I've been to Whinlatter Forest quite a few times over the last few years and it's an ace spot for some short sharp fun mtb action. The original reason for writing this blog was inspired by taking my mate Bob and his brother mountain biking here for their first time back at the start of September. He (Bob) liked it so much he wanted to do it again and so we did: the weekend of 12th November. The weather was a hell of a lot better this time round meaning we could get some great shots and get even more out of the place. Located just north of Keswick in the Lakes the scenery here is fantastic (when you can see it). There's two red loops with black options - north and south that give you a lot of bang for your buck riding and view wise, with not too much effort upwards when missing out some sections - bonus. There's also a nice little blue run available for beginners too. See more info in the review below.
Facilities
There's ample parking here but it's a little on the more expensive side than other trail centres at around £8 for the full day I think. Still it's nothing really for a day's entertainment on the bikes or walking here with a family. There's a Go Ape facility and plenty of walks in the woods so of you're not biking you have options too.
A cracking little cafe awaits with lovely cakes, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, coffee etc - the usual stuff at high quality and definitely welcome after a few hours outdoors.
The Cyclewise bike shop here is pretty extensive with a good range of bikes for sale, clothing, parts etc and bikes available for hire, demos and friendly staff.
Bob and I hired their standard (only option) hard tail Cube Attention - a fine machine to tackle the trails on as a beginner and a good entry level bike. It's a good value £18 for 3 hours or £22.50 for the full day including helmets. For bookings you can call on 017687-78711.
Trails
The Quercus Blue Trail - as I was with a beginner this blue run at 8km is a really good confidence builder for newbies whilst still a great warm up for more experienced bikers prior to getting onto the red north and south loops. Not too harsh on the legs and there's lots of opportunity to practice berms, drops, switchbacks etc.
The Altura Trail Red Graded -
South Loop - 10km (full route of this loop) - this first part / main part of the south loop is suitable for beginners who are confident enough they want to have more mountain bike action and take on more of an ascent and descent. The climb to the top does entail some tight uphill switchbacks but nothing too technical for beginners, at the end of the day it's easily pushed if needs be. At the top you get great views of the north loop trail on the other side. The descent here is a lot of fun for all abilities with some table tops and bermy corners and fast lines to be taken. The loop can take you another level up with some more technical climbing and technical single track descent if you follow the way marked signs. We decided not to do this as the idea is to build confidence when learning and not destroy it! One day I will take Bob onto this extra part but having this option is great feature of the trail - likewise on the North Loop.
Me midpoint of South Loop!
Bob midpoint of South Loop!
Views of North Loop Trail Descent
North Loop
This loop is approx 9.5km in length and is the more technical of the two. However it is possible, as we did, to miss out the first half technical climb (again for same reasons above). What's great about this place is the option to get to do the best bits of trail very easily! There is an awesome short cut to one of the best descents at a trail centre in this country (in my experience). If you cycle passed the bike shop, up onto the forest road, pass the start of the blue and north red trails on your right, then follow your nose really unitl you bear around left continuing on the forest road, when you get to the view point (below) just take a little right onto the track that leads you up to the start of the North Loop descent. It only takes approx 15 mins to get up here from the bike shop and misses out all the technical single track through the forest. You are then treated to a brilliant bit of downhill action that will have you grinning from ear to ear at the bottom. There is a lot of bang for your buck here because of the distance you get as you meander down the hill side from left to right. Nice bermy corners, little jumps, fast singletrack, and some technical sections that require a bit of concentration all make for a brilliant descent. I can't recommend it highly enough, especially when it can be accessed so easily. Once Bob had his first go we went and did it again another two times!
Reflecting on a good days biking before the last descent (again!)
The bike shop
In summary this place is beautiful, the trails are very well crafted, you can do as much or as little as you want and still get a great days riding in. Being able to separate the trails into sections and access them makes it a great palce for beginners or to just continually nail the best parts easily without an uplift. I hope to be coming here for many years ahead. Go there!
