| Route |
Contributor |
Last Updated |
Where |
Distance |
Tags |
|
WMB 114 Brecon Beacons intermediate |
ocoutts |
Sep 8th 2010, 04:26 |
|
30.5km |
|
| Start/Finish Talybont-on-Usk, OS grid
reference SO115225
Total distance 30.6km (19 miles)
Total ascent 972m (3200 feet)
Time 2.5-4 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey Explorers OL12
and OL13: Brecon Beacons National Park Summary In some ways, this route is more challenging than the Classic. It’s shorter but has as many climbs and includes a broader variety of surfaces.
Start behind the White Hart Inn.
Cross the canal to join the Taff
Trail, climbing steadily. At 5.5km, you’ll reach a junction. Follow the wide track ahead, signed to Pontsticill. Continue to climb for about 1.8km.
At the top of the steep stepped
section, carry straight on by the
marker post (the left fork). Continue to
the quarries. There are boggy sections,
so consider a different route if it’s been
wet. At the quarry roads, the bridleway
goes straight on – it’s easier to turn
right onto the track and follow it as it
loops left. Turn right onto the Tarmac
then bear right very shortly onto a
grassy bridleway.
Follow the descent, taking care
not to miss the right turn above
the reservoir after 2.7km. If you end up
above the rock outcrops, you have.
Descend to the road, passing under the
railway bridge. Turn right, then left across the dam. At the junction,
double back right. Follow the road
into the forest for 500m. Take the
left turn into the woods (signed
National Cycle Network 8) and
follow the road.
Emerge onto Tarmac and
turn left to cross the dam.
Climb past an outdoor education
centre and go through a gate onto
a stony track. Cross the road to a
narrower trail. At the woods, pass
through the gate and carry
straight on over moorland to
reach the junction by the marker
post again. Retrace the trail down
the stepped section and descend.
At the junction take the left
fork and follow it to the
Talybont Reservoir track. Head
north past the dam before forking
right and climbing to regain the
Taff Trail back to the start point.
|
|
WMB 114 Brecon Beacons Beginner Route |
ocoutts |
Sep 8th 2010, 04:14 |
|
12.3km |
|
| Start/Finish Talybont-on-Usk,
OS grid reference SO115225
Total distance 12.4km
(7.7 miles)
Total ascent 350m (1150 feet)
Total time 1-2 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey
Explorers OL12 and OL13:
Brecon Beacons National Park
Summary A technically simple
spin along the valley side above
Talybont Reservoir, but with a
reasonably significant climb.
The route starts behind
the White Hart Inn. Cross
the Monmouthshire and Brecon
Canal to join the Taff Trail,
climbing steadily on what
should be a good surface. This
fi rst stretch is a suitable warm
up – take it steady.
After 1.5km, fork right and
descend to join an easy,
wide track. After 500m you’ll
pass the dam wall at one end of
the Talybont Reservoir. Carry
on, following the track
alongside the reservoir and
then follow the path gradually
uphill for about 3.5km.
You’ll reach a trail junction roughly level with the top end of Talybont
Reservoir, with a signposted
bridleway descending to the
right. Don’t take that – you
need to follow the track
opposite, doubling back left
and climbing more steeply on a
stony track. Continue climbing
for 1km. It’s quite steep and
stony, but all rideable with
suitable gear selection.
After 1km, you’ll emerge
from the trees and reach
the ridge at a junction with a
stone bench and finger post.
Take a well-earned break.
Follow the obvious wide track
heading north-east, initially
along the ridge (to the right if
you’re sitting on the bench).
Don’t take the track that forks
left and descends into the
woods. The trail descends
along the path of the old
Brinore Tramroad.
Eventually, you’ll rejoin
the first section of the
route, so just retrace your path
back to Talybont. |
|
WMB 113 Brecon Beacons Classic Route |
ocoutts |
Sep 8th 2010, 04:09 |
|
41.3km |
|
| Start/Finish Talybont-on-Usk, OS grid
reference SO115225
Total distance 41km (25.5 miles)
Total ascent 994m (3260 feet)
Time 3-5 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey Explorers OL12 and OL13: Brecon Beacons National Park
Summary A classic in the true sense, this loop takes you on some high-level trails with impressive vistas. It’s technically straightforward with the occasional challenge. In bad conditions, think twice.
The route starts behind the White Hart
Inn. Cross the canal to join the Taff Trail, climbing steadily.
After 5.5km, you’ll reach a junction with a finger post and stone bench. Follow the obvious wide track running straight ahead, signed Pontsticill. Continue to climb for about the next 1.8km .
At the top of a steep stepped section,
take the right fork by the post.
After 2km across moorland, pass through the gate and continue to descend through the woods. Go straight across the forest track and regain Tarmac at Dolygaer.
Follow the road across the dam, then
turn immediately right to follow the lane along the western shore of Pentwyn reservoir.
After about 4km, the Gap track will fork right from the road – do not take this, keep straight.
The Tarmac ends and after 500m there’s
a steep drop into a stream crossing and a grind out of the other side. It’s loose on the way in and out, so take care. Continue climbing with the Neuadd Reservoir on your
left. If visibility is good, you’ll soon see the Gap – the obvious saddle in the ridge ahead –between Cribyn to the left and Fan y Big to the right. Continue to climb until you reach it.
Carefully descend the steep top section
of the Gap to reach fast, rocky terrain.
There’s a cheeky climb before a fast blast to a gate and Tarmac.
Take the signed bridleway, following the right-hand fork. Descend to the road, turn left and climb. Take the third left turn and go straight on to a track when the road swings left at the top of the hill.
Descend to emerge behind the college in Brecon. Turn right, go straight across the roundabout and turn right again onto the main street. Follow it over the river and turn right (signed National Cycle Route 8) to the end of the canal. Join the towpath and spin back to Talybont for the last 10km.
|
|
WMB 113 Pennine Trail Centre Moderate |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 02:33 |
|
16km |
|
| Start/Finish Lee Quarry trail
centre parking (near Futures Park,
Bacup), SD863216
Total distance 16km/10 miles
Time 2-3 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey OL21:
South Pennines (1:25,0000)
Summary Two very different man made tracks linked by a quick hop over the top of Rooley Moor. Starting out from Futures Park in Bacup, follow the beginner route directions to navigate Lee Quarry’s red circuit up to and part-way through the exposed section along the centre’s rear wall.
Pick up the link route where it leaves the red path and strikes out over the open grass towards Rooley Moor Road. This was a twinkle in the trail builders’ eyes when we rode the route this summer, so we can’t tell you precisely what it looks like, but it will be well signed, and surfaced to cope with the increased traffic in a far better way than the peat-based moorland of the surrounding area.
