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If the weather stays cold which it looks like it will then hell yes! Just do it, fella!
Greatest journey start with first step……..If yesterday is anything to go by, you will struggle to find bogs of doom.
This may help?
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/howgill-fells/
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/howgill-fells-the-calf-which-way-round/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZrgve3usZE
So nowt to stop you!
Cheers
Sanny
I think im walking / Climbing bound in the Lakes this weekend as I managed a cheat work day Tuesday. Nothing as grand as Sanny but just as fun . I just managed a Hardtail loop from Waterhead up over the side of Loughrigg towards Skelwith and Elterwater Over Higher Timberthwaite and down for my slab of Cake from the Farm. Up and around Iorn Keld which wasnt to muddy for a change (thanks weather) . Back via the Quarry and Atkinson Coppice . Back via Sawtry woods to Elterwater and a spin to Loughrigg terrace which was quiet apart from the Eurofighter that buzzed Rydal water as i was hoping the rocks ... Not a Wainwright day as such but still a good 4500 foot and 30 miles topped off with that Eurofighter .
If plans change and my lad doesnt fancy climing Sunday the bike will be M6 north bound around 6.30am
Wotcha climbing stevedoc?
I'm intrigued about whether any ice might be in.
Its up to the Lad whoms im collecting from Uni in the morning . He wanted to do the Y Gribin Ridge on flipflop mountain but I really am not a fan of Snowdonia on a weekend at all. I fancy something in the Langdales again Jacks rake might be a challenge if that snow falls Saturday night 🙂
I had hoped to get out on the bike today but thought better of it in the ice and ran instead.
Went from Hartsop up to Gray Crag - I followed a steep direct route up, but from the bits of the path I was on it looks like it would be a decent enough descent. Across the top to Thornthwiate Crag was pretty unremarkable, but Thornthwaite Crag down via Thresthwaite Mouth.... very interesting.
Has anyone ridden it? I reckon a better rider than myself would manage. Steep, techy, loose in parts. In the ice it was a real struggle on foot.
I’ve never ridden Grey Crag, but often wondered about the hills around there. I have “ridden” stoney cove pike to thornthwaite beacon, and thought it a silly idea. Looks equally daft heading back the other way
So another day, another ride. This time round, I decided to revisit a favoured haunt - Fairfield Horseshoe but with a winter twist. Thursday was bluebird with a huge covering of snow on the fells. I know it has been covered here previously but dang it, it is a classic. Starting at Rydal Mount, a thick layer of well trodden ice on the track made for an entertaining start. You have got to love Schwalbe Ice Spikers! I had planned to ride into Ambleside and go up via High Sweden Bridge but the steep track up off the path was too tempting to resist. It turns out that an e bike really does make it remarkably easy to get up - who knew? Following the track up Scandale Beck, I was able to ride all but the last little bit to get onto Low Pike. At 508 metres, it feels like an easy summit for not too much effort. However, the height gain belied what was to come. I had hoped for some well trodden lines through the snow but the eastern flank of the horseshoe does not enjoy the popularity of the west. As such, the tracks were narrow and lumpy meaning that my option of e bike with 29er tyres was playing second best to my fat bike. Cue much carrying. On the plus side, I meant plenty of chatty walkers who were keen to ask me what I was doing and why and seemed genuinely interested in the concept of riding in the high fells. A couple were bikers themselves and were intrigued by the notion of a lightweight e bike.
I had hoped that the gradual rise from Scandale fell would be rideable but save for some wind blown sections and some proper battling through the deep snow which was actually easier to ride than following the tracks, it was a carry. On a positive note, it gave me plenty of time to check out the adjoining fells and to plan future adventures. In more favourable conditions, this section would make for a nice break in the hike a bike and would greatly speed upward progress.
Hart Crag as remembered is a rocky carry up. It would be a pain to ride down and would really be a carry down with your bike. It confirmed what I already new - clockwise is not the way of truth for the Horseshoe. As the slope eased up, there were some incredible wind blown snow and ice formations to be found where the top dropped down to the valley far below. The going to the summit from here is a straightforward ride up and one to savour. As always, the views north to Dollywagon Pike, St Sunday Crag and Helvellyn are top notch.
With a bit of a breeze building, I snapped off a few shots and then set about enjoying the very long and at times technical descent of Great Rigg and Rydal Fell. If you haven’t tried it, you are seriously missing out. It is an absolute joy with the short ups being rideable. As I had hoped, the greater numbers of feet through the snow made for much easier going than on the way up. It was an absolute hoot, even when heading off trail into the virgin snow for no better reason than just because I could. With plenty of daylight left, I decided to drop down to Stone Arthur. This is definitely one to return to. I would love to try it without a blanket of the white stuff as it was a lovely gradient that drops through some really interesting rocky outcrops. Of course, what goes down has to come back up so I retraced my tyre tracks before breaking off to follow some ski tracks that had been left from the day before to attain the main ridge again. Back on track, the gradual descent continued and I was grinning like a loon. Only when you are on it do you get a sense of quite how long it is. It is a ride that rewards the effort of the ascent in spades. I could have headed down to Alcock Tarn had I wanted a less technical finish but the final section from Nab Scar is one of my favourites - steep, stone pitched and with some lovely switchbacks, it is an unalloyed pleasure but not one to try for the first time in the snow if you have not done it before. If you do it, do it in the dry first would be my recommendation.
Finally hitting the tarmac, I arrived back at the car with an enormous sense of satisfaction. As expected, the snow slowed progress considerably but it did not impede my enjoyment - rather it enhanced it. Winter days like this are to be savoured. I had had a notion to do the drop down to Seat Sandal but that can wait for another day. In terms of kit, the spikes were reassuring. They take the fear out of riding over ice. I broke out my Kahtoola Microspikes for the ascent and they proved to be the ideal tool for the job while a combination of mini gaiters and the tight cuffs of my 7 Mesh Thunderpants meant no snow got through to my socks. My feet were warm and dry the whole day despite having to break trail in knee deep snow.
In summary, the Horseshoe is a real banger and well worth doing even in winter. Colour me happy!
Cheers
Sanny
Ps Was it any of you lot who were out on the western section of the horseshoe the day before. I followed on pair of tracks down so clearly was not the only dafty!
@stevedoc @justinbieber @mark88 @thenorthwind @thegeneralist
Have you been getting out on any Lakes adventures recently?
