, accommodation, equipment, bike checks, food, rights of way, and a full appendix of bike shops in the region.
• Ride year-round, with most routes suitable in all seasons and clear guidance on which routes are best reserved for periods of good weather and drier trail conditions.

Take on the trails, passes, and fells of the Lake District with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guide. Whether you're after a short blue-graded loop or a full-day black-graded epic, this is the essential companion for mountain biking in one of England's finest off-road riding destinations.