Join Rooley Moor Road, part of the Pennine Bridleway, bearing right towards Waterfoot and keeping the sprawl of Manchester’s suburbs on your left. Descend briefly before contouring along the hill and entering the Cragg Quarry complex on the right. Follow the twists and turns of Cragg Quarry’s marked route as it heads west. It’s almost entirely singletrack and will leave you dizzy, but there really are no opportunities to get lost if you stick with the marked path as it loops back on itself and returns you to your start point. Return to the first trail centre, retracing your tyre tracks along Rooley Moor Road and the link route. Rejoin the Lee Quarry trail where you left it in order to finish the red route. If you want more of a challenge, the tougher, black-grade track will drop you into the quarry shortly after you rejoin the red. With steep, rocky drops and some exposed singletrack, it’s not one for the faint-hearted but offers a good workout for those withburlier constitutions.
|
|
WMB 113 Pennine Trail Centre Easy |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 02:13 |
|
5.1km |
|
| Start/Finish Lee Quarry trail
centre parking (near Futures
Park, Bacup). SD863216
Total distance 5km (3 miles)
Time 1-2 hours for play time
Map Ordnance Survey OL21:
South Pennines (1:25,000)
Summary A stiff climb to start,
then more singletrack fun than
you can shake a stick at, as well
as dedicated learner sections.
Follow the track straight
out of Futures Park, climbing steadily and passing through one gate. This is the beginning of the Lee Quarry complex; you’ll fi nish by coming in through the wooded area on the right, but for now, climb up the doubletrack,
bearing right before going left
and following red-route signs
up the technical opening climb,
which winds gradually up the
eastern edge of the quarry.
On the open section at the
top, follow the route up and over the spoil tips, using route markings to guide you past black-graded hazards.
Enjoy the trademark bermed sections, which drop you down into a sheltered
area before a short but tough climb and a great descent to the skills area.
Bear left (the multiple lines on the right all link up if you want to play) to climb around the southernmost high
edge of the quarry for great
views and a sense of exposure.
This is the beginning of the long fi nal drop back to the quarry’s edge – it’s a
sustained descent that loops around the western side of the quarry, taking in fast, winding singletrack, some slabby rock sections, a jump line and the
trail through the woodland at
the foot of the quarry.
If you fancy playing on the pump track before you hit the final section, bear right instead of crossing the mini cattle grid halfway down the descent.
You’ll find the addictive distraction nestled on the edge of the quarry’s base above you and to the right.
|
|
WMB 113 Pennine Trail Centre Classic |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 02:05 |
|
65.2km |
|
| Start/Finish Lee Quarry trail centre
parking (near Futures Park, Bacup),
SD863216
Total distance 65km (40 miles)
Time 6 hours plus
Map Ordnance Survey OL21:
South Pennines (1:25,000)
Summary A true epic featuring plenty of open moors and climbs. Best in dry spells.
From Futures Park, take the A681 to
Bacup. Carry on to Todmorden before
bearing left onto Todmorden Old Road and
climbing to Sharneyford.
At the summit, bear left onto the Flower Scar Road track. Follow it over the top of Todmorden Moor, descending steeply and
turning left onto a minor road to go down to the valley floor. Turn right onto the A646.
In Lydgate, turn left to loop under the
railway viaduct and begin the ascent
up Jumps Road. Follow the walled bridleway through several gates, bearing left as the path
climbs steadily to Shore. Veer right onto a steep road climb.
At the junction with Long Causeway, take the bridleway on your left and cross the valley towards the wind farm. Rejoin Long Causeway for just over 1km and then hit the
well-signed Pennine Bridleway (PBW) to pass reservoirs and loop around Heptonstall Moor to Widdop and the town of Egypt.
At Rodmer Clough, descend into the
valley and leave the PBW, bearing right and climbing steeply to Duke’s Cut. At the end of the rough track, turn right onto the Tarmac,
going left and then right towards the aerial.
Descend Whirlaw and drop into
Todmorden. After the roundabout, bear left off Littleborough road to climb steeply up the cobbled Honey Hole Lane, rejoining the
PBW before descending into Walsden.
Cross the A6033 and ascend Inchfield
Road. Cross the cattle grid. At the ruins, take the left fork and head up the grassy track to Hades Hill.
Pass through the gate at the top.
Continue on the doubletrack through
the open quarry and pick up the bridleway to Whitworth, skirting the northwest flank of Brown Wardle Hill before picking up the PBW.
At Healey Dell, cross the A671 and
continue on to Rooley Moor Road.
Just beyond the summit, bear right
onto the link route and descend the
remainder of Lee Quarry’s red route to finish. |
|
WMB 112 The Dark Peak Moderate |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 01:54 |
|
38.7km |
|
| Start/Finish: Hope, OS grid reference
SK171835
Total distance: 38.8km/24 miles
Time: 3-6 hours
Maps: Ordnance Survey OL1: Dark Peak area
Summary: Relentless ups and downs
make this no small feat, but what it
demands in effort, it pays back in fun.
Take the Edale road and turn
right onto a dead-end track just
after crossing the river. Bear left
through the gate and climb the Roman
road to Hope Cross. Continue straight
ahead, following the rolling singletrack and rough descent to the junction.
Bear right to drop to the A57,
cross the road to Rowlee Farm
and climb the Tarmac zigzags. At the
Hagg Farm junction, turn right through the gate and descend to the A57. Cross the road, descend and bear left along the riverside track, passing through the gate on the left after a short climb.
Bear right uphill onto a permissive
bridleway, through woodland then
down to the lake shore. Bear right, pass the dam on left and continue south on Thornhill Trail (disused railway). Bear right on the road to Aston. In the hamlet, take the minor track right then climb past the houses, bearing left onto a walled lane. Continue along the track,
through gates to the top of the hill.
Bear left and continue to Hope Cross, dropping to the Roman road. At the crossroads, take Jaggers Clough track to left and descend. Cross the river,
climb and descend to Nether
Booth. Bear right on the road,
under the bridge, take the next
minor track left, which becomes
bridleway and climb to Hollins
Cross. Bear right and follow the
signed bridleway along the ridge
slabs and singletrack to the road.
Bear left and left again on
Tarmac to a gated track on
right. Follow this track, bear left
at the T-junction. Cavedale is on
the left (Limestone Way). For
Pindale, go down Dirtlow Rake,
join some Tarmac briefly before
turning sharp right onto Pindale
track. Descend to the valley,
turning right onto a minor road at
end and continuing to Hope. |
|
WMB 112 The Dark Peak Easy |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 01:42 |
|
13.5km |
|
| Start/Finish: Ashopton Bridge.
