Glenridding is small village at the southern tip of Ullswater, and the northern end of the Kirkstone Pass. It’s position makes it the perfect base for attempting one of the many Helvellyn routes.
If you’re staying in the lakes then Gillside Campsite is ideally situated in the shadow of Helvellyn, and the Traveller’s Rest pub serves food and is within stumbling distance of the campsite.
The following routes either start, end or pass through Glenridding:
Glenridding
Helvellyn (Sticks Pass & Grisedale Route)
Statistics
- Distance: 20km (12mi)
- Ascent: 1,077m (3,534ft)
- Effort: 3/5
- Technical: 4/5
- Scenery: 4/5
- Off-road: 91%
Summary
This is a technical and strenuous route taking you to the summit and back of England’s highest peak legally accessible by mountain bike, Helvellyn.
Although this shouldn't be attempted by the faint-hearted, the promise of 1,077m of descending offers enough motivation to make all the climbing worth it. This combined with the breathtaking views across the Lake District and as far as Scotland on a clear day should be enough to put Helvellyn firmly on any serious mountain biker's to-do list. So what are you waiting for?
Read the rest of this route »Ullswater Circuit
Statistics
- Distance: 35km (22mi)
- Ascent: 875m (2,871ft)
- Effort: 3/5
- Technical: 4/5
- Scenery: 4/5
- Off-road: 39%
Summary
This route is perferct if you fancy something technical, but without too much effort because it involves hardly any climbing and yet it still manages to take in what is probably the best technical bridleway in the country – the Ullswater lakeside path from Howtown to Glenridding. Not only is the technical riding superb, it also affords breathtaking views across Ullswater.
The only downside of this ride is the long road section it starts with. The first 11 miles are on-road but this just serves as access to the ride itself, and it’s over in no time anyway and the scenery is fantastic.
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