I finished off two days in the lakes with a quick jaunt up Barrow (the higher fells still holding loads of ice). It was ace - flowy, easy riding (compared to wharnscale covered in ice the day before) and with amazing views all around and the sense of being on a proper ridgeline.
I'm not going to propose it (or it's bigger neighbour ullock pike) but if you were hunting more of the same - could we get a list together?
I'm with you, I could actually just ride around the tops all day long before descending, said it many times while being up on NW fells out of Braithwaite, not even what you'd call proper ridges as such, but stunning panorama's. Which is actually better for it then a techy ridge, as you lift your head and actually look.
So, really good allround views as opposed to 'ridges'
Beinn a bhuird
Rhinns of Kells
Yoke along to Thorthwaite crag
Wandope onto Whiteless pike
Grisedale pike
Maiden moor onto cat bells
I'm sure more will come to me during the day
North rdge of Helvellyn is pretty good. Past The Dodds and the ski centre...
Also enjoyed heading east from Coniston OM into little langdale. The last bit in particular is threaded grass heaven.
Fairfield towards Windermere, mostly fitting nobeer's criteria.
Apart from then many water bars, Bynack mor has great vistas, as does the route along to Macdui from Cairngorm end, though none of them are technically 'ridges', similarly Sgor gaioth right along the great moss to mullach clach a blair fits the views criteria.
its not mountainous or big, but the quantocks drove road along the ridge is a great ride.
Tried to post a load of pics 3 times, lost the post everytime.
You'll just have to imagine.
Yeah I'm having hassle with pic posting but regarding the instagram link up there, it should / could be loading this
I once took my Canyon a walk along these ridges, lovely day, but not much riding. 🙂
Beinn Bharrain horseshoe on Arran has a very similar feel to NW fells in the lakes, I've only ever walked it, need to get the bike over
Longside edge surely? rode it on tuesday morning. extra sketchy with all the ice but seemed to make the descent go on forever!! dreamy (the drop off skiddaw down snow and ice covered scree was horrific tho!)
OP - What is the Barrow route? I've done some walking in the area, but never been up there with a bike. Is it rideable up with the, ahem, ebike do you think?
Grizedale Pike's the best for me. Probably my favourite descent in the Lakes. The top is so gnarly.
St Sunday Crag's a cool ridge that also has a cracking descent off it -
Whiteless Pike is a belter-
[img] 
[/img]
Ben Lawers then down Beinn Ghlas
As you mentioned, Ullock Pike is up there-
Rhydd Dhu off Snowdon is great too.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
Beinn a Bhuird is alright, but over a bit quick and a bit tame. Worth a go if you're in the area though.
Either follow the track from Braithwaite up just west (right looking up) of Barrow Gill, then loop back on yourself under Stile End (very rideable on an ebike), or take the little descent after climbing out of braithwaite to Stoneycroft then bang a right up stoneycroft Gill then dog-leg back on yourself (even more rideable).
Beinn a Bhuird is alright, but over a bit quick and a bit tame. Worth a go if you’re in the area though.
In terms of riding with exposed views all round, it's a belter, not really meaning as solely a descent.
Longside edge surely?
Often referred to as Ullock pike, though I think you're technically correct! 🙂
Munrobiker doing an excellent job of making me realise what a waste I have made of my life so far 🙂
Though I did manage Bhuird and Ullock this year, so not all bad.
Thegeneralist, FOingMO since 1972 (TM)
FingMO?
FOMOing?
</bollocks>
Anyway, on a more productive vein, just realised that the current weather could well be perfect for Helvellyn Dodds Ridge... my vague ( and probably rose tinted) recollection from 16 years ago I that it's 95% rideable from Watermillock area to the summit if the Dodds bog is properly frozen, which I guess it is.
And bearing in mind the OPs note about some of the gnarrfests being too icey...
Anyone fancy a ( possibly mid-week) assault on Hrlvellyn? (If I can lose the 'rona.)
Normally I'd advocate a loop incorporating that other grassy bogfest across the 'water, but I think Helvellym and High Street on the same day is currently beyond me.
(TBH Greenlands to Hollins is probably beyond me at present, but if I can lose this bug.....)
Great photos.
Watching with interest if anyone is willing to share strava links to routes. 2022 resolution is to make more effort getting round the Lakes.
So many brilliant ridges in the Lakes, but why do they all have blasted footpaths on them! Not a bridleway in sight 🙁
@munrobiker - Grizedale Pike down to Braithwaite is indeed tech heaven - I was very pleased to clean it all last summer.