OS reference SK191864
Total distance: 13.7km/8.5miles
Time: 1-2 hours.
Maps: Ordnance Survey OL1:
Dark Peak area
Summary: The rocky descent
to Hagg Farm is the technical
highlight here; the rest of the
ride is either grassy trail or
woodland singletrack.
Take the Fairholmes road. Turn left onto the access road signed Crook Hill Farm/ B&B. Climb steeply, bearing
right through the gate beside the farm buildings to open pasture. Follow the grassy track, which is vague at times;
there are signposts but you’re
aiming for the gate at the top
of the hill.
Continue straight alongthe ridge, passing through several more gates until you come to a gate and stile at a
crossroads with Lockerbrook
and Rowlee Farm tracks.
Bear left through the gate and descend to Hagg Farm on steep, rocky
doubletrack, passing through yet more gates.
Cross the A57, descend on cinder track and cross the river via the bridge before bearing left. The track climbs
briefl y before bearing sharp
right to continue to Hope Cross.
Instead of following this, pass
through the gate on left and
return to the riverside track
before bearing right up the
steep, rough access track.
Climb steeply, sticking
with this path as other
footpaths deviate to the left
and right. Crest the rise and
continue going straight to
begin a gradual descent back to
the riverside track. The path
narrows, has steeper sections
and a couple of small stream
crossings, but is generally easy.
At the exit to the main
track beside the reservoir,
turn right and continue to the
dam. Cross it then bear left
along the mixed-use path to
return to Ashopton Bridge. |
|
WMB 112 The Dark Peak Classic |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 01:28 |
|
50.8km |
|
| Start/Finish: Hope, OS grid reference
SK171835
Total distance: 51km/31.7miles
Time: 6-8 hours
Maps: Ordnance Survey OL1: Dark Peak area
Summary: A seriously substantial big day out that knits together two classic loops (Ladybower and Edale), plenty of climbing and enough technicality to satisfy even the most jaded hill hound.
From the centre of Hope, take the
back road via the bottom of Pin Dale
to Castleton. Continue west out of the
village and climb the broken road (closed to motor traffic).
Bear right and then right again along
the road at the top towards Edale
– the Rushup Edge bridleway is on the left just before the summit. Pass through the gate and continue to ascend due west along an initially well surfaced and then eroded trail (the bridleway is well signed
and passes to the left of the wall; please make sure you don’t ride along the footpath instead).
Pass through the gate, start
descending, then bear right onto
Chapel Gate. Descend a deep eroded gully to the road and turn right to climb back towards Mam Tor.
At the bus stop, take the bridleway
left, cresting the hill before dropping
to Hollins Cross. Turn sharp left onto
another bridleway and descend to
Greenlands, passing through the gate onto the lane at the bottom.
Turn right on the road. Go through
Edale, under the railway bridge then
left to Jaggers Clough. Follow the track over two climbs and a stream to Hope Cross.
Continue straight ahead through the
gates, then descend a rocky bridleway
and climb briefly to the A57. Ascend the rough bridleway opposite. Pass through several gates and continue straight on at the top past Lockerbrook Farm, then head down to the reservoir road. Turn right, cross the valley below the dam at Fairholmes, and follow the lakeside track to a bridleway that ascends
first slabs and then singletrack onto the
edge of Whinstone Lee Tor.
Descend back to the A57 via Cutthroat
Bridge, bearing right behind the pub
to emerge at Ashopton. Turn right over the bridge and right again before taking the bridleway left to climb Crook Hill.
Follow the vague grassy bridleway
along the ridge, crossing the previous
track at the top of Hagg Farm. Continue straight ahead to Rowlee Farm and cross the A57 for the final time.
Ascend the steep Tarmac and bear left onto Blackley Clough track to
return to Hope Cross. Continue straight ahead and follow the Roman road all the way back to Hope, bearing left on road at the end to the village. |
|
WMB 111 Exmoor Moderate |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 12:05 |
|
12.3km |
|
| Start/Finish: Porlock village car park,
GR884468
Total distance: 12.5km (7.8 miles)
Total Time: 1.5-2hrs
Summary: On paper, this doesn’t look
too different to the easy ride, but this
loop is a step up in challenge with all the height gained in one steep hit and lost again in a glorious singletrack rush.
Leave the car park via the road
and turn right onto the B3225
towards Porlock Weir. Follow this road for about 1.5km until it forks, then head left along the old toll road.
Follow the road for a few hundred
metres until you reach a signposted
steep bridleway heading left. It
initially runs parallel to the road.
The trail is a mixture of singletrack
and stretches of forest road. It’s
steep, but persevere to enjoy a flatter
singletrack section higher up before a
short descent to the bridge and minor
road. Go through the gate and turn left, carrying straight on towards Pitt Farm where the road swings right. Go
through the farmyard to pick up a
bridleway in the far right corner. Turn
left at the bridleway junction and then
climb up the steep forest track. |
|
WMB 111 Exmoor Easy |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 12:02 |
|
13.7km |
|
| Start/Finish: Dunster village main car park, GR993439
Total distance: 14km (8.7 miles)
Total Time: 1.5-2.5hrs
Summary: A short taster loop, with a mixture of woods, moorland and heath.
From the car park, head through the village on the main road. Just as you’re about to run out of village, take a lane to the left and follow it to a
ford. Cross it and then take the
obvious track into the woods,
turning left to climb the signed
bridleway. After about 800m,
the main track swings left, but
follow the bridleway right and
descend to a minor road.
Turn left onto the road
and then almost immediately fork right up Nutcombe Bottom. Go
past the car park on the left and look out for a bridleway on the right
before the road steepens.
This initially descends before
climbing to the edge of the
woods and then dropping down
to Timberscombe.
Once you’re on Tarmac, keep right to emerge on the A396. Turn right for 500m then take a left onto a minor
road, and go left at the T-junction. Climb gently to Ranscombe village then turn right on bridleway as the road swings left. Climb steeply, then
follow the track heading east
along the ridge until you see a
finger post to Dunster on the
right. Follow the fast trail down
through the woods, watching
out for a tight right-hander
near the bottom.
You’ll emerge back on the
A396. Turn left and follow
the main road back into
Dunster for tea and cake. |
|
WMB 111 Exmoor Classic |
ocoutts |
Aug 24th 2010, 11:55 |
|
27.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: Porlock village car park,
GR884468
Total distance: 28km (17.4 miles)
Total Time: 3-5hrs
Summary: It’s not huge in distance, but this ride’s got a bit of everything, with a couple of distinctly chewy climbs and some fantastic descents that range from old-school blasters to woodsy singletrack.
