Lower Man
Lower Man is a 925m (3,035ft) mountain in the Helvellyn range of mountains in the Lake District. The main bridleway that runs the length of the ridge passes right over the Lower Man summit
From here the bridleway heads north, descending technically at first then smoothing off later before climbing again onto the summit of White Side. There’s also an alternative route of the ridge if you turn left in the dip between these two summits.
The the west there’s a footpath leading off the ridge, but obviously off limits to bikes. To the south east is the mighty Helvellyn – meaning a further climb to the summit, but worth it for the amazing views.
Added on 28th August 2010
Statistics
- Distance: 30km (19mi)
- Ascent: 1,366m (4,482ft)
- Effort: 4/5
- Technical: 4/5
- Scenery: 5/5
- Off-road: 76%
Summary
Our second Helvellyn route (the first is here) takes a slightly different approach. We tried to consider which of the many bridleways on the ridge are actually the most ridable, and this is what we came up with.
This route starts one the Thirlmere side of the Helvellyn range, from the carpark at Thirlspot. We climb from here on an old pony track onto the ridge, a lot of which is surprisingly rideable. After a quick there-and-back of the summit (ok then, maybe not quick!), the route follows the whole ridge from south to north before descending from Great Dodd on grassy singletrack. Finally, a blast along the Old Coach Road and a short road section gets you back to the car.
Read the rest of this route »
Route Tags:
Big Mountain Routes,
Great Dodd,
Helvellyn,
Lower Man,
Matterdale Common,
Old Coach Road,
Raise,
Ridge Route,
Singletrack,
Stybarrow Dodd,
Thirlmere,
Thirlspot,
Watson's Dodd,
White Side
Added on 11th October 2009
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 »
Route Tags:
Big Mountain Routes,
Dollywaggon Pike,
Glenridding,
Grisedale,
Grisedale Tarn,
Helvellyn,
High Crag,
Lower Man,
Nethermost Pike,
Raise,
Ridge Route,
Ruthwaite Lodge,
Sticks Pass,
White Side
