Good mountain biking routes & youth hostals in the lake district?

Brodel

I've gotten fed up of trying to motivate my friends to go on a 3-4 day biking holiday, so I've decided to go by myself.

I live in London but was looking to go somewhere in the Lake District. I'm a student so don't have a car and have little money but was thinking about spending around 4 days cycling between youth hostels and was wondering if anyone knew of some good routes.

I imagine I'll take the train up and go from there so it would need to be somewhere that is fairly easy to get to from London but I don't really want to be riding along nice flat paths all day, and would prefer something a lot more advanced and challenging, possibly designated downhill mtb routes if they exist there.

Has anyone here done this before and have advice or suggestions of other places to go?

thanks in advance

JanetG

Hi Brodel

I can't help with the biking specific information but I did go to Windermere on the train last week. Form London, you would have to catch the train at Euston then get off at Oxenholme. From there, you can catch a connection to Windermere.

I don't know if you're planning to bring your own bike, but if not, there is a bike hire place at Windermere station. Also, YHA have a deal with Budgie Bikes - see this link:

http://www.yha.org.uk/Types_of_Accommodation/Activities/Budgie_Bike_Hire.html

At the station was a YHA minibus which apparently picks up travellers and drops them off at various Youth Hostels in the Lakes. I think it runs about 4 times a day. I can't remember all the hostels that it serves, but I'm sure it does Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, Coniston etc. I can't find any information about it on the YHA site though, so I think you'd have to call them for further information.

Hope this helps.

Janet

alric

there's a good route round skiddaw.and someone mentioned High street
Also Grizedale forest has new trails which have been recommended IIRC
Put a post on Singletrackworld, you'll get good mtb advice there, or even bikemagic
talking about more technical riding, but I think riding up helvellyn is for masochists.
there's a specialized bike shop in ambleside which has loads of stock, they will be able to help you with routes etc.
don't forget a map and compass

alric

Scotland the 7stanes and glentress is the place to go,but the centres are out in the wilds,you really need a car
forest of dean ,and wales have excellent biking too but I think the Lakes is the best bet if you don't have a car
I know a few people from London that regularly ride nr Bedford, if you fancy a day out,but it's not really xc, more freeride, lots to learn on

oramgepekoe

For something closer to home, have you tried Aston Hill Mountain Bike Centre in Wendover Woods in the Chilterns. Train stations at Wendover (3 miles) or Tring (6 miles).

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/EnglandBuckinghamshireWendoverWoodsAstonHill

http://www.astonhill.com/area.htm

Shaun_d123

Brodel

Have a look here, they do organised MTB breaks in the Lake District. Probably not as cheap as Youth Hosteling but you will be cycling in a group that may prove a more social affair than being out on your own

Have a good one
Cycle Active

SallyD

I was told by Reception at YHA Ambleside that the YHA mini bus meets all strains stopping at Windermere from June.

Brodel

thanks for all the great replies everyone, lots of useful info!

oysterlover

Hello, I live in the North Lakes and my husband does a lot of mtn biking. Try the following book for great routes;
Mountain Bike Guide The Lake District, The Howgills and the Yorkshire Dales. It should be relatively easy to plan a route with a map such as the OS Outdoor Leisure series No's 5,6 and 7. These can be bought online from. You can even view maps on line at https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk.
Any decent bike shop will be able to offer advice on routes.
Hope you have fun.