Leave the car park, turn left and join
the main road. Head through Porlock
then climb the first part of a steep hill
before carrying straight on to a minor road as the main road swings left. Follow this road downhill, keeping left to get to Lynch.
At Lynch, turn left up the lane (signed
Selworthy Beacon) that becomes a
bridleway and gets very steep.
Once you’re above the treeline, you’ll
emerge at a trail junction with a
bench. Turn left onto an easier climb,
traversing the hillside before switching
back right along the ridge. Follow the
obvious track, ignoring side turnings, until you reach the bridleway junction 200m before a trigonometric point. Turn right to join the road. It’s worth trundling the couple of hundred metres right to enjoy the view from the end of the road before retracing your path to the Memorial Hut.
From the Memorial Hut, take the
left-hand bridleway dropping into the
woods. Emerge in Selworthy then turn
right, heading down a steep road for 200m until you reach a lane on the right. Follow the lane across and down the hillside to Allerford. As you enter the village, turn left to meet the A39. Cross over onto a minor
road signed for ‘Luccombe’. Keep right until you hit the edge of the woods and a crossroads. Pick the bridleway opposite, heading up and left. If you want a shorter
loop, you can get here on the quiet roads from Porlock, skipping Selworthy Beacon.
At the bridleway junction, turn right
to head straight up on steep track
towards Webber’s Post. At the car park, either go straight through to the road then turn left and left again onto Dunster Path bridleway, or take the unmarked track to the left of the car park. Descend towards Brockwell. At the bottom, turn right and climb Dunkery Hill, which starts as forest
track and becomes loose, stony trail.
After a long climb, cross the road and
take the wider track to Dunkery
Beacon. Pass the Beacon on your right and then take the track heading downhill to the west. After 200m, turn right onto an indistinct trail across the moorland. Cross straight over at the trail junction then descend on singletrack to a wide track in
the valley bottom. Turn left, descend to the river crossing then climb to join the road on Stoke Pero Common. Turn right, travelling on the road for 600m until you reach a junction. Turn left towards Stoke Pero, descending past a church to a farm on the
outside of a sharp left-hand bend.
Pass through a farmyard to join the
bridleway. Climb for around 100m
and go through the gate into a fi eld. Bear left to the next gate and descend on the fantastic singletrack through Horner Wood to a footbridge. The bridge is ridable with care. Cross over the main track to climb a steep bridleway signed ‘Granny’s Ride’. At
the trail junction, carry straight on up over the roots. The climb is steep, but the gradient mellows as the trail swings left. Follow the bridleway posts to the
edge of the woodland. Turn right on
to Flora’s Ride, which joins a wide, stony descent to the road. Go steady: it pops out onto the road abruptly. Turn right and follow the road for 200m then turn left onto the bridleway (signed ‘Porlock’). The track now turns to the right and drops
steeply through woodland to forest track. Turn left, then right in the valley bottom and follow the fast, wide track to the gate.
Bear left immediately after the gate,
heading down the final stretch of
singletrack to the road. Carefully follow the road back into Porlock. At the main road, turn left to return to the car park. |
|
WMB 110 Lake District, Cumbria_Classic Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 05:37 |
|
39.5km |
|
| Start/Finish: Ambleside, Market Cross
Total distance: 39.6km (24.6 miles)
Time: 5-8 hours
Map: OS Landranger 97: Kendal &
Morecambe and OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick, or BMC/Harvey’s Lake District.
Summary: This route has it all – classic
open fells riding, gentle pastoral
landscapes, technical descents and a
substantial amount of height gain.
From the Market Cross, follow the
main road out towards Windermere.
Skelghyll Lane runs behind the pay and display car park shortly before the
Clappersgate/Skelwith Bridge turn off.
Stick to the bridleway signed ‘Jenkin’s
Crag’ as it ascends, first on Tarmac
and then on steep doubletrack.
Navigate gates at High Skelghyll
Farm, following signs for Troutbeck.
Follow the high track into the village,
turning right onto the road then left before taking the signed bridleway beside houses that drops to the river. Climb the steep field and cross the major road onto Fusethwaite Lane.
Climb steeply and take the first
bridleway left. Keep straight as tracks
join from left and right, climbing all the way to the top of Garburn Pass.
Pass some gates, then enjoy the
descent down into Kentmere. Exit the
trail onto the road, pass by the church on the left, then take the dead-end road to Brockstones.
Climb steeply, bearing left on the
gated road. Between gate and farm
you’ll find the byway to Sadgill; follow this up and over the fell, sticking to the main track.
Don’t go through the gate halfway
down, but turn right, cross the stream
and follow the occasionally vague track over Green Quarter Fell and down through Millrigg Knott.
Cross the road and pick up the
bridleway through the farm. Bear
right and climb, turning left at the
T-junction to cross a ford and continue south, generally descending, and then make a right turn towards Mislet.
Turn right along the road, then turn
right again onto the unsigned
dead-end road. Pass by the reservoir
(enjoy the view) on your left and then turn left to descend the final sections of Garburn Pass to the road.
Cross straight over to climb steeply
back up to Troutbeck and then
retrace your steps up the track to High
Skelghyll Farm. Finally, head over Jenkin Crag to Ambleside. |
|
WMB 110 Lake District, Cumbria_Beginner (Blue) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 04:50 |
|
12.6km |
|
| Start/Finish: Ambleside, Market Cross
Total distance: 12.6km (7.8 miles)
Time: 1-2 hours
Maps: OS Landranger 90:
Penrith & Keswick
Summary: With stiff climbs on
both sides of Loughrigg Fell,
you’ll want to ensure you’re
well fuelled. The payoff is two
equally amusing descents.
From the Market Cross,
follow signs for Skelwith
Bridge and turn right just after
the bridge onto Rydal Road.
After the first cattle grid, turn
left and climb to the top of
Loughrigg Fell, going straight
through the gates.
Crest the fell and drop
steeply over a river
crossing, keeping straight
ahead at the junction,
then follow the trail all the
way to the tarn. Take a
right where the trail joins
the road and skirt the tarn
before climbing to rejoin
Grasmere road at Red Bank.
Continue to the next
junction, leaving the road
just before it drops towards
Grasmere to pass through a
gate. This is the start of
Loughrigg Terrace; head down
the hill, bearing right to pass
through one more gate where
the trail narrows to singletrack.
Turn right at the T-junction
near the bottom.
Splash through several
water crossings, navigate
the end of Rydal Water, then
follow the bridleway as it
climbs briefl y to the final gate.
At the cattle grid, turn
right (away from the main
road) and follow Rydal Road
back along the valley floor
until you hit Ambleside. |
|
WMB 109 Quantock Hills, Somerset_Intermediate (Red) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 03:02 |
|
15.1km |
|
| Start/Finish: Holford village
Total distance: 15.1km (9.4 miles)
Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Summary: A pairing of two ups and two downs that makes a great half-day
teaser, with a high grin factor and plenty of time spent in the combes for shelter if the weather’s bad.