Cheers
Sanny
Impressive work. Not sure I'd have fancied riding up high in these conditions, though i've never tried ice spike tyres.
Ps Was it any of you lot who were out on the western section of the horseshoe the day before. I followed on pair of tracks down so clearly was not the only dafty!
I was up the eastern side of the horseshoe yesterday, but on foot. Beautiful lower down but once I was in the open I could barely stay upright at times and visibility became minimal. You made the right decision in leaving it for a day.
Good work going out when it was so windy. I’ve been up there when the weather closes in and it is an exposed place to be.
The ice spikes work really well. Worth every penny and last for years. Like I wrote above, my fat bike would have been the better option but I only took delivery of fat ice tyres when I arrived back home from the ride. If you’ve not ridden it, definitely give it a shot. The Alcock Tarn descent is a good alternative for those who are not a fan of super steep trails.
Sounds like a great adventure. I think it's true to say that Fairfield Horseshoes is Defo best in winter. The alternative would be after a drought, but then it'd be mobbed with ramblears.
Have you been getting out on any Lakes adventures recently?
Funnily enough i think I was only about 4 km north of you.
No Sanny not for a few weeks. Like above ive been climbing and hiking more in Scotland of late ..I was looking if I can bag a few Munros this year .
Sounds like a cracking day out!
Nothing to report from me, only been over to the lakes for a quick run over Christmas. Managed to get out for a ride and a bivvy in the nice cold weather but this side of the Pennines (Northumberland).
That looks fab. Where were you climbing?
Glad to not be on the fell tops today though. MWIS are forecasting winds in excess of 100mph on the tops which would be brutal. You’d be crawling and dragging your bike behind you in that!
So what has everyone got planned Lakes wise for the coming year then?
Cheers
Sanny
@sanny sorry to rub it in been in Spain last few months, climbing and stuff will be back shortly worse luck.
So another update for the thread.
Sunday saw me return to an old favourite, Hindscarth. I last rode the descent as a callow youth in 1997 on my Santa Cruz Heckler. It was a blisteringly hot day. I did it clockwise starting with Cat Bells and had no real clue what to expect. What I found was a joy of a descent with a steep and awkward walk down at the very end. I loved it but for some odd reason, had not returned to do it. Thus it was I headed up the Newlands Valley on Sunday on my test Pivot Shuttle SL with a keen sense of anticipation and slight concern. Had I misremembered it? Was it not really all that? They say distance lends enchantment but even so, a quarter of a century is a fair old while!
Navigating the bog that is the saddle beneath Robinson, a snow covered path thereafter then a lovely descent before the final climb onto Hindscarth, I could feel the excitement building. Cresting the cloud covered summit, I wasted no time in dropping off the end. Was it as good as I had remembered? Hell yeah. It is a joy to ride down and pretty technical in places. The cloud came and went offering up tremendous views of the trail ahead. It is not a descent Ii would recommend as an introduction to lakes riding but it is a definite classic. The rocks were super greasy so a bit of discretion in a couple of places was called for. Being on my own, 2 short sections I would normally ride were walked down and my discretion proved wise. Even under foot, I felt myself slipping without warning.
The final drop was a bit of a carry down in places as I remembered but it did not detract from an excellent descent. Definitely one I plan to return to in the not so distant future when it is warm and dry. The trail and the views are worthy of being savoured.
Yesterday was a step into the unknown. I think it was @fergal who mentioned High Snockrigg earlier in this thread off Robinson. Keen to try something new, a quick carry up of no more than twenty minutes from Newlands Pass saw me riding over to the start of the descent. It is, in short, brilliant. There is one exposed section with a seriously consequential drop off to the side that could easily be fatal if you ballsed it up. With the bedrock even slippier than Sunday, I don’t mind admitting that I walked down those few yards. In the dry, I would happily ride it but sometimes you have to pick your challenges wisely. The descent is a mix of singletrack, switchbacks, exposed rock and some lovely long grassy sections. For not too much effort, it rewards in scenery and quality of trail in spades. Being on the e bike, I then headed along to Crummock Water and rode up the Rannerdale valley - this is another gem but one which gets busy with walkers so best kept for midweek rides or evening trips. From the saddle, I followed a singletrack sheep trail that dropped me onto the Rigg Beck trail from Buttermere and headed north. I last rode this well over a decade ago and cabin report that it is still a treat. I even managed to despatch the steep section after the beck as I headed north. Say what you will about e bikes but boy can you climb stupidly steep stuff on them. The descent to what I still refer to as the Purple House is a real gem. Would it be good in the opposite direction? Quite probably.
So two quick morning blasts and two gems. Happy days!
Cheers
Sanny
Love that rigg beck/sail beck route between Newlands and Buttermere, in either direction. Feels like old school ‘cross country’ mountain biking. Had a MRT job on Hindscarth on Saturday evening (nowt serious) but can confirm more greasy than is ideal for riding at this time of year. It’s a classic that’s a relatively easy push up from honister to dale head then a nice ride round to Hindscarth from there.
Glad it was not just me being a wuss. Even on the carry up from Newlands, I could feel my boots slipping. Better to come back on a warm and dry day than having to call you and your team out!
Rigg Beck and Sail Beck are gems. It was none too muddy yesterday so made for a fun ride. I know what you mean about it being old school mountain biking.
I am usually on a mission to ride multiple tops and trails when I am riding in the lakes so it was nice to go out and do a couple of quick hits without them being part of an all day epic. Glad I stayed off the bike on monday as there was some serious wind blowing down the Newlands Valley and over Buttermere water. Up top could have been a touch challenging.
Cheers
Sanny
Just been reading the rescue reports of the Keswick MRT. I had no idea of just how busy the team are even at this time of year! Fair play for getting the casualty off the side of Hindscarth on Saturday as it really drops off steeply. I tip my hat to you for the work that the team does.
The route north from the Summit of Robinson via Blea Crags and High Snab Bank is also a cracker with just one short carry down.
[url= http://i.imgur.com/aP4dgFu.jp g" target="_blank">
Been back through this thread. What ways off of mellbreak, gavel and Blake would you recommend? Just trying to plot a route out on the OS map.