@thegeneralist - don't think I rate the Dodds to Helvellyn. Just seems a bit too rounded and meh. Can think of plenty of other ways I'd rather spend a day biking in and around Helvellyn.
@mark88 - most of the ridges mentioned are relatively self explanatory. Just spend some time with a map and figure out a way to link the start and finish of each one.
A lot of them I rode before I used Strava for every ride so I don't have complete records but here's a few-
St Sunday -
https://www.strava.com/activities/3926838891
Beinn a Bhuird (there's definitely better ways to do this loop but I was a bit tight for time)-
https://www.strava.com/activities/2520485928#63377968125
Bynack Mor -
https://www.strava.com/activities/2333716787
Ullock Pike (though I'd advocate pushing back up through Dodds and going down Carl Side as well)
https://www.strava.com/activities/1428067288/
Whiteless Pike (this is the shortest possible route for it, I'd recommend going over from the Braithwaite Side and making a loop of it)
Perfect, thanks @munrobiker
most of the ridges mentioned are relatively self explanatory. Just spend some time with a map and figure out a way to link the start and finish of each one.
I'm already on it, spend far too long browsing maps of the lakes!
Whiteless and Grisedale pike on the same ride, I've only ever done it via a howk up Gasgale gill, which isn't to everyones tastes, but lets you ride the lovely singletrack by Rannerdale knotts.
don’t think I rate the Dodds to Helvellyn. Just seems a bit too rounded and meh. Can think of plenty of other ways I’d rather spend a day biking in and around Helvellyn.
Fair assessment really, especially if you clean Grizedale Pike. I mainly suggested it as an option for something compatible with the weather & forecast. Ice and most of the other routes mentioned would be way outside my comfort zone.
But yeah, it is essentially an XC ride, very high up.
I'll try again...
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49226672306_5e212d1577_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49226672306_5e212d1577_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hZZyDq ]2019-12-16_07-43-03[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave-lowe/ ]Dave Lowe[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/954/41761870561_705d4c7156_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/954/41761870561_705d4c7156_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/26Cmva4 ]20180428_145001[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave-lowe/ ]Dave Lowe[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/867/40587252124_87d4608150_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/867/40587252124_87d4608150_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/24Qyh23 ]20180407_150005[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave-lowe/ ]Dave Lowe[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/2880/32820711284_7cabc043db_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/2880/32820711284_7cabc043db_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/S1fJ1u ]20170326_132410[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave-lowe/ ]Dave Lowe[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/502/32655830253_7aae906849_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/502/32655830253_7aae906849_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/RKFEC6 ]DSC_0167[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave-lowe/ ]Dave Lowe[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/7560/28194948773_2816779412_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/7560/28194948773_2816779412_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/JXutYr ]IMAG0675[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave-lowe/ ]Dave Lowe[/url], on Flickr
@lowey you just hit share on flickr, and then copy the link that comes up, paste directly in here, no need to use IMG or anything.
I've never ridden the lakes.must do
Carn a'Mhaim and Macdui was a great day out. Bit of a ridge ride with the Lairig Ghru to your left. Pictures don't do it justice.
Then a fantastic descent form Macdui back towards Braemar. Strava link to the ride. Even better as we managed to book the good weather.
surprisingly for someone who's not done much Lakes riding, I've ridden most of the Lakes ridges above (bar St Sunday and Whiteless which I like the look of). I also always enjoy Yoke to High St in either direction which I've done a few times now, as it's most accessible from where I live.
I'll include the Howgills rollercoaster descent from the Calf. Nothing remotely technical (massive bonus at my skill level) just a fast blast all the way.
Going far south, the ride along Nine Barrow down from Corfe, then down and up along Ballard down towards old Harry rocks. Not high or pointy, but fabulous views and prominence from the surrounding landscape. Ballard down ends up with the sea a long way down to one side and stunning views to the Isle of Wight.
@lowey you just hit share on flickr, and then copy the link that comes up, paste directly in here, no need to use IMG or anything.
I know mate, that's what I was doing but everytime I clicked submit the forum just lost the post.
Carn a’Mhaim and Macdui
Oaft, that's a boulder field mission from Macdui down to the ridgeline, kudos!
Carn a Mhaim has to be up there as it is a proper ridge descent.
