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Hey all - anyone ridden any good XC trails in the Lakes District before? I'd be keen to hear about em.

Why? The missus and I plus a few friends were thinking of a 3 day weekend away during July, and I'm keen on introducing them to some beginner and intermediate trails. I'm thinking of XC mostly, blue or red runs of medium length (15kms or so). We'll need bike hire too, as most won't have their own.

We'll have one car, but probably wouldn't want to spend shedloads of time ferrying people around, so would likely need to pick rides close to somewhere picturesque to stay, and chill over a bbq and a few cold ones during the evenings.

I was looking around and found the Whinlatter park next to Keswick - anyone ridden that or stayed there before?

Apologies for being so specific - there's a lot of disparate info out there, and I know the girls won't be happy unless we're staying somewhere 'pretty'.

Let me know if anything (useful ) comes to mind.

Thanks!

Did my level 2 mtb coaching certificate at whinlatter. You will not be disappointed its a great place for riders of all levels, the top red run is really fast with some monster berms. The blue runs are quite gentle, perfect for beginners. There is a campsite just at the bottom of Whinlatter pass which is convenient, they have caravans and chalets as well.

I took advantage of Whinlatter when I went to Lakes with the Mrs last year. Unfortunatly she couldnt do the ride due to a twisted ankle from walking the previous day but was an epic place and I loved it . After doing the Blue I luckily met a bloke who showed me all the best bits Whinlatter had to offer and how to get to them quickly rather than doing the whole Blue & Red courses which was a stellar result , seeing as the Mrs was sitting in the sunny carpark the whole day !!

We stayed just outside Hawkshead, which is a lovely place, and was able to ride into Grizedale Forest. It has some nice runs in there. Gotta do a bit of exploring thou but epic ascents and descents around Lake Coniston. I heard that Grizedale forest has a proper graded run now (think its Black but not certain on that)

Keswick is a 'biggish' busy town and personaly I would look to stay in/ near Ambleside next time. The drive to Kewsick is stunning from there and around 30 minutes from recollection around a great twisty / hilly road.

Its a great place for walking as well, try and do the loop around 'Angletarn' high in the hills if you cant ride one day (need a map thou, although I didnt need a compass). You wont be dissappointed!

Have fun if you get there

Cheers for the info guys - sold the trip over dinner on Friday night so it looks a go in theory. Gotta do some more research but seriously thanks for the tips. Think we'll end up riding two days with a chill out in the middle spent ambling round one of the towns. Should be fun!