Head north-west from the village
square and pick up the trail into
Hodder’s Combe that bears southwest.
After a mile or so, the valley and
the track split; take the right hand of
the two wider options and begin the
ascent of Lady’s Edge. Follow your
nose as the valley narrows and you’ll
eventually climb straight out of the
top end, arriving at the top at
Bicknoller Post.
The descent of Weacombe is
directly opposite; starting with a
wide, grassy track that’s a bit bumpy
thanks to the combined efforts of
mountain bikers and Quantock grazing herds, it then narrows into a mile of fantastic singletrack with the obligatory stream crossing. Pass through one gate as you enter the conifer plantation, then bear left through another gate as
the track joins the road.
Follow this singletrack
behind Bicknoller, making
two dogleg junctions where it
meets two roads before passing
Paradise Farm to resume climbing
up the combe.
At the top of the beech
avenue, continue straight
ahead to climb out onto the open
moor. At the top, bear right on
the northerly of the two
doubletracks before taking an
immediate left turn onto the top
of the final descent.
Follow your nose as the
singletrack winds down the
hill, into the trees, over the log
drop and down into Hodder’s
Combe, before bearing right to
finish on the track along the
valley floor that you ascended on
at the start of the ride. |
|
WMB 109 Quantock Hills, Somerset_Beginner (Blue) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 02:58 |
|
9.1km |
|
| Start/Finish: Holford village
Total distance: 9.5km (4.1
miles)
Time: 1-2 hours
Summary: One up, one down
and a scenic trundle along the
tops gives you a taste of what
the area has to offer without
being too intimidating.
From the centre of
Holford, take the byway
that leaves the village to climb
due west out of the village,
along the ridge that borders
the north edge of Hodder’s
Combe. Ascend steeply, sticking
to the main trail and keeping
Alfoxton Park and Pardlestone
Hill to your right.
As the doubletrack levels
off, bear left to continue
climbing on the bridleway.
Crest the rise and descend to
Bicknoller Post; it’s
marked with a wooden
pillar and is a great place
to soak up the view.
Turn left along the main
track, sticking with the
wide, rough and sometimes
loose doubletrack as it heads
south along the spine of the
ridge over Thorncombe Hill.
At the split above Hurley
Beacon, bear left,
ascending gently to the top of
Robin Upright’s Hill where six
paths of varying levels of
defi nition converge.
Take the bridleway left
which heads towards
Holford and descend Frog Hill
to the valley fl oor, where you’ll
pick up the Holford Combe
singletrack. Follow the river
downstream, crossing over it
several times. Pass through the
gate at the end and head back
to the village along the road,
with Combe House Hotel to
your left. |
|
WMB 109 Quantock Hills, Somerset_Classic Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 02:56 |
|
30.5km |
|
| Start/Finish: Holford village
Total distance: 30.5km
Time: 2.5-4.5 hours (18.9 miles)
Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 140:
Quantock Hills and Bridgewater
Summary: All this climbing means you’re assured of the best descents. Takes in all the classics on the northern half of the ridge and makes a demanding day.
From Holford, follow the lane over the hill to the lay-by on the A39 where you’ll find the butty van on weekdays. Head through the gate on the right and ascend Dowsborough Hill, bearing right after a 1km climb to drop back through the trees into Lady’s Combe.
Bear left along the river climbing steeply again to the road, continuing the ascent on tarmac to Dead Woman’s Ditch car park.
Take the bridleway that heads due west and to the right of Black Hill as the road deviates to its south.
At the junction of multiple paths atop
Halsway Hill, bear left and descend
across the front of the grassy hill with epic views on your left.
Turn right at Paradise Combe and climb back to the ridge, then head south-east along the doubletrack to the top of the Stert Combe descent.
Follow the singletrack north, over open moor at first and then dropping into the trees, switchbacking into Somerton Combe and then bearing left to pick up the climb out of Lady’s Edge.
At Bicknoller Post, follow the ridge track north as it climbs over Beacon Hill.
Smith’s Combe is the valley to your right, and the descent is accessed via the grassy slope that heads towards the trees.
Bear right at the fingerpost up the short but steep climb before contouring around the hillside to Pardlestone Hill. Bear right to climb back up to the Great Road and Bicknoller Post.
Descend Weacombe towards Bicknoller village, then turning left along the foot of the ridge before climbing Bicknoller Combe. Turn right and stick with the main ridge track as it trends east all the way to Frog Hill.
Turn north to drop steeply into Lady’s
Combe. Follow the singletrack into
Holford Combe making several stream
crossings before emerging back on the road near Combe House Hotel. |
|
WMB 108 Dalby, Yorkshire_Intermediate (Red) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 02:38 |
|
33.6km |
|
| Start/Finish: Main car park,
Low Dalby
Total distance: 37km (23.5 miles)
Total ascent: 741m (2431ft)
Time: 2-4 hours
Summary: A mixture of mostly
manmade trail and some short fi re road climb sections, the Red routes hold up well most of the year round, although you’ll be coated in white spray if it is wet.
There are no massive climbs or
descents but contouring trail keeps work and concentration rates high, and the optional black sections add spice.
Park at the first car park in Low
Dalby between the two buildings
of the visitor centre. Cross the Forest
Drive past the speed bumps after the
corner and up the zig-zags in the field.
Follow red markers north to the
zig-zagging across the dales
eventually ending up at the ‘skills’ area at Dixon’s Hollow. Feel free to dive off for a play here if you fancy, but don’t go too daft as the only way out for the wounded is by air ambulance...
Cross the Forest Drive and head
north past Worry Gill. Again
there’s lots of opportunity to spice things up with black and World
Cup course detours. Either way
you should end up at the bottom
of a climb at the east end of
Staindale Lake.
Climb north away from the
fi re road then follow the
red/black signs on singletrack and
fi re road out to Crosscliffe
viewpoint. At this point, you can
take the North Shore ramp onto
the black route and rejoin the red
route later on. Otherwise
continue east along the fire road
until the red route turns back into
the forest on singletrack.
Most of the high skill stuff is
done by the time you cross
the Forest Drive. But if you’ve had
enough now is a good time to take
the tarmac shortcut back to the
visitor centre. |
|
WMB 108 Dalby Forest, Yorkshire_Beginner (Blue) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 02:32 |
|
6.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: Adderstone
Field, High Dalby
Total distance: 6.5km (around
4.1 miles)
Total ascent: 140m (459ft)
Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour
Summary: The UCI Mountain
Bike World Cup will be held on
the weekend of 23-25 April,
starting with a town centre
criterium race in Pickering on
Friday. Junior and citizens races
are being held on the Saturday,
with the Elite male and female
races on the Sunday.