Cheers
Sanny
Cant comment on Melbreak but the two lines here are absolute cracking descents. You can use both from Blake and Gavel. Best in the dry
I'd ascend Blake from Cogra Moss, fireroad mostly with a steep carry before Sharp Knott. The over Blake and onto Gavel. The path is pretty good singletrack off Gavel, but the first one above is my favourite. Not techy, bust steep and flowy. YMMV.
Some Cracking views from Blake Fell
[img] 
[/img]
Top of the ST descent to Loweswater.
[img] 
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That is brilliant. Cheers for that.
Any other little gems, please feel free to share them.
Cheers
Sanny
So thread update time.
The Sunday before Easter I took advantage of a smashing weather window and headed for Buttermere. I aimed form a seven summit day and struck good weather gold. Starting at the base of Fleetwith Pike, I navigated past some particularly inquisitive Highland Cows to ride the bridleway along the southern shore of Buttermere. It is an easy and gentle affair with much to commend it. At the falls, I continued along the footpath to Crummock Water. This was a very pleasant number despite there being a few sections of bog and lumpy bedrock that impede progress a little. Nothing too terrible though and the scenery was stunning. I met a solo walker who was on a mission to stay out all day and that night but with no real plan other than that. i admired his simple approach as he broke out his fishing rod by the small spit of land that extends into the lake and would make for a superb bivvy spot.
Following the trail up through some woods, i joined the path up onto Mellbreak from the western end. it is steep, loose and scree laden. As I made my way up with one questionable line choice up a steep and loose gully, I decided it would make for a disappointing descent - too loose, steep and steppy to be fun unless you like carerying down stuff. Cresting the first top, i met an older woman and her dog Oscar the Petterdale Terrier. She was bemoaning hgow slow she was following a stroke 3 years ago but fair play to her to be on the fells and showing no signs of having had a stroke.
There is a short descent followed by a gradual rise to the top proper. despite two weeks of rain, it was amazingly dry for the most part. The descent down to the bridleway is a grassy peach. Steep but grin inducing. Well worth the effort to get up it. Very dry as well unlike thge bridleway to Flotern Tarn and the pass which followed. The next section made me glad to be on the fat bike. There are limpy sections and sections off wet moss but it does slowly geyt better the higher up you get. It is not a bridleway you would rush to do but it is a means to an end.
Next up was the steep but shortish carry onto Great Borne. It looks like a wall but it is a steady climb up that is over faster than you expect. The rocky summit of Great Borne affords great views in every direction while the distant peak of Red Pike seems miles away. I dropped off the summit on a well defined rocky track that soon turned to a fast and flowy grass descent. It was easy going and set the template for the rest of the ride by being almost completely dry and mud free. There is a nice mix of riding and easy pushing over Starling Dodd and onto Red Pike. I contemplated the steep chute down to Bleaberry Tarn but the reward of the steps of despair after it held no attraction.
As some walkers played with a drone, another questioned my sanity for taking my bike up to the summit and informed me how running was better. I respectfully disagreed for running is the work of satan in my book.
Sorry. Had to have my tea half way through posting. Doh!
Sooooo - Red Pike to High Stile was straight forward with the obligatory stunning views. The cliffs are incredible and just as impressive from above as below. It was another down and up to get to High Crag where I happened upon a rather lovely down jacket in a stuff sac that had been left by a walker. I've posted on here and UKclimbing about it but no takers so far. The riding up to this point was not exactly difficult. There were bits of pushing on the ups so it would not be a flow trail but in terms of location and scenery, I absolutely loved it.
The descent off of High Crag will either be a joy or an arse depending on how you approach it. I eschewed the stone pitch steps option and found myself scree surfing down the slope to the south of the main path. It was an absolute hoot on the fat bike and by the time I reached the bottom, I was grinning from ear to ear. It was just the right mix of steep and loose for me to savour. From the levelling, I opted to head over Seat. With it being around 6 in the evening and the walkers having cleared off the fell, I opted to walk the trickier parts as I was conscious that I was on my own - albeit with a spare down jacket to keep me warm if I binned it! One to return to. The alternative would have been to follow the wall down to Scarth Gap from the levelling. One to do next time I reckon.
Not ready to go home just yet, i headed up onto Haystacks. It is a carry all the way up and would be a rubbish descent in the other direction. there are a couple of slightly awkward step ups but nothing to give me any concern. Being AW's favourite fell, with the sun going down, it was easy to see why he loved it so. The descent and traverse over the other side via Inominate tarn was definitely enjoyable but with the light fading, I don't mind admitting to walking down a couple of short sections that I would normally ride. The sensible head kicked in and it did not affect my enjoyment. After a day of much up, my big reward came in the form of the Fleetwith Pike Bridleway descent. It was a great as ever although in the encroaching darkness, it ain't half spicy when on your own. Line choice that is easy in the day took on a new level of challenge. still bloody good fun though.......
All told, another great day in the fells and one I would happily repeat.
So @fergal @mark88 @lowey @neb @justinbieber @thegeneralist @TomB @thenorthwind @munrobiker
Any new adventures to report?
I have to say that looking at the fells from Mellbreak, Hen Combe, Blake Fell and Gavel look like grassy singletrack goodness to be explored next.
Cheers
Sanny
Good stuff! Never done Haystacks on the bike and dont really fancy it much from my recollections of walking it years ago. I think the scree / grass down Gamlin End is far more preferable to the pitching.
Interested to return to do the wall descent. Your tips re Gavel and Blake have gotten me excited to try those tops next. Thanks!
I liked Haystacks but can see it not being everyones cup of tea. I want to go back and ride it fresh.
I reckon the route in reverse would be a bit meh. Nice to be in the fells but you would be missing out some lovely technical riding. I saw tracks on Floutern Tarn and felt a bit sorry for whoever rode it before me on a normal bike. The fat bike made it much more enjoyable than it would otherwise have been.
The only downside of the ride was my rear hub decided to have a piece of pawl break off. I thought I was going to be stuck riding effectively a fixed wheel but it came unstuck. Big up to ISON for warrantying it for me. Did not expect that but was well chuffed that they did.
Cheers
Sanny
Absolutely nothing from me. When the weather is so poor I have zero enthusiasm to get out on the bike.
I've been running a fair bit and have done a few Wainrights recently but none I'd be rushing back to ride;
Barf and Lords Seat - worth adding into a Whinlatter ride but wouldn't travel specifically to do
Sallows and Sour Howes - grassy and bogggy, some bits look like they would be fun in the dry but there's better options in the area.
