Staying Braithwaite village campsite from this weekend. First time in area.
What’s best way to get by bike from Braithwaite to Whinlatter - main road or is that best avoided and any off road options? Don’t mind detouring if a nicer way to get there than Road.
Getting to Keswick by foot or bike (incl 8yos). Seeing some indirect paths on OS maps via little Braithwaite and Ullock. But seem to add a fair bit of distance. Pavement alongside B5292/A66 more direct. What’s best in terms of safety/easiness?
thanks in advance just need pray for forecast improving.
Very easy Braithwaite to portinscale on either good tarmac shared use path alongside a66, or more pleasant, cross the a66 at braithwaite and take the old road, recross a66 the other end. From Portinscale either continue to take the bike path and road, or go through portinscale village and across the footbridge then footpath through the fields across the howrahs.
most efficient way up to whinlatter is on the road, but you could go along to thornthwaite and up the forest roads.
The road is fine up to Whinlatter if you're not taking kids, some of the corners are blind and you'll be going slow, so take a wide assertive position. You can join the blue route part way up and either follow it all or opt for the return if you want to head for the reds. The blue is fun though, just be aware of gravel on some of the corners (it doesn't seem to get cleared like it might on a red). And on the way home you can take the blue from the trail center and join the road where you left it earlier, or take the bridleway down to Thornthwaite.
When we camp in Braithwaite I have the Mrs drop me off at Whinlatter car park. Sod riding up that hill!
If I had some local knowledge I might find another way up.
You could ride to Thornthwaite and then there is a BW that goes up and then joins either the red or blue to the centre. It is pretty steep though, but certainly a nicer way back
Thanks all
There's a BW on the Keswick side of Braithwaite which takes you up to about 1/2 mile from where the blue crosses the road. Coming back down take the Bridleway which runs from the forest (after the first swoopy bit of the blue) takes you into Thornthwaite village and is a nice fast descent. Careful or you might miss where it leaves the fire road. A map or app would be useful.