On race day the start will
be a sprint round the field
and then a quick loop round
and back in to where the feed
zone will be. Mortal riders are
best just starting on the red
route section that crosses the
road from Dixon’s Hollow.
Roll the first few jumps
and berms then follow the
red/black route, taking the fire
road rather than the rock infested
black route options.
Take care down the
rocky gully. If you want
to cut out the long climb
and zig-zag Medusa’s Drop
descent, just follow the gully
all the way to the bottom.
Follow the course markers
up the long climb and
work round the north of the
course. Make sure you take the
chicken run rather than the
drop into Worry Gill, although
if there are any skilled riders
around cheering them off the
drop is great fun.
Challenge yourself to see
how far you can get up
the other side, but expect to
push unless you’re a pro. The
trail then levels off a bit, but
twists and turns still keep it a
challenging ride whatever your
pace. After that, the singletrack
leads back into the bowls,
jumps and corkscrew bridge
sections of Dixon’s Hollow.
Offi cially, you should now
trundle straight back to the
start field. However, there’s the
opportunity to add a lot more
North Shore trail sections or
another couple of loops of the
skills area if you’ve developed a
taste for the technical. |
|
WMB 108 Dalby Forest, Yorkshire_Beginner (Blue) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 02:31 |
|
6.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: Adderstone
Field, High Dalby
Total distance: 6.5km (around
4.1 miles)
Total ascent: 140m (459ft)
Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour
Summary: The UCI Mountain
Bike World Cup will be held on
the weekend of 23-25 April,
starting with a town centre
criterium race in Pickering on
Friday. Junior and citizens races
are being held on the Saturday,
with the Elite male and female
races on the Sunday.
On race day the start will
be a sprint round the field
and then a quick loop round
and back in to where the feed
zone will be. Mortal riders are
best just starting on the red
route section that crosses the
road from Dixon’s Hollow.
Roll the first few jumps
and berms then follow the
red/black route, taking the fire
road rather than the rock infested
black route options.
Take care down the
rocky gully. If you want
to cut out the long climb
and zig-zag Medusa’s Drop
descent, just follow the gully
all the way to the bottom.
Follow the course markers
up the long climb and
work round the north of the
course. Make sure you take the
chicken run rather than the
drop into Worry Gill, although
if there are any skilled riders
around cheering them off the
drop is great fun.
Challenge yourself to see
how far you can get up
the other side, but expect to
push unless you’re a pro. The
trail then levels off a bit, but
twists and turns still keep it a
challenging ride whatever your
pace. After that, the singletrack
leads back into the bowls,
jumps and corkscrew bridge
sections of Dixon’s Hollow.
Offi cially, you should now
trundle straight back to the
start field. However, there’s the
opportunity to add a lot more
North Shore trail sections or
another couple of loops of the
skills area if you’ve developed a
taste for the technical. |
|
WMB 108 Dalby Forest, Yorkshire_Beginner (Blue) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 02:29 |
|
6.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: Adderstone
Field, High Dalby
Total distance: 6.5km (around
4.1 miles)
Total ascent: 140m (459ft)
Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour
Summary: The UCI Mountain
Bike World Cup will be held on
the weekend of 23-25 April,
starting with a town centre
criterium race in Pickering on
Friday. Junior and citizens races
are being held on the Saturday,
with the Elite male and female
races on the Sunday.
On race day the start will
be a sprint round the field
and then a quick loop round
and back in to where the feed
zone will be. Mortal riders are
best just starting on the red
route section that crosses the
road from Dixon’s Hollow.
Roll the first few jumps
and berms then follow the
red/black route, taking the fire
road rather than the rock infested
black route options.
Take care down the
rocky gully. If you want
to cut out the long climb
and zig-zag Medusa’s Drop
descent, just follow the gully
all the way to the bottom.
Follow the course markers
up the long climb and
work round the north of the
course. Make sure you take the
chicken run rather than the
drop into Worry Gill, although
if there are any skilled riders
around cheering them off the
drop is great fun.
Challenge yourself to see
how far you can get up
the other side, but expect to
push unless you’re a pro. The
trail then levels off a bit, but
twists and turns still keep it a
challenging ride whatever your
pace. After that, the singletrack
leads back into the bowls,
jumps and corkscrew bridge
sections of Dixon’s Hollow.
Offi cially, you should now
trundle straight back to the
start field. However, there’s the
opportunity to add a lot more
North Shore trail sections or
another couple of loops of the
skills area if you’ve developed a
taste for the technical. |
|
WMB 108 Dalby Forest, Yorkshire_Beginner (Blue) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 02:28 |
|
6.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: Adderstone
Field, High Dalby
Total distance: 6.5km (around
4.1 miles)
Total ascent: 140m (459ft)
Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour
Summary: The UCI Mountain
Bike World Cup will be held on
the weekend of 23-25 April,
starting with a town centre
criterium race in Pickering on
Friday. Junior and citizens races
are being held on the Saturday,
with the Elite male and female
races on the Sunday.
On race day the start will
be a sprint round the field
and then a quick loop round
and back in to where the feed
zone will be. Mortal riders are
best just starting on the red
route section that crosses the
road from Dixon’s Hollow.
Roll the first few jumps
and berms then follow the
red/black route, taking the fire
road rather than the rock infested
black route options.
Take care down the
rocky gully. If you want
to cut out the long climb
and zig-zag Medusa’s Drop
descent, just follow the gully
all the way to the bottom.
Follow the course markers
up the long climb and
work round the north of the
course. Make sure you take the
chicken run rather than the
drop into Worry Gill, although
if there are any skilled riders
around cheering them off the
drop is great fun.
Challenge yourself to see
how far you can get up
the other side, but expect to
push unless you’re a pro. The
trail then levels off a bit, but
twists and turns still keep it a
challenging ride whatever your
pace. After that, the singletrack
leads back into the bowls,
jumps and corkscrew bridge
sections of Dixon’s Hollow.
Offi cially, you should now
trundle straight back to the
start field. However, there’s the
opportunity to add a lot more
North Shore trail sections or
another couple of loops of the
skills area if you’ve developed a
taste for the technical. |
|
WMB 108 Dalby Forest, Yorkshire_Classic route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 02:22 |
|
85.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: Low Dalby SE855878,
YO18 7LT
Total distance: 86.7km (53.9 miles)
Time: 5-10 hours
Map: Ordnance Survey OL27 North York
Moors (Eastern area)
Summary: Starts and ends on red/black manmade trails, but the middle covers mostly open moorland singletrack.