Robinson - climbed up from Newlands, that would be largely unrideable as a descent. Descended via Hassnesshow Beck which was super steep, washed out and straight. Stick to the usual High Snockrigg descent.
Took your advice and rode off Blake down the switchbacks yesterday as part of a six summit day. It was an absolute joy. A wee bit damp up top but to be expected after all the rain of late. I will do a write up later but it was a smashing day out and your local knowledge was spot on.
Fellbarrow was a real treat too. I reckon next time I will descend off Sourfoot Fell heading north even though dropping off Low Fell was good fun in itself. Has anyone ridden it?
Cheers
Sanny
You had lovely weather for it on Saturday, but yes, I would imagine it was a bit wet up there.
No experience of the fells north of Loweswater, be very interested to hear your route and thoughts.
Thread update time again!
So the Loweswater Fells. Last Saturday was a step into the unknown for me and Dave. With the sun shining, we parked up on shore of the Lake and were climbing from the off. Starting somewhat steeply through the trees, we headed up the bridleway due west of Fellbarrow. Cresting the high point, we followed a grassy track that led directly to the summit. There was a bit of pushing but not much. From there, we headed south following the rise and fall of the hillside on easy to follow grassy tracks. Crossing Sourfoot Fell, we spotted a zig zag descent heading north towards Thackthwaite. It looks like a very clear and well defined track so one to try next time. Passing a camper making an early start pitching above Raven Crag, we quickly reached the top of Low Fell. The views are truly stunning Descent wise, we doublked back about 50 metres before following the fence line down a steep track to cross the watershed below Darling Fell. After that,it is grassy singletrack south and west to the old quarry before hitting a Land Rover track for the final section of descent.
As quick hits go, it is well worth a look. The views are truly incredible looking towards Buttermere and out to the coast.
Next up was Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell and Gavel. We followed the bridleway that heads over towards Fangs Brow before cutting onto the bridleway that is high above Loweswater. Spotting a steep path up the side of the fell, we hike a biked for some 15 minutes to get onto the shoulder of the fell to start riding again. We followed a clear grassy track all the way up to the summit where there is a cairn beside the fence. Not the most exciting summit but it was a gateway to better things.
Following the fence line, we made our way across at times boggy moss before eventually reaching the summit of Blake Fell. In terms of viewpoint, this is another fine fell. There was a fair number of walkers at the top who were clearly enjoying the nice weather and views down to Cogra Moss and beyond. Dropping off the summit, we headed east for a quick out and back to Gavel Fell. It was somewhat sloppy in places by the fenceline. One just to tick off although I would be interested to try the singletrack heading north. Taking @lowey 's advice, we opted for the zig zag descent down to the tarn and High Nook Farm. Despite the moistness under tyre at the start, the descent is a cracker. You start gently before losing height at a rapid rate. Definite winner!
Hitting the valley floor, we headed for the Kirkstile Inn and an out and back on Hen Comb. An initial steep push is followed by a grassy quad bike track that is a bit too steep and moist in places making the going somewhat hard. For a fell that is not particularly long or high, it felt like bit of a slog. At the top, we met a chap with his family who is training barefoot to walk all of the Wainwright's in September. Cannot say that sounds like a lot of fun but fair play to him. Dropping off the top, we bypassed the loose track for the grass as the top was just a bit too loose for comfort. The rest of the descent was fairly gentle and enjoyable but the damp ground meant it was not as fast as we had hoped. Probably one best left to a frozen day or baking hot summer's evening.
All told, another enjoyable day out.
So, if I were to have a few hours free tomorrow evening from Coniston, once all the ramblears have gone, what hill would one recommend?
Done WSR, Dow, OMC then north into Little Langdale, which was ok.
Done OMC. Loved the middle bit but the first bit down from the summit was way too hard.
Was thinking of Wetherlam, but it doesn't seem to get much love on these pages.... dull & grassy seems to be the word.
Having said which, I'll be alone and deeply out of shape, so perhaps dull and grassy is the ticket
Tell me
Weatherman for the win. Did it a week last Wednesday. It was a joy. We finished below the mines which gave some 3 kilometres of joy. A mix of everything and not just grassy. Do it!
We rode the Lad stones descent and it was an absolute winner. Nothing scary on it but lots of flow. would go back in a heartbeat. Have fun and post some pics!
I would say go up via Levers Water and Swirl Hause. The carry from the latter is not as steep or as long as you would expect. Makes for a pretty loop.
Very jealous!
Cheers
Sanny
Regarding Mellbreak there’s an easier ascent from Kirkstile up the western flanks. Still plenty of push / carry but not as fierce or loose as the northern end. Some of the tracks on these flanks are sheep tracks so keep bearing left at any fork.
You’ll see it on here running almost along the N-S grid line, joining the top at the saddle
https://www.streetmap.co.uk/map/idld?x=313800&y=519976&z=115&sv=313800,519976&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=map%5BFS%5Didld&searchp=ids&dn=751&ax=311800&ay=519476&lm=0
Spotted that when going up Hen Comb. Looks like it could make for an interesting descent too.
So did you do Wetherlam then?
Cheers
Sanny
****, wrong valley 🥵
Also, cramp
What a noob 🥺
So did you do Wetherlam then?
Er, not yet. I'm working on it.
Badly.
PS. How the hell do I have reception here.....
So where did you end up then? Did you learn anything from the experience? If it was me then probably not! Ha! Ha!
Right. The solitary photo...
So I went up slightly right behind the youth hostel, instead of slightly left, so ended up in Red Dell Instead of by Levens Water. I decided to continue anyway, but the path was pretty scrotey.... bog and stuff.
In mitigation, I was utterly gubbed by that point as I took a mate round Coniston during the day: Semi Walna, Torver Common, Parkamoor, Hawkshead etc. So I was 40km in when I started up Wetherlam. Just looked on Strava and it appears I did 2.1km ascent, which is about what I've managed the rest of the year put together.
Anyway, so Wetherlam. Was a nice day out but I won't be back. As someone said, loads of grass. Also loads of techie rock bits, but it just didn't gel. The rocky sections tended to be unhelpful spikey with no real line. The easiest way was nearly always off the path down the side. Very unsatisfying. There were a few nice sections, after the junction but nowhere near as good as some of the classics.