Whiteless Pike is glorious. Ridden it several times in all seasons. Bloody brilliant and worth doing as a loop to take in Grizedale Pike. With the path being improved a few years ago, it is possible to now ride most of the way up too if you have the legs and low gears.
The ride on the west side of Arran no beer has walked is great on a bike but the hike up is tough. I wrote that one up for the mag.
Ben Avon heading north via the tors is mint. Cracking views too.
Ullock Pike - great but even better adding in Doups.
St Sunday Crag - only ridden it west to east but loved it.
Buchaille Etive Mor - for pure ridge riding, it is a cracker. Feels like skiing heading down into Glen Etive.
Binnean Mor - fantastic trail with everything you could wish for in a descent.
Cat bells ridge line starting at Honister after coming over Rosset on a sunny autumn evening. Just fabulous.
Oh and for sheer loveliness close to home (if you can stand the hike a bike) then the 5 summits in the Pentlands are cracking. Added another 4 summits on yesterday for a brilliant first big ride of the year day out in perfect winter conditions. Finished in the dark as all the best rides should!
Cheers
Sanny
Nobeer
Do Carn a Mhaim first then up Taylors Gulley. The reverse would be absolutely garbage. It is a tough climb but absolutely worth it.
Oh and add in Derry cairngorm once you get past the scree laden top section. You will question why you are doing it but then it suddenly makes perfect sense. I did that along with the other 2 peaks as a loop. Approx six hours so not a big day out in time terms.
Cheers
Sanny
Ullock Pike – great but even better adding in Doups
You're still the only person I've ever heard recommending this! 🙂
Doups is steep loveliness. One for the slow speed tech, endo hop fan. So basically me!
I know mate, that’s what I was doing but everytime I clicked submit the forum just lost the post.
@lowey - this is because for some stupid reason STW limits the number of links you can put in a post. Each link to a flickr photo is three links so you soon exceed the limit. You can stop this by either deleting everything either side of the img tags in the flickr link you've copied, or by putting them over several posts.
@Sanny - which way would you get up and off Buchaille Etive Mor?
Also, hike a bike on the 5 hills? There's only a tiny bit. It's a great ride, though.
@nobeerinthefridge - Doups is what I was referring to as Carl Side. It's a really silly descent.
Aye, I've pushed up it (Carlside/Doups), was horrible!
@sanny - we did Carl Side and Doups recently. The first bit from the saddle after the scree off Skiddaw is still good, but it seems they've fixed everything lower down and you're faced with about 10 of the flattest, tightest switchbacks I've seen in the lakes, before hitting the steep grassy slope at the bottom. Not sure I'd ride up Dodd to get to just that bit anymore.
Ullock Pike (though I’d advocate pushing back up through Dodds and going down Carl Side as well)
loving this Carl Side and Doups add-on. defo gonna look at that. we normally add on a lap of whinlatter garbanzo but apparently its no more 🙁 the standard skiddaw/ullock loop is just a bit short for the journey. is there a definitive way up Dodd? do you go all the way to the top of Carl Side?
speaking of Dodd Wood, surely there must be some stuff in there too...?? they do a good job of keeping it secret if there is...
Oh and add in Derry cairngorm once you get past the scree laden top section. You will question why you are doing it but then it suddenly makes perfect sense. I did that along with the other 2 peaks as a loop. Approx six hours so not a big day out in time terms.
You'd lose the descent down past the Hutchison memorial hut then - not sure I'd be on for that :).
Aye, I’ve pushed up it (Carlside/Doups), was horrible!
horrible how? long, steep, boring, scary, carrying, all of these!?
im thinking i could summit skiddaw the normal way, come down carl side and doups then back up through Dodd, push back up carl side then finish on ullock to the bottom. would that be too horrific??
im thinking i could summit skiddaw the normal way, come down carl side and doups then back up through Dodd, push back up carl side then finish on ullock to the bottom. would that be too horrific??
I've never ridden doups but it just looks steep and boring. I could be wrong as I frequently am, but anyway why not just do ullock and then round the back to Skidaw House and Lonscale bridleway for more of a ride?
Not nearly as impressive as above but Gypsy Glen is ace and Heartbreak ridge even better.
hmmm. maybe. could park at the skiddaw carpark... does it have the thrills tho?
carl side and doups looks alright in this vid tbf...
I've done doups.
Once.
About 15 years ago.
I have been back in the area many times over.
I think that tells you what I think of it 😬
horrible how? long, steep, boring, scary, carrying, all of these!?