Start from the main car park and follow the red/black routes up to the viewpoint at Crosscliff Wood for the first 14km.
Continue past the viewpoint and then
drop diagonally left off the scarp on the yellow marked singletrack.
Turn left down the steep road descent,
over the footbridge and onto the natural singletrack, turning left onto the forest road and then right up Dalby Snout fire road.
Carry on across the first crossroads and then right at the second summit junction.
Go left at the next fire road junction, passing through Red Gate and onto the moor.
Follow the track north up past Lilla Cross to the track junction. Head down the singletrack descent of Robin Hood’s Road, bearing right and uphill to join the A171.
Turn right uphill then left onto the
bridleway after 500m. Turn left again,
following the edge of the wood, then cross the field into Oak Wood and head up the other side. Climb up the farm track then descend to
the road. Turn left on the road down through Fylingthorpe to Robin Hood’s Bay.
Climb back up to the left turn onto the
cycle track. Follow it to Ravenscar. Turn right through the village then right again.
Follow the road onto the singletrack
contouring round then climbing up to the road and left up to the transmitter mast. Turn right opposite the mast and then left again down the wallside singletrack into the forest,
following the trail to the Falcon Inn. Go straight across the road into the forest dropping out of the trees into Harwood Dale.
Either curve round the road loop or go across the fields on the bridleway and up the bank to Broxa. Turn right at the top of the road climb following the fire road onto the open bridleway down Whisper Dale. Left down the road to Hackness, right then right
again back to Dalby Forest Drive.
Climb the road past the toll booth then
rejoin the red route where it crosses
Dalby Forest Drive. Follow to the finish. |
|
WMB 107 Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire_Intermediate (Red) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 12:04 |
|
30.4km |
|
| Start/Finish: Hebden Bridge, SD993273
Total distance 30.4km (18.9 miles)
Time 2.5-5 hours
Maps OS Landranger 103 Blackburn & Burnley, Explorer OL21 South Pennines
Summary Relentlessly up and down,
with little rest and lots of fun.
From the centre of Hebden Bridge,
pick up the canal towpath and
follow it upstream to Eastwood. Pick up the ‘no through road’ and climb all the way to Great Rock.
Bear left on tarmac, then left
again towards Cross Stone road
before turning right onto the next
bridleway. Follow this straight over the next t-junction, through a gate and
down to pick up the Calderdale Way.
Follow this bridleway along the
hill, bearing right to descend just
after the farm then up a short climb as
towards Todmorden. At the golf course, turn right and then left on the road, before picking up bridleway again at Bean Pole Head.
At Rodwell End, bear right and
then continue straight ahead onto
direct bridleway rather than turning right into the yard. Turn left along
the road, taking the Pennine
Bridleway as it climbs to the left
to the top of Jack Bridge. Climb
through Colden then descend on
the road to Slack. Take a right
between houses and zig-zag down
the valley before bearing left to
climb steeply again, turning right
into Heptonstall at the top.
Take a sharp left off the cobbles just beyond the pubs and descend the bridleway to the river. Pick up Crimsworth Dean track and climb, bearing right at the cowshed to cross
Lumb Falls and ascend the other
side to Keighley Road. Drop
briefl y into Peckett Well then take
the bridleway right; follow this,
with one right turn, all the way to
Hardcastle Crags and then to
Hebden Bridge via the road. |
|
WMB107 hebden Bridge Yorkshire_Classic Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 11:59 |
|
37.1km |
|
| Start/Finish: Hebden Bridge, SD993273
Total distance: 39.6km (24.6 miles)
Time 3-5 hours
Maps OS Landranger 103 Blackburn & Burnley, Explorer OL21 South Pennines Summary A proper mixed bag of UK moorland riding — some mud, some hardpack, and everything in between plus plenty of altitude gain.
From the centre of Hebden, pick up the (busy) A6033 Keighley road to head north out of town. Take the signed left to Hardcastle crags and pick up the Crimsworth Dean bridleway at the car park.
Turn sharp right and over the hill before descending to Walshaw. Bear right along the level track and head towards Gorple Reservoir.
Cross the road, pick up the Pennine
Bridleway and follow this over the dam and the following hill to Rodmer Clough. Bear right and climb through the buildings to Duke’s Cut, following the wide doubletrack for several miles over the moor.
Turn right and follow the road for several miles before turning left towards Shore.
Don’t drop down the road but take a left onto the Calderdale Way.
Follow this undulating bridleway, with
sections of packhorse trail, all the way
along the hill, bearing right to descend just after the farm before continuing straight ahead up a short climb as the track descends towards Todmorden.
At the golf course, turn right and then
left on the road, before picking up
bridleway again at Bean Pole Head.
At Rodwell End, bear right and right
again; the bridleway is unsigned and
disappears between the two lefthand houses in the farmyard.
From the car park on the A646, turn left and then right onto the Mankinholes road. Take the sharp right on the steep climb
before picking up the Pennine Bridleway again to drop into the Top Brink pub.
Return to the Pennine Bridleway as it
links up with London Road and follow
this back beneath the Pike to Erringden Grange, continuing straight as first a tarmac road and then a roughly cobbled descent
turn left.
Exit onto farm track, bear left and then right to pick up the steep cobbles that will return you to Hebden Bridge station. |
|
WMB 107 Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire_Beginner (Blue) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 11:54 |
|
21.2km |
|
| Start/Finish: Hebden Bridge,
SD993273
Total distance 21.2km (13.1
miles)
Time 90 minutes to 3 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey
Landranger 103 Blackburn &
Burnley, Explorer OL21 South
Pennines
Summary A couple of stiff
climbs matched with fun
decsents. Easily truncated if
you need a shorter route still
From the centre of
Hebden Bridge, pick up
the canal towpath and ride
towards Todmorden. At Callis
Bridge, leave the towpath via
the boat community’s car park
and cross the packhorse
bridge, heading up the hill on
the other side of the canal.
Climb steadily on the
winding doubletrack
through woodland, taking the
Pennine Bridleway as it
descends sharply to a small
river on the left. Pass through
the gate and go straight on
to contour along the hill to
Horsehold. Bear right
through the yard and follow
the tarmac uphill until the
crossroads; turn right and
follow London Road as it
ascends then drops beneath the
Pike. Turn right and drop back
to the canal via Mankinholes
and Height Woods.
Turn right back to Hebden
Bridge for a mile; at
Charlestown, turn left under
the railway bridge to pick up
the road which climbs towards
and then through Knott Wood.
At the top, bear left and
then right to pick up the
Pennine Bridleway, following it
to the top of Jack Bridge. Climb
through Colden before
descending the road to Slack.
