The Lakeland 200 is a 200km loop around The Lake District national park. The route takes in some amazing trails and scenery.
Lake District routes
It’s not grim ‘oop north.
We’re here to tell you that the Lakes is still one of the finest destinations for riding in the whole of the UK and here’s our pick of the best Lake District mountain bike routes.
In comparison to the Lake District, the rest of England looks like a collection of small, grassy mounds. If you want some proper gradient then the Lakes is the place for you.
The Lake District delivers what a certain variety of rider likes to call ‘proper mountain biking’. A ride will undoubtedly feature a section of hike-a-biking, deep bogs will sap your speed and the only hint of flow you’ll find will be when the steep, rocky trail turns into a river under your wheels.
There are also some easy mountain bike routes in the Lake District, so if you’re a new rider or don’t fancy an epic we’ve got plenty to offer.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t fun though. The Lake District will test your skills to breaking point. There’s no hint of manicured, artificial trails here just you vs the mountain.
Walna Scar Road, Lake District route
We revisit this iconic Lakeland route but this time we mix classic Walna Scar Road with some detours from the back of an envelope...
Dunnerdale Fells, Lake District route
Flowing singletrack has never been a calling card of the Lake District, which is perhaps why this little loop has become such a firm favourite…
Lake District Stake Pass, Northern England route
Stake Pass is brutal, intimidating, and downright hard, Stake Pass is also rewarding, fun to ride (when you’re not pushing) and achingly beautiful.
Ambleside All-Weather, Lake District route
Download the free GPS route for this all-weather classic near Ambleside
Ambleside, Lake District route
Ride the Ambleside route from the March issue of mbr magazine
Sticks Pass and Helvellyn, Lake District route
One of England's great rides: start at Patterdale, climb the Helvellyn ridge then descend Sticks Pass
Garburn Pass, Lake District route
This classic Lakeland pass is a rite of passage for every British mountain biker.
Wasdale, Wastwater route
Ride the Wasdale, Lake District route from the March issue of mbr magazine.
Warnscale Pass, Lake District route
Fancy tackling Warnscale Pass - one of the Lake District's toughest descents? Just download our free route here, from the December 2012 issue.
Ullswater, Lake District route
Check out this great mountain bike route taking in Ullswater and Boredale Hause in the Lake District
Nan Bield, Lake District route
Download the .gpx file for Nan Bield, one of the Lake District's best mountain bike routes.
Come back to Whinlatter Forest urge Forestry Commission
“It’s been a tough time through the autumn and winter so we’re glad to be getting back to normal.”
Five lesser known but great routes in the Lakes and Dales
The Yorkshire Dales and the Lake Distract grew closer in 2016, which means these five rides are now protected by National Park status.
Where to ride this weekend: Claife Heights, Lake District
Here's an all-weather route in the Lakes that you may not have heard of - Claife Heights on the west side of Lake Windermere.
Grizedale Forest natural route
Grizedale, in the Lakes, is more than just a great trail centre: go off-piste and there's an amazing web of natural singletrack you can work…