I meant the push up was horrible, a steep grassy calf wrecker! 🤣
Pushed up it with the fittest pensioner in GMBC (@Sanny knows who I mean!) Just to do a quick hurl along ullock one Friday evening.
@mahalo to be fair to tha to does look alright when taken all the way from the top. When we did doups it was after ullock. we climbed through Dodd wood and joined at around the rocky outcrop on the vid where it gets grassier and steeper.
I wonder if there is a nice descent through Dodd? So off top, down carlside, into Dodd.
Anyone know?
An ok alternative descent off Skiddaw is north to Bakestall then down Birketts edge, fast and flowy, not really any tech but fun enough, gets steep down birketts, you can then go back via Skiddaw hause, Lonscale edge for a spot of peddaling.
For sheer length it has to be the South Shiel Ridge...I know it's been done but have zero information. Seems to be clockwise from Loch Quoich as there is then a path up and down (most of the way) at each end. Anyone know more? Walked it from the Cluanie Inn years ago when the wee man was eight (he got a free packet of nuts as a reward from the bar staff afterwards...what's wrong with twenty quid? 🙂 )
I wonder if there is a nice descent through Dodd? So off top, down carlside, into Dodd.
Anyone know?
Whitestones to Long Doors is a nice techie section (if you also know the Whitestones bypass). There's not much left in Dodd following the recent round of felling.
The best north Lakes ridge, other than the already mentioned Grisdale Pike? Probably the top section of Causey Pike or Crag Hill to Sale.
Not a ridge, as it only has a drop on one side, but for sheer mountain view pleasure I love the west to east traverse of Blencathra.
The best north Lakes ridge, other than the already mentioned Grisdale Pike? Probably the top section of Causey Pike or Crag Hill to Sale.
oooh, I got an atmospheric photo of that (Crag Hill to Sail)
Not a ridge, as it only has a drop on one side, but for sheer mountain view pleasure I love the west to east traverse of Blencathra.
I think that qualifies, in terms of a big view ride, for sure.
This was about the only part of my Arran ridge ride/push/swear that I'd repeat, the Sail an im ridge of Caisteal Abhail, Can either be done as an out and back from North Glen Sannox, or up Glen Rosa onto the Bealach between Cir Mhor and A'chir, then up the ridge in the 2nd image onto Caisteal Abhail
you’re faced with about 10 of the flattest, tightest switchbacks I’ve seen in the lakes
I came down that last year as a bonus bit after a Skiddaw & Ullock loop with Tony - and I've been moaning about it to anyone who'll listen ever since.
Anyone determined to ride it, I'd say just drop down to the top of the switchbacks, then turn round and carry back up to descend Ullock as well.
I rode the full Whiteside to Grizedale Pike ridge last year. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Actually surprisingly ridable
Scuttler, that photo is an absolute banger - hope you’ve got it printed and framed!!
@parkedtiger - how about Sail to Crag Hill then on to Causey Pike 🙂
@johnx2 - I prefer that one going from Grizedale Pike to Whiteside. Then if you're feeling particularly daft/stupid/adventurous, head down Whin Ben to the bottom of Gasgale Gill
@justinbieber not ridden there much and did it as an out and back from hopegill head, as part of a peak bagging round of the NW fells with grassmore (better than expected) and the Grizedale Pike descent (pic, just as good as hoped) the main objectives.
Most of the lake district suggestions are illegal, lets hope no one official looks at this thread....
Not illegal, just not bridleways. 😉
Illegal? Rubbish.
Btw, Does making a a post #TOTW kinda kill it off? I know I rarely look at pinned posts.
Most of the lake district suggestions are illegal, lets hope no one official looks at this thread….
As a local, I treat every ride as a protest for equal rights.
@parkedtiger – how about Sail to Crag Hill then on to Causey Pike 🙂
That's Sunday afternoon's ride confirmed 🥳
@parkedtiger - just so long as you don’t climb up force crag first, I might join you
Great thread. Only really done Ullock Pike (which was amazing) and the Helvellyn ridge which isn't very ridgy. Grizedale Pike looks like a good one to aim for next.
Thanks @augustuswindsock - too kind, right place, right time (it was pissing down on the hike up Gasgale)
Some more NW Lakes loftiness and ridginess
Just be aware that the top of Grizedale Pike is extremely steep and slick rock- it's not one to do alone or if it's damp. But it is a belter.
As for legality, the law on access for bikes is an ass.
