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Ten years of carrying bicycles up hills. That means ten years of thrilling descents. And sometimes wasted days turning back when the weather was too wild, or walking down 2,500ft of trail when it’s just unrideable. Occasionally it’s meant smashed bikes, or worse smashed faces/pelvises/wrists/ankles/knees. But most of the time it’s meant lots of excellent days with stunning views in superlative company.
To mark a decade since the first “year in mountains” post I thought I’d pick some favourites. It was meant to be a top ten but since, over ten years, there’s been over a hundred rides in the big hills, I could only really settle on fifteen. I’d recommend these to anyone that is pretty handy on a bike, doesn’t mind a lot of work for a lot of reward and who loves being in the hills. Some are easily accessed from most of the UK, some are a short flight away and, because I’ve been lucky enough to ride in the US a few times, some are probably a once in a lifetime experience.
It’s also an interesting review of what’s changed in ten years – bikes are different, the safety kit is less bulky, my photography isn’t total junk anymore, people taking bikes up mountains is far more common and it’s harder to get a group together for every ride.
There’s a lot of photos here, I hope you like them.
Also, it'd be good to hear about everyone else's favourites - I've got another decade to fill!
[b]Whiteless Pike[/b]
Hidden in the western Lake District, a mix of fast and open and mind bending steep, slippery rock features.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192966208_259c912027_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192966208_259c912027_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX1NZN ]DSCN7969[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193663712_764b88b87d_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193663712_764b88b87d_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5okJ ]DSCN7963[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192966343_b73072abf1_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192966343_b73072abf1_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX1P38 ]DSCN7961[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
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[b]Ben Lawers/Beinn Ghlas[/b]
A classic pairing – if you’re into flow descending to the west of Beinn Ghlas builds insane speeds, but if you’re into tech the combination of the steep slithery chute off Lawers and the chunky descent of Ghlas itself is the way to go.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193666462_07e86af2e9_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193666462_07e86af2e9_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5pa9 ]DSCN6379[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193472036_0fa6420915_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193472036_0fa6420915_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX4pmY ]DSCN6426[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192969308_eab382bef5_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192969308_eab382bef5_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX1PVf ]DSCN6435[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193666852_160399d525_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193666852_160399d525_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5pgS ]DSCN6449[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
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[b]Beinn Fhada[/b]
A long way up in Scotland but very big and very thrilling.
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[b]Torridon[/b]
Grip for days on some of the absolute finest trails in the country. The terrain is exhausting but the descents are fast and enormously exciting.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193710072_1c25736a48_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193710072_1c25736a48_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5C83 ]North 036[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193710387_58663bee07_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193710387_58663bee07_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5Cdt ]North 049[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193515946_35ce267881_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193515946_35ce267881_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX4Cq3 ]North 050[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193713962_27819c7dbc.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193713962_27819c7dbc.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5Dh7 ]11392875_10153358978314962_3621717571240667735_o[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193714022_161077d847_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193714022_161077d847_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5Di9 ]DSCN8701[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193519641_3b37edc2ef_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193519641_3b37edc2ef_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX4DvK ]DSCN8761[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193822447_adf4e6fca3_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193822447_adf4e6fca3_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX6cwx ]DSCN8780[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
Can’t like this hard enough
[b]Appalachians[/b]
The trails I rode here are probably the best I’ve ridden in the world. Big, long and exceptionally high quality.
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[b]Nan Beild[/b]
This has been a real staple of the last ten years – I can think of at least six times I’ve been up it in one way or another. The northern descent is enormously rough and my preferred way, but the south is fast and flowy.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193144688_1e0d9bde9a_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193144688_1e0d9bde9a_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX2J43 ]75180_452814195123_5308469_n[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193647061_92714907ec_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193647061_92714907ec_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5ioD ]148685_452815605123_2959623_n[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193652766_f3077ea3d8_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193652766_f3077ea3d8_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5k61 ]Lakes 036[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193150738_09af24eab6_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193150738_09af24eab6_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX2KRm ]Lakes 023[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193678201_12fab32da4_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193678201_12fab32da4_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5sDx ]IMG_3594[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193827557_0bb0b5f7ee_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193827557_0bb0b5f7ee_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX6e3D ]1[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193129798_9f0f2b0e2e_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193129798_9f0f2b0e2e_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX2DCj ]4[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[b]Grisedale Pike[/b]
This could be my favourite descent in England but it’s very, very steep and technical at the top – not for everyone, but if you’ve got the skills, this is the best.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193687981_581e628358_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193687981_581e628358_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5vya ]G0030114[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193185628_22d492704c_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193185628_22d492704c_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX2WdU ]G0040223[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193883372_11e944a3b4_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193883372_11e944a3b4_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX6vCY ]G0050339[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193190993_e26241d8a4_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193190993_e26241d8a4_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX2XPp ]30333382854_e7a9cc4e09_k[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193693581_5fc2117cbd_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193693581_5fc2117cbd_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5xdH ]30347481003_df887c91ea_k[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193693836_9be3a18c61_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193693836_9be3a18c61_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5xi7 ]30786981140_fd94cf94c2_k[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193693711_adf25182c4_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193693711_adf25182c4_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5xfX ]30333386524_8b0b89d8fe_k[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
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[b]Ben Lomond[/b]
It’s easy to get to, it’s suitable for most half decent riders and the setting is just stunning.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193892012_78641a410f.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193892012_78641a410f.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX6ycW ]lomond 009[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193892112_8efd095dd3.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193892112_8efd095dd3.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX6yeE ]lomond 011[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193172728_916e22db93_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193172728_916e22db93_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX2Sou ]Scotlandwork 128[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193870707_f8e844042e_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193870707_f8e844042e_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX6rSB ]Scotlandwork 126[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193901912_826f3bf17c_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193901912_826f3bf17c_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX6B9C ]DSCN8449[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193902057_dd031e4213.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193902057_dd031e4213.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX6Bc8 ]DSCN8454[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193706806_c64c998961_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49193706806_c64c998961_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hX5B9J ]31118818996_8decd14329_b[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[b]Binnein Mor[/b]
Combines a big mountain with steep, precipitous singletrack and fast hiker’s trails with the madness of the Dudes of Hazzard’s trails in Kinlochleven.
