[Closed] Lake District Four Passes

A GPX file of this ride is available in the Singletrack Mag Archive: singletrackworld.com/magarchive/issue-100

Can't see it there though

Can you extract one from Strava?
If so, this is the route from the actual ride/shoot itself: https://www.strava.com/activities/363512387

Having said that, you don't really need a GPX for this route - just follow the bridleways. The only vague bit is at the top of Honister Mines.

Extracted from Strava to GPX -

http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=00084661326583691196

Cool. We did the Honister Slate mine climb and the descent towards Buttermere last year so know that bit.
I'll try and get the GPX from that Strava link, cheers.

To be honest with a map, its practically impossible to get lost on that route.

^ this

I've already done it for you Simon, link to download the GPX is above.

Thanks everyone.

Just having a look at the route, the climb to Styhead shows a couple of bridleways, at the first fork is it left or straight ahead?

I've fallen foul of Simon's navigational skills before... 😉

Cheeky ****.

Found it, looks like its left at the fork.

Check that bit again.
I have only done it once but the left route from Wasdale head up to Styhead is a real drag with a climb over a craggy rock bit.
After i had done it a mate told me its better to stay on the lower bridle way (right at the fork) ride along the valley floor then hike a bike up to sty head.
Try to find someone else to confirm this i have only taken the left high path.
Either way its a big hike.
The descent down from sty head can be a bit stop start but the last bit down to Stockley Bridge is great 😀

Have you done the route before? We did it earlier in the year and wouldn't do it again, hard work for the riding you do. We are both experienced as well (Ridden fort william under 6 minutes)

First time I did this route we took the left fork, and when we did the ride for the mag, we stayed low as you suggest. If I was to do it again, I think I'd go left - the ride along the bottom is quite trialsy and you definitely need to be on it, otherwise it becomes a very stop-start drag that's not easy going

The GPX posted shows the lower path. It's very vague on the ground, lots of pushing/carrying but nothing too tricky.

You need to go into it with the right attitude. If you're thinking about whether it's "worth it" for the riding you get, then you probably won't enjoy it. Pick a nice day, enjoy the views and treat the riding as a bonus.

So that's a left, a right, a left, a don't bother & a do bother! 😀 😀 😀

We are up there for two days and fancy ticking this box. We have ridden (sort of) down Warnscale and I have the impression that that's the toughest descent. I also understand that all the climbing is hike a bike so hopefully we are prepared.

I have started another thread on route suggestions so I am more than happy to hear your alternatives/favourites. A very rideable ride would be good for the other day.

I was lucky enough to be involved in the feature for the magazine,

From Wasedale Head we took the Main Bridleway towards Styhead, but stayed on the lower path along the river, The magazine has showed the route wrongly using the Bridleway left of the beck/stream (middle one) but we actually took the one on the right of the beck.

The main reason for this is to avoid the loose, but more direct and very busy with walkers bridleway, its a slightly more interesting way up in that it zig zags as a climb, and in my opinion a nicer trail too, with some technical single track on the lower sections.

I would avoid this option in winter/wet conditions though, we had dry conditions on the day but there are some boggy bits on it.

I would recommend dual ply tyres too, the whole route stretches bike set up to the max, superb day out though you will enjoy it.

In my experiences of past rides its a good idea to start at Gatesgarth farm Butteremere,the Warnscale pass descent seems to be the most likely to trash mechs,wheels tubes tyres etc, and would be a better end to the ride, I have also noticed this ride is more enjoyable for riders the second time you do it, wether this is because you can pace yourself better on the day, or just have a better line choice, i am not sure, previous experience of lakes riding is always a good idea before taking on this one.

just a suggestion though, and mechanicals, and "having a bad day" are possible on any of the descents

Cheers GaVgas, I think a sense of humour is the most important thing to pack for these trips

So we did the Four Passes on Saturday and had a right good time 🙂 Perfect weather, one puncture and only a couple of minor offs (in a group of 13).

What other long rocky tech descents can we do?

Definitely take a gps, or at least a map & compass..

It maybe an easy route to follow in good weather, but it can be a long day out, the weather can change & be very different on the tops than in the valleys.

Sty Head especially has paths going off in all directions,the place looks very different in low cloud..

Pre plan a couple of escape options just in case you have a mechanical, it's a long way round if you're stuck in Wasedale & parked at Seatoller!

The climbs are tough but the downhills are good as long as they're not wet..