Re the Buchaille
We headed up from the north side into the broad Corrie where a path goes up. The very top section had a bit of snow even into May. We headed for the first peak above the A82 then headed along the ridge to the second sun it before heading back to the saddle and dropping down into Skyfall Bowl. It was just really steep grass. Fun but no real track down as such. One for a dry day.
Yeah. Not that much hike a bike on the Pentlands 5 Peaks. The first one from the west is the steepest and was a carry. I cleaned the one that has the loose track heading up the north side of the hill out of the sunshine. The steep middle section was a bit of a killer but the fat bike traction helped greatly. Never done that before so pretty chuffed. I do wonder whether the entire route would go on an e bike? It would have to be bone dry or hard frozen though as the trails up there would be easily damaged in the wet.
The top section of the hill above the firing range is mega steep. I reckon it is harder than the steep grass line by the fence onto the final two peaks at Hillend.
Can I add in Hindscarth and Littledale Edge?
I rode Hindscarth as part of a loop starting at Cat Bells on my first Santa Cruz Heckler in 97 as a callow youth. It was an epic day out and opened my eyes to the big mountains. We followed it up by a circuit of Derwen****er on footpaths before getting a takeaway pizza from The Loose Box. Magic! It was the Monday of the Glasgow September weekend holiday and it was gloriously hot.
Seconds on Heartbreak Ridge at Ballater.
Derry Cairngorm is an excellent alternative off MacDui.
I wrote it up for this esteemed publication in an article called Ridge Riders along with the Buchaille. Bloody great!
I would say contact @spin for the beta on the South Glen Shiel Ridge. He has done it and is the man to speak to.
It is on my Spring hit list.
Cheers
Sanny
Hindscarth is a good shout. The ridge ride is superb. Shame about the carry down off scope end.
Having been inspired by the awesomeness above, I'm planning some rides this weekend. Have Monday booked off and might do Saturday as well if I can.
Am thinking Rhyd Ddu, Grizedale Pike and/or the Doups ride in the vid above.
Anyone fancy it Saturday or Monday ( will be driving for the two separate day trips from Manc)
A special note needs adding for the teflon nature of the grass lower down on Carl Side. Never, have we encountered anything so slippery! Having minced down the rest of it with a my group close to mutiny, it was an insult too far 🙂
Can't believe nobody has mentioned Gee's ridgeline 😉
For sheer length it has to be the South Shiel Ridge…I know it’s been done but have zero information.
Here's some information. Leave the bike at home! You'll find pics from the ridge which make it look like a goer, it's a very long day out with very little riding on the ridge but a whole lot of HAB.
That said, the best bit of trail from the day was pushing up on to Creag a Mhaim, I reckon that may be worth an out and back.
The West end into descent in to Kinloch Hourn might well be a cracker too, I'm not sure as I dropped into Glenshiel. That was a carry almost all the way down, a touch depressing...
The ride back up the Glen on the A87 to the van at Cluanie was the most scary bit of road I've ever ridden to boot.
One ridge ride I really enjoyed but don't think it's oft repeated is the Munros to the north side of Glen Strathfarrar. The riding isn't on a par with the likes of Macdui and the Lakes, but it's a proper lovely big day out with plenty of the ridge rideable.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/map3_12ln.shtml
Hi @bedmaker
Any chance you could post some pics from that like you did with the `Munros thread? Went to look the other day but came up as a hosting error.
Cheers
Sanny
The anticlockwise Farrar Four would be a good day out with the caveat that it's bog almost the whole way up to the first summit. Stunning spot, Glen Farrar.
So this is where threads come to lie fallow...
Anyway
top of Grizedale Pike is extremely steep and slick rock- it’s not one to do alone or if it’s damp.
I guess doing it solo after major downpours (crossing Coledale Beck was the main hazard of the ride with parties of walkers turning back) gives me an excuse for carrying down a tricky section but suspect I'd do this in ideal conditions too. Whatever, you're still left with a blast.
Anyway, purely out of patriotism as there aren't many ridges in the Dales, but wild boar fell gives a couple of minutes of fun...
... which is plenty for me these days.
Here’s some information. Leave the bike at home! You’ll find pics from the ridge which make it look like a goer, it’s a very long day out with very little riding on the ridge but a whole lot of HAB
I enjoyed it when I 'rode' it although I wouldn't rush to do it again. E to W is definitely the way to go. Basically all of the ups are carries and most of the downs are rideable. The descent from the end is good but quite hard.