Anyway, great to be out after such a long break, and even better to find I can almost do big days out still.
Just need to find the right hill fir the next one..... Which I think is Great End. Just such a bloody long drive
Interesting. When I rode it the week before last, I have to admit that it was right up my street. I really enjoyed the rocky sections as I was able to play about with lines. The grass was super dry when I rode it too which made it flow nicely. Did you go down the stone pitched path at the bottom to drop down by the river where the weir is? Funny how two folk can ride the same route and have a totally different experience.
Re Great End.
That has the makings of a cracker as you can ride off the summit down to Esk Hause then have multiple options - Angle Tarn and Rossett Gill, Sprinkling Tarn and Styhead Gill (the classic) or even XC via Rossett Pike to Stake Pass. Did the latter in reverse last summer and saw tracks indicating it gets ridden down to Stake Pass. The only problem is deciding which route to take. I reckon Styhead Gill tops it followed by Stake Pass and Rossett Gill but that's just me!
Kidsty Pike and Haweswater fells are next up for me. Return via Harter Fell to finish with Beda Fell. Big day out!
Cheers
Sanny
While I am on, has anyone ridden from Blea Rigg or Sergeant man down to Grasmere?
Cheers
Sanny
I've done Blea Rigg on foot. Please take the following with caution as it was a while ago...
Around the summit would be unrideable. Big chunky rocks and steep steps.
I climbed from Goody Bridge via Lang How. Descending this way would be OK once you got away from the summit, some mellow singletrack followed by a boggy stretch. The lower parts would be fun but short lived.
I descended directly down to Easedale Tarn. I think this was steep and narrow, probably unrideable in places but I don't recall it being an absolute no go - you'll probably be able so scope bits of it from the summit and make a call. Bridleway down from Easedale Tarn is good.
right up my street. I really enjoyed the rocky sections as I was able to play about with lines. The grass was super dry
Part of my problem was the grass being wet. I had one point where I was just accelerating with both brakes just below lock, hoping I would hit a flatter bit before the next drop. It was ok that time but it made me very nervous of the gradient.
Which is odd really as the gradient is generally pretty mellow. Certainly nowhere near that 40% figure where I generally know I have no chance whatsoever.
Ho hum. Some days it doesn't quite click. I'll try something else.
Great End, yes indeed, my plan was to drop into Esk Hause and then follow the bridleway all the way down. Love that descent.
Interesting that you rate Stake North. I've only done it once and wasn't master enough of endo turns to make it worthwhile.
There's a theme emerging here..... 🤣
Wet grass is no fun. We had it bone dry which I suspect made a big difference. Felt super confident riding down it while the rocky path at the bottom was most enjoyable for a man made track.
Stake Pass is totally marmite. I love it but then i love an endo hop having practiced so many in verbier over the years. My pal Tristan did it with me and hated it with a passion.
Great End will be a winner for you. It never seems to feature on lists of great Lakeland descents but it really should. When I was up it last June, it was a beautiful summer's evening and I had a couple of gliders swoosh past me as I enjoyed the scenery in peaceful solitude.
Great picture. Have you ridden the footpath on the shore of haweswater? My plan is to start at the Brotherswater side then up, over and down Kidsty Pike, loop the lake, up the two outlying fells beside the coffin road, drop onto Gatesgarth at the saddle, Harter Fell, High Street then head over to Angle Tarn which is a banger in my book before finishing with Beda Fell and the Ullswater shore track. Thoughts? It's a big day for sure but satisfies my desire to link up the familiar and the new to me in a figure of eight loop. Basically a High Street highlights ride.
Thanks for the tips there fella. Most helpful. Any others you wish to share in that area, please do!
Cheers
Sanny
@sanny this wouldn't link into Harter Fell, so probably not what you want, but from a couple of pages back re Branstree and Selside Pike:
The Wainrights aren’t worth riding but the Old Corpse Road to Haweswater would be a good techy descent – one for the dry I’d suggest.
From memory the Wainrights were boggy and pretty unremarkable.
head over to Angle Tarn which is a banger in my book before finishing with Beda Fell and the Ullswater shore track.
Place Fell instead of Beda Fell??
Sanny,
The lakeside path is pretty good actually, very undulating and quite rough in places. Not to be underestimated. I did it after Kidsty and an awful climb up High Street and the Pen Bridleway. It just about finished me off.
Your ride would be quite the day. Look forward to the report!.
I am expecting them to be boggy. The stuff round there is well known for it!
What is Place Fell like to ride? Never ridden it but looked at it many times.
Assume you mean the Ullswater shore track? I know it well and you are absolutely right, it is not an easy spin on flat track.
Any experience of the Haweswater footpath along the shore heading north-ish?
Cheers
Sanny
W.Another week, another adventure. I decided that the call of the Far Eastern Wainwright’s had to be answered so I picked the best weather day last week and headed down. Starting at Glenridding, it was an easy road spin along to Hartsop. Cutting off up the bridleway, I passed through the picture postcard pretty hamlet as I gradually gained height on tarmac and Land Rover track. Taking my test Pivot e bike, it was an easy if steep rise up to the washed out footbridge at the head of Hayeswater. The climb up to The Knott is a push / carry but the trudge was broken by speaking to several coast to coasters. One had come all the way from Albany in Western Australia. He was three days in and had gotten accustomed to wet feet! A narrow singletrack push took me over Rampsgill Head before quickly reaching the summit of Kidsty Pike. The views down into Riggindale and Haweswater are impressive. As I looked over Riggindale Crag, I wondered if anyone has ridden it? Later in the walk, I met an older walker who came up it and said it had a couple of steep sections but as the ride progressed and I viewed it from different angles and am sufficiently intrigued to want to try it.
Kidsty Pike was fairly enjoyable, The section to Kidsty Howes is fast and flowy. There is a short and steep section of rocky channel that I did not fancy riding down with there being evidence of Fix the fells about to do some work there. Oh joy, more stone staircases…………The last section down to the shore was a bit soft in places but it all went.
I had planned to head north on the Haweswater shore track but taking @lowey ‘s advice, I decided to save it for a future ride. The section I rode back to the car park at Mardale Head was a lovely taster though, albeit one tempered by my broken left pedal trapping my cleat leading to a proper smack down on my left shoulder.
