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It looks like I've got a few months of work in Barrow coming up. Just wondering where's good round those parts for biking - I know, it's the Lake District, it's all good...
A few pointers for decent road and off-road routes would be much appreciated.
I grew up in Barrow, the place is best avoided. Closest bit of the lakes will be Coniston and Hawkshead so get up there as much as possible for offroad stuff.
For road rides the coast road to Ulverston via rampside is nice and there are plenty of country lanes between the 2 towns, so look at going through urswick, scales, dalton.. that sort of area. You could probably get some good mileage by getting the train out to arnside or millom or somewhere like that and then cycling back, or VV.
There's a few stw members in ulverston as I recall, so hopefully they'll see this thread and give you some more pointers for offroad stuff.
My advice about Barrow is try to converse as little as possible with the locals, there is a certain breed of knuckleheaded thug that thrive in Barrow and they do not mind whacking someone just for looking or talking funny, no joke. Stayaway from Cornwallis street on a Saturday.
Barrow sounds delightful. Cheers for the warnings, I guess I might just look for digs outside the town as well.
Hi ox whilst its true barrow isnt the most desirable place.you still have some of awesome places to ride.
Bonus is youll be fell walker free.
Head for blackcombe good starting point is millom.a little town 20mins away.
Youll enjoy that.
Get out and explore around there you wont be dissapointed
Well, you'll be disappointed with Millom! 😆 Before anyone gets too upset I was born in Ulverston and grew up in the area.
Probably as quick to get to Coniston or Grizedale for off-road riding. As for road riding, try and avoid the A590 as it's basically the main drag from the M6 to Barrow.
Barrow to Millom in 20 minutes? Only if you fly across the estuary. I reckon it'll be nearer 40 minutes.
Back to the subject in hand. Lots of great mtb riding if you're willing to travel a little. There's not a great deal in the Furness peninsula, but pretty anywhere beyond it you can find interesting bridleways (especially to the north). It's worth looking up some of the bridleways in Grizedale as well.
Good info, thanks. I think I'll look for accommodation north of Barrow then. I can road ride into work, and then I'm closer to the good stuff when I'm off.
Didn't realise it was so close to Grizedale. I seem to remember the Wild Boar 24 being near there...?
In Grizedale it's worth trying to plan a route with a few of the following sections of bridleway.
[url= http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Grandad-Dad-and-The-Dentist ]Grandad, Dad and the Dentist (also known as 3 Witches)[/url]
[url= http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Lawsons-Park ]Lawsons Park[/url]
[url= http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/The-Nibthwaite-Down ]Parkamoor to High Nibthwaite[/url]
[url= http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/The-Riverbed ]The Riverbed (runs North to South ish)[/url]
[url= http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Red-Mist ]Red Mist[/url]
[url= http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/The-Fox-Run ]The Fox Run[/url]
What's the rules on riding down there. It's a (generally very well self-policed) free-for-all up in Scotland so I'm likely to fall foul of some rule or other. Am I going to be garotted with piano wire half way down each downhill, or facing a "Tim the Enchanter"-style NIMBY round every corner?
If you're thinking of riding looking for accommodation outside of Barrow it's worth bearing in mind that the A590 is very busy and the A595 between Askam and Grizebeck is truly awful.
Usually places to stay in Ulverston available which is a far better night out than Barrow and like has been said previously loads of good lanes around there for road riding (Birkrigg and Coast Road, Kirkby Moor etc). Take it you are going to be in BAE? Many keen cyclists in there so loads of local info.
Never had any problems, but I generally stick to the places I'm allowed (i.e. not footpaths) when deeper into the Lakes.
Take it you are going to be in BAE?
Nah, it's the Centrica gas terminal. No idea what to expect, and it's a fair old commute from St Andrews, but a job is a job is a job...
You may be better trying to find digs in one of the villages near Barrow-maybe Stainton or Newton. Nice little cycle in to work.
I worked in Barreow for 6 months in the autumn winter of 2010. I rented in Ulverston and used th 5087 coast road to commute, it was chuffin ace.
I think if you live in the right areas barrow is fine, other than that Dalton in Furness is decent. I can hook you up with some night riding if you like when you get here? I am part of a group who usually heads out most weekends and Wednesday nights. Grizedale is very close, easy to park at Nibthwaite then climb over into satterthwaite, breasty haw, hole in the wall, claife heights, tnf and back via parkamoor, some quality riding! Say what you will about barrow etc but id rather have the decent riding, everything is a compromise after all!
Good stuff. Cheers for the offers and advice. First day is next Tuesday, have a mate starting the same day who is taking his caravan down so I'll be staying with him the first stint. I will be in touch for night/weekend rides once I know my shift patterns.