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[b]Warnscale[/b]
Another pass rather than a summit but Warnscale provides all weather thrills that reward the skilled rider who can keep a rhythm going over big rocks.
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[b]Ullock Pike[/b]
A classic of the genre, starting with what feels like a death-defying super steep scree slope before mellowing out for a top class ridgeline trail.
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Like!
(But no outtakes? There must have been a few technical dismounts in all that lot!)
[b]Ben Macdui and Cairngorm[/b]
A big ride whichever way you do it – we did it as part of a 90 mile loop from Braemar to Aviemore and back. Worth it at least once – the feeling of isolation is immense and the descent is top quality.
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Truly amazeballs.
RM.
[b]Lochnagar[/b]
An inverted trail with the high-speed stuff at the top and the steep stuff at the bottom. The steeps here are tough but the whole ride and setting are beautiful.
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[b]Alps[/b]
Whether it’s France or Switzerland, Morzine, Chatel or Klosters, the Alps has my heart over the Pyrenees for European mountains.
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[b]Helvellyn[/b]
I almost didn’t include Helvellyn but I’ve been up it so many times I must love it. There’s so many options that there’s something for everyone, but I’d always opt for Dollywagon and then either Grisedale or the footpath down Tongue Gill if I had the choice.
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Out takes you say? There's some in the videos over the years but I don't think I've got time to edit them all out! Here's some photo out takes though.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213453851_fbd9cdcd65_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213453851_fbd9cdcd65_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYPPg2 ]11350516_10152811808740124_2821071197336733348_n[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213683407_b9d6238add_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213683407_b9d6238add_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYQZuT ]11270599_10152811799955124_8601244467556851611_o[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213683282_93940657dd_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213683282_93940657dd_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYQZsJ ]11080710_10152811744110124_2053444403227502945_o[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49212961743_b2f8687f60_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49212961743_b2f8687f60_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYMhYp ]DSCN6427[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213671202_ee06d1cd82_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213671202_ee06d1cd82_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYQVSs ]DSCN6893[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213670382_44944af3d7_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213670382_44944af3d7_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYQVCj ]DSCN5752[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213013703_a82523a1c3_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213013703_a82523a1c3_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYMyqg ]411782820123[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213725537_bdcd142bb2_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213725537_bdcd142bb2_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYRd2g ]411786545123[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213494546_f160c962bd_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213494546_f160c962bd_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYQ2mE ]411787020123[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213494406_dccddbe346_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213494406_dccddbe346_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hYQ2jf ]411785500123[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
Fantastic.
👍
Here’s some photo out takes though.
That's better, cheers!
Here's to another 10 years 🙂
That is SO good some wee came out!
Thanks
Great thread! 5 rides I can get to from home without driving, some of the best in the country (if I say so myself!) North Lakes is great, must get to the Highlands.....
Awesome, some fantastic pictures 😎
I've ridden/pushed down all the Lakes ones (not necessarily in the same direction) and loved all of them. You have bigger testicles than me riding off Grizedale Pike that way and I found Whiteless was more push than ride!
Inspiring. Just what I need on a dark day like today. thanks
Absolutely awesome! Thanks for bringing a bit of cheer to us all and Merry Christmas, Happy New Decade!
Absolutely top class. Well done. Need to put the mountain back in my biking...
The descent off the front of Grizedale Pike is very serious - I loved it but it takes a lot of commitment. It's probably the hardest thing in this list that I can still ride.
Love this.
Although has got me suddenly thinking what the hell have I been doing with my life for that last ten years!
keep them coming.
Munro biker, another absolutely stunning thread, amazing pics and write ups. Always love these, and v inspiring.
Fantastic pics... some of those views. Wow.
Thanks very much, glad you like them!
Great once again this mate!
I am using this to plan my rides this year 🙂