From there, I headed to the Corpse Road over to Swindale. It was a push up but as a descent, I reckon it would be a lot of fun. Breaking off the track, I headed over Selside and Bradstree. They were a bit wet but nowhere near as bad as they would be in winter. The views were nice even if the trails were dull. I saw other tyre tracks so imagine folk head up onto Branstree and go in the other direction which to me would make more sense and offer nice views east.
Hitting the saddle of Gatesgarth, I switched on the motor and powered up the climb onto Harter Fell. It was an absolute joy to ride up and I soon found myself at the cairn - cue more spectacular views. Padding up for the descent, I was expecting tech and was not disappointed. The first half is pretty straightforward but things get spicy when it gets steep towards the Nan Bield high point. I happily admit to walking one short section as I did not fancy being clipped in and struggling to unclip. I met several more lovely walkers - a couple with two gorgeous collies, a young woman doing the horseshoe and an older guy who was a new born walker from Grimsby who said he knew I was Scottish when he saw me riding down as nobody else would be so mad to ride it. To be fair, he was right but a lot of Lakes locals would rightly disagree. Was it good? No. It was great and would be a terrific add on to Nan Bield.
After that and a refuel with Jelly Babies, I pushed up onto Mardale Ill Bell. I have ridden it in the other direction previously and pushing up it made me resolve to do it again soon. From the summit, it is an easy schlep to the top of High Street. Now High Street can get a bit of a bad rep and I think that some of that is unfair (not all but definitely a lot!) However, today was going to be the awesome version of High Street. Dropping down to the Knott, I retraced my steps to the junction where I came up from Hayeswater. It is a lovely mix of fast, grassy, rocky and loose. Simply put, classic Lakeland riding.
Those of a nervous disposition should look away now as I decided I wanted to do more hike a bike so headed up onto Rest Dodd. It was a carry all the way but the pay off was smashing views in all directions. Dropping off the comically steep but totally rideable northern slopes, I plummeted to the saddle before doing an out and back to The Nab. Despite there being another set of tyre marks, I doubt this will ever make it into a repeat visit peak. The way across is littered with peat hags and in the wet, it would be a slog. I enjoyed it but am in no rush to repeat the experience.
Heading back, I trended west to reach Satura Crag and reconnect with the descent from High Street. After chatting to a woman and her dog who had nabbed a cracking overnight spot for their tent and a brief detour onto Brock Crag, I made my way over the slow speed rocky tech of Satura before flow returned with the trails around the side of Angle Tarn. I last rode this over a decade ago and it is still a peach of a trail. The scenery is stunning while the trail bears repeated visits. I had planned a visit to the top of Angletarn Pikes but decided to save it for another day so that I could ride the trail again. Reaching Boredale Hause, I took the footpath down. Since I last rode it, Fix the fells have done their best to turn it into another rocky staircase of despair but riding it with a bit of speed through the high ferns, it was still a proper giggle
In summary, Harter Fell, Mardale Ill Bell and High Street down via Angle Tarn are all terrific descent options. Kidsty Pike was good but not amazing. The singletrack around the north side of Haweswater is definitely getting a future visit. Branstree to the Corpse Road would be nice for a shorter summer blast if you are not wanting tech. Or a frozen winter day perhaps?
So @lowey @fergal @scuttler @mark88 @justinbieber @munrobiker @thegeneralist
What adventures in the Lakes have you been on of late then?
Thoughts on my route and ride suggestions always welcome!
Cheers
Sanny
PS I will write up my Coniston Old Man adventure soon. It was also a smashing day out. Not long distance wise but high on quality.
Couple of months off with an old knee injury flaring up but hoping to get out this week.
I'll be able to get a day time ride Thurs or Fri if anyone wants to join? Probably Angle Tarn, Styhead Tarn unless there's other suggestions.
Would love to, but I'm going oop north this weekend.
They were probably my tracks down Rest Dodd @sanny. You’re right. I won’t be rushing back there. I carried on off the front of The Nab which I found hardwork walking down. Oh well. Another 2 ticked off.
Thread update time!
Sooooooooo…….the weather last weekend was spectacular on the last meteorological day of summer which meant a trip south was called for. Cruising into the off road parking a shade after 8, I decided to start small and work my way up High Rigg. A short cruise on the road took me onto the bridleway that skirts the eastern flank of the fell. Ignoring the map, I singularly failed to take the bridleway at first and ended up on the somewhat gloopy footpath through the fields. Don’t do that. The bridleway along the side of the wall is lovely and after a bit of cow interaction, I hopped over onto what I should have been on. In the morning with the sun slowly rising, it is a smashing ride up to the little church. Laughing at the “Don’t park here on Sunday signs”, I made my way up the grassy track that would take me to the summit of High Rigg in jig time. The views in every direction are lovely. The initial pull up is a carry but it gets reideable further up. Looking north, it would be tempting to descend and take the footpath over Low Rigg as it looks like flowing loveliness.
Instead, I headed south along the ridge. This undulates up and down over a series of rises and past a pretty little tarn. The short descents are fun but the traverse is a bit on and off at times with one slightly awkward down push. At Wren Crag, things definitely pick up as you drop through the trees. There is a lovely viewpoint where I stopped for a natter with a couple who were getting back into fell walking and were camping down at Bridge End Farm. The descent was most enjoyable with one bit I passed on as I did not fancy an early bath. Stopping for a mum and her daughter coming up, she asked me to tell her husband Richard further down that they were fine. Slightly bemused, I soon came across said Richard who said he was worried about his kid walking up the fell. I rather dryly suggested he was not that worried otherwise he would be climbing up with him. He gave a somewhat wan smile as he pondered my suggestion. The rest of the descent through the trees was lovely and popped me out back at the car.
High Rigg - a nice start to the day but for optimum fun, i would say up and down from the north and doing Low Rigg would be the best option.
Raven Crag
Spinning past Bridge End Farm, I met a lovely motor biker who was also a mountain biker who was riding the six passes. We spoke of all manner of things - biking, motorbikes, the horror show that is Ford wet belt engines, campervans etc before I headed off along the side of Thirlmere. I had options - a stiff carry up the footpath or a fire road climb up. I chose the latter but easy, it was not. Every corner delivers you to a steep climb that at times feels like a wall of loose gravel. I was bloody glad of the test Pivot e bike. Hitting a levelling, a natural viewpoint presented itself where I got chatting to another couple who had just bought a very fancy VW camper and were staying in the same site as the other couple I talked too. like them, they had tried to come up the previous bank holiday weekend but were fortunate that it had been full. The previous weekend’s weather would have had them building an ark!
Setting off again, the climb continued in an unrelentingly steep manner before finally topping out at the saddle where an empire biscuit was practically inhaled before it got sniffled by a passing Doberman. Annoyingly, the track drops steeply before rising agin. Thinking I was clever, I spotted a path heading up onto Sippling Crag. It started promisingly but soon faded in and out of existence a bit like Shroedinger’s Path! I would not bother with it again. Notwithstanding that, I soon reconnected with the main track for the final carry up the steps to the summit of Raven Crag. For a small fell, it is a wee smasher offering glorious views up and down the valley from the viewing platform. On a mission, I snapped a few pics then headed down the wooden steps. These were entirely rideable and a bit of a bumpy giggle. Hitting the main track, I decided to head down the steep footpath. An ascending couple suggested that I had some balls for taking on the descent. I am never sure whether that is a compliment or an indication that you are about to do something daft. No matter, I was committed and as it transpired, it was a gem of a descent. Loose in places, it flowed nicely as I plummeted to the valley below through open hillside then mature woodland. There is a drop to flat when you cross the fire road that looked consequential that I carefull walked down but as a whole, it was a real treat. I even got a wave from my new found van life pals at the campsite as I rode by.
All in all, an excellent little fell that rewards the toughness of the ascent.
Good read and slightly jealous . Best I could muster last week was a Whinlatter then up Grisedale with the intent of Rigg beck but the wind on top was super strong so bailed down to the mine . left disappointed for sure.
That was just the morning. The afternoon was even better!
Jumping in the car, I passed through a stupidly busy Ambleside and managed to park up beside the River Rothay. Heading into town, I stopped at Tacos Del Sol for a really rather excellent Burrito. Not cheap but delicious. At this point, nature called me somewhat insistently and was not taking no for an answer. Thank goodness for Ghyllside Cycles coming to my rescue. Relief beyond belief.
Heading through Rothay Park, the back road to Rydal Water was busy with walkers while the shore felt a bit like Blackpool. It was teeming with folk soaking up the sunshine and heat. Fair play, it is a nice spot but there was the usual **** parking on the road up to it. Reaching Grasmere, I headed up to ride the bridleway to Sour Milk Ghyll. The first section is cobbled bumpiness but it is an easy means to an end. I got fairly far up the climb before having to carry and an enjoyable chat with a couple of young lads from Manchester who were fellow bikers and intrigued by the e bike. They were on a mission to get back for kick off so we soon parted company and I pressed on. Sour Milk Ghyll was in fine fettle - the rains of the previous week had seen to that. Breaking off the trail, I crossed the stream by a couple of very relaxed looking walkers sitting on sleeping mats before a short traverse took me to the start of the climb proper up onto Blea Rigg. The path is easy to follow but the chest high bracken made things feel a bit enclosed. i was glad that I had practically bathed in Smidge to keep the ticks off. It was a steady pull up a series of rises broken only by a chat with a group of walkers coming down who questioned my sanity carrying up. My socks drew admiring comments (who looks at socks? Weird) as we contemplated the merits of riding v walking down.
Ever upwards, i eventually reached the top. The views down to Easedale Tarn and the soaring grandeur of Deer Bields crag were lovely and made me want to stay a while. To be honest, looking towards Sergeant Man several hundred feet above, I seriously contemplated heading back down the way i came up. It looks like a lovely descent - there is only one awkward section that is very short so I resolved to ride it. Weighing up my options, the sun was shining, the sky was blue and the trails were remarkably dry so i opted to press on. The path, such as it is, comes and goes before disappearing for the last steep section to the top of a Sergeant Man. I found it again but even looking back down, it is not obvious.
Sergeant Man is a prime spot for the fell spotter, offing 360 degree panoramic views. I was up here last summer on a Langdale Pikes mission and that time, I made my way over towards Stake pass. This time, I resolved to head to Blea Rigg and Silver How. Despite the perfect conditions, I did not locate the path until a bit down the side of the fell. What I should have done was head towards the Pikes before turning for Blea Rigg. Although initially vague, I soon joined a clear path that took me along the long ridge line. At points, the track would bifurcate. I opted to keep high but for flow, the better option would be to stay on the lower tracks to avoid the odd steep push up. Things definitely got easier the further along the ridge I got. Reaching Blea Rigg, the rounded grass fell side of Silver How came into view. There are multiple tracks and lines which made for a really enjoyable ride experience. There were several wild campers who looked like they were living their best lives. All seemed to be surprised to see a mountain biker high on the fells so late in the day. To be fair, they were already settled for the evening so not exactly surprising. Silver How is another lovely summit where I met a dad and son camping. They let me try their Nemo camp chair which felt like luxury after some 12 hours out riding. Bidding them farewell, I high tailed it down a very obvious trail that eventually dropped me out on the Chapel Style side of the fells. There were two walk down sections but overall, it was fantastic. A short climb past the youth hostel saw me descending on the joyously swoopy road down to the base of Loughrigg for the final road blast back.
As a ride, it was massively enjoyable. I would definitely do it again. I was hoping that the ridge would be fun and that is what it proved to be.
So @justinbieber @fergal @stevedoc @mrlinderly @mark88 @lowey @thegeneralist @scuttler @munrobiker
What have you been up to?
Cheers
Sanny
As usual these days, not much. Did get out for a quick Jacob's on Friday night, but that's about it.
Currently tracking the weather forecast for next weekend. Got a potential plan to do Gooey, MacDui and Avon if the meteo gets better .
As above not as much as I would like . Not long since back from Maderia where my bike took a back step to my boots. Before thank I managed a couple of mornings around Kentmere and the horseshoe adding just fun miles and heights in. As you mentioned Sanny its not the best time of year to attempt heading into Ambleside or Keswick of a weekend, way to many privaliged people visiting the area which does spoil it in my eyes . Im going to watch the weather next weekend and maybe head up to Keswick early or head further a field Thursday evening and see how far north of the border I can get .
I had a cracking day recently - Scafell Pike via esk hause then down the corridor route. Really good fun, 99% of the summit was rideable and the corridor route was equally as good. Lots of chunky slow speed tech, one minor scramble and a few lovely trialsy bits. Some video action from the day is on my instagram (@jamesvincent) if anyone fancies a look.
Holy thread updates, Batman!……….as Robin never said.
Taking advantage of the Indian Summer, I was up and out the door by half fiver yesterday for the long drive down to Wasdale. My dog decided to help me by waking me up just after three barking at a fox outside the house. I tried to get back to sleep but the damage was done. Reaching Greendale at half eight despite the best efforts of Miss Daisy’s on the roads to go at 25mph everywhere, the riding up only lasted a couple of minutes before the long but steady push up on to Middle Fell. Aside from a scottish runner who had camped in his lifestyle van there overnight, the fell was mine alone to enjoy. The trail leads to Greendalew Tarn but I took an obvious hill track off it and gained height quickly. The summit offers great views as you would expect but all the way up, all I could think was that it would make for a lovely descent. There was nothing on it that looked problematic and as an out and back, I think it would be a winner.
From the top, I headed down a clear path to the saddle above the tarn. It was a little bit squishy in places but not badly so. The push then carry up the side of Seatallan got progressively steeper the further I ascended. It would be a plummet to ride down and not worth the effort. From the top, I dropped down a track that was clear despite not being on my OS 1:25000 map and was able to ride a fair way over to High Pikehow beneath haycock. There is a track that appears to go up the crag but I broke left for an easier climb on mostly grass. Again, it was hike a bike time. In terms of scenery, Haycock is a bit of a gem as it looks down in to Ennerdale as well as over the Scafells and beyond. I decided to do Caw Fell as an out and back. It started with a bit of rocky jank which was really fun to pick a line through. The trail follows a wall and even in the mist, it would be easy to navigate. It was here I met a fellow biker (in walking mode) who had come up via Iron Crag and reckoned the way he came would be mostly rideable on ascent. There is a clear track over to it from Caw Fell so I put that in the one to explore in the future box. There is a bridleway that comes up from Skalderskew Wood. If anyone has any knowledge, feel free to share!!!!!!!!! Yer man had run out of water so I was able to share some of mine for his beta sharing. I think he came up from Crag Fell and the link below suggests there is a decent path.
https://www.masarnenramblers.com/crag-fell-iron-crag-caw-fell--haycock.html
Out and back to Caw fell was grassy loveliness. The golden grass gave a lovely late summer feeling. However, the flying ants congregating round the summit cairn decided that I was to be their all you can eat buffet for the day thus forcing a hasty, expletive laden retreat.
The descent from haycock to the saddle was short and sweet. It bisects the bridleway from Wasdale to Ennerdale. I was sorely tempted to head into Ennerdale as I saw it snake off in the distance so again, any knowledge appreciated! Being on a mission and being on the test E bike, I cleaned the grassy climb up on to Scoat Fell. It would be a right grunt on a normal bike. Steeple was calling me as I had never been up it. The bike was an unecessary companion but not being mine, there was no chance of me leaving it on open fell side. You can take the boy out of Glasgow………
Ever the one to explore new tops, I did an out and back to Red Pike. I managed to ride right across to the far top and looking down towards Dore Head, I’m not convinced continuing down would be worth doing. Taking a bypass trail, I made my way over to Black Crag. I started on the bypass track beneath it but it looked a bit too rocky so I tracked back to the summit. That was a mistake. I did it so you don’t ever have to……..
More to come……
So Wind Gap…….if you are ever tempted to look at the map and think, yeah, I fancy that then let me just stop you there. It would be dire on a bike, both up and down on either side. Consider that itch well and truly scratched. I had a funny notion to do it but seeing it up close, I rapidly disabused myself of that.
To get to the top of Pillar requires a carry of some 150 metres of vertical. You would not be able to ride down it so don’t bother contemplating it. The summit of Pillar was a fantastic place to be just after five last night. There was not a breath of wind and you could hear a pin drop. The climb up had been to the soundtrack of the Mountain Rescue captor flying around the Mosedale valley. Talking to three women walkers on the road back along Wasdale later, they told me that there was a walking festival on the far side of the Lake and that someone attending had spannered themselves on Great gable. Oops! The summit of Pillar is pan flat and had I had my gear with me, I would have been sorely tempted to camp out. I lingered for a good length of time before finally rousing from my mindful state and got back on the bike for the final descent down to Black Sail Pass. I had really high hopes for it and in places, it was picture perfect trail. However, there were extended sections of unrideable rocks and boulders that meant it was a disjointed and disappointing affair. On balance, it was not worth the effort from a riding perspective but as fell to explore, it was a cracker. Fair to say, it was mixed emotions for me but on the plus side, I had the entire Black Sail pass descent to enjoy to return balance to the force. To be fair, I knew that Pillar was going to be a gamble so no complaints from me.
On reflection, I had a most enjoyable day in the fells. I came away eager to explore more of the hill tracks on the Western Fells. Middle Fell is a must do in my opinion and the tracks south and west of Haycock have done enough for me to demand a return visit.
Cheers
Sanny
Sorry Sanny no . Of late my Lakeland visits have been lacking to say the least.. as he types this he realises he was on Grisedale 3 weekends ago .... Im half tempted to head back up later in the week but I have some Cairngorm stuff planned.
Good work Sanny, and thanks for sharing - Middle Fell added to my list. I don't know anything in the Western Lakes so I've got no intel to pass on unfortunately.
Re the western fells
It was @fergal who wrote about the north spur off of Caw Fell into Ennerdale being 600m of loveliness. I definitely want to try that, whether climbing up from the south or via Black Sail Pass to make it into a nice loop.
Cheers
Sanny
Not sure where to go next. Have a hankering for Scafell via Slight Side then down Green How before carrying up Illgill Head and heading south west along the ridge to Whin Rigg then returning via Miterdale. Green How is the only bit I really know.
Gowbarrow Fell, Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell are appealing as a join the dots exploratory ride in the late autumn too. I also want to do High Street again when it is hard frozen. Decisions. Decisions.
@Sanny , Cairngorms plans have taken a turn a little . So am up to Glentress for something differnt with a stop over in the Lakes on the way back down and an early play from Keswick in the morning Up Skiddaw all being well and from there I cannot say 😉