Take a right down the
valley, making a hard right
past the old mill building and
over the packhorse bridge
before following the rough
doubletrack to the road below
Mytholm Steeps. Turn left at
the bottom and you’re on the
valley road heading back into
Hebden Bridge. |
|
WMB 106 Pitlochry, Highlands_Intermediate (Red) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 11:37 |
|
16.6km |
|
| Start/Finish: Moulin Road, Pitlochry
NN938582
Total distance: 16.6km (10.3 miles)
Time: 1.5-3 hours
Maps: Trailmaps Highland Perthshire
Map 1: Pitlochry, Killiecrankie and
Faskally
Route summary: Mixed bag of fi re
road and singletrack, mainly sheltered
and requiring attention to navigate.
Leave Pitlochry on Moulin Road
(opposite WHSmith) and climb to
Moulin village, turning left behind the
Moulin Inn. Follow this to golf course,
then right on the climbing doubletrack.
At top, take the tiny singletrack
left turn along the hedge. It’s a
well-surfaced path that climbs steeply.
At the end, turn right up the fi re road
and climb around three switchback
turns to the mast at Craigower.
Take the signposted left turn on
singletrack, descending into the
woods, over the back of the hill to the
fi re road where you turned right
previously. Turn right here and
follow fi re road for two miles.
The turning on the left that
takes you under the A9 is
clearly signed; follow this
singletrack as it descends steps,
then passes beneath the bridge
and switchbacks down to the old
A9. Right towards Killiecrankie,
keeping an eye out for left turn
that doubles back and descends
below the road to river’s edge.
The return leg is simply a
matter of following the river
back to Pitlochry: the trail is a mix
of fl at, wide footpath and tighter
rooty singletrack. At Faskally
itself you’ll fi nd yourself in a car
park; follow the road around the
river bend then bear right to get
back to the trails, continuing in a
southerly direction until you
reach the road at the boathouse
near Clunie Bridge. |
|
WMB 106 Pitlochry, Highlands_Classic Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 11:34 |
|
53.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: Old Bridge of Tilt car park,
Blair Atholl NN874663
Total distance: 53.9km (33.5 miles)
Time 5-8 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 43
Braemar & Blair Atholl
Summary Majority on easy estate track but with excellent singletrack deep in the hills.
The navigation requires attention and ride is not one for poor weather conditions.
Turn right out of the car park then left at the T-junction signposted Glen Fender.
Climb steeply on tarmac, bearing right at the next junction (Glen Fender signed left).
At Loch Moraig, the road bends sharply left – pass through the gate on the right and take the undulating doubletrack to Shinagag. Cross the bridge over the Allt Girnaig (gated, slippery when wet), then turn
left onto a steep, indistinct quad track
immediately before the buildings.
At the gate, leave the doubletrack that
bears right and continue to head
straight, climbing gently over rough ground with the bulk of Beinn a’Ghlo directly ahead.
Navigation gets tricky here and care is
needed not to miss the track beyond the burn crossing. Ford the Allt Loch Valligan and continue in the same direction through the low
and very indistinct remains of some stone walls to find the narrow singletrack to Daldhu,
becoming doubletrack over the watershed before descending to the river valley.
At Daldhu, take the left turn and follow this 4x4 track north to Fealar Lodge; it’s a long haul but it’s the only option.
At Fealar Lodge, bear left in front of the farmhouse and pick up the vague
singletrack along the fence line.
This bears round to the right and
contours along the top edge of the gorge before dropping steeply to the Allt Garbh Buidhe, which you will need to cross with care if the river is high.
The trail to the right is glorious and
worth riding as an out-and-back if you
have the time.
From this point, navigation is
straightforward: simply follow the River Tilt downhill, crossing the suspension bridge at the Falls of Tarf and then descending the valley on gentle doubletrack past increasing
amounts of habitation.
Stay on the main track all the way back to the car park at Blair Atholl. |
|
WMB 106 Pitlochry, Highlands_Beginner (Blue) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 11:28 |
|
38.2km |
|
| Start/Finish: Tilt car park,
Blair Atholl NN874663
Total distance 38.3km (23.8 miles)
Time 2.5-5 hours
Maps OS Landranger 43
Braemar & Blair Athol
Summary Simple out-and-back
with weatherproof trails and
stunning scenery.
Take the track opposite
the car park entrance. It’s
signed as a private road but
bikes are permitted.
Follow this track as it
winds through the trees
heading directly north. Cross
the river once as it tumbles
through the gorge and continue
climbing gently.
Gilbert’s Bridge marks the
first possible return route.
If you want a very short ride
then turn left here, cross the
bridge and return to Blair
Atholl via easy tracks with a bit
more climbing. Otherwise,
continue straight on, over
Gow Bridge so the river’s on
your right, and follow the
doubletrack into the glen.
Some distance after
Forest Lodge, the
doubletrack climbs up and
away to the left. Bear right
here onto singletrack to follow
the riverbank to the Falls of
Tarf. To extend your ride and
take in some of the best natural
singletrack, cross the bridge
and follow this trail all the way
to the cairn at the top of the
valley — there’s a precipitous
drop to the river so if you’re
nervous of heights it’s possibly
not one for you.
The return route simply
retraces your tyre tracks
back down the valley,
enjoying the reversed gradient.
Shortly after Gow Bridge
returns you to the east bank of
the river, keep an eye out for a
path that bears right; this is the
second alternative and it’s
detailed in the Trailmaps route
(see Moderate Ride description
on page 118). Otherwise,
follow the doubletrack back
past Gilbert’s Bridge and back
to the car park. |
|
WMB 105 Malvern Worcestershire_Intermediate (Red) Route |
ocoutts |
Jul 14th 2010, 11:02 |
|
13.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: North Malvern car park,
SO770469
Total distance 14km (8.7 miles)
Time 2-4 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey OL 190 Malvern
Hills and Bredon Hill
Summary A fast and furious trail
teaser that takes in the best of the
Malverns’ riding.
From the car park at North
Malvern, take the left of two
bridleways to fi nd the zig-zag climb
that takes you up the eastern fl ank of
the hill.
Contour around the northern face
of North Hill, descending and then
climbing slightly to a grassy saddle
before turning hard right to descend a
fall-line path. Turn left at the bottom
and climb all the way back up the hill to the saddle between Sugarloaf Hill and Worcestershire Beacon. Continue
straight to pick up the rollercoaster
sequence, which eventually exits at St
Anns Well.
From here, climb steeply
back up to the saddle,
bearing left to ascend
Worcestershire Beacon. From the
trig point, take the left of the two
bridleways that descend due
south, dropping into the cutting
to enjoy singletrack.
At the road exit, cross
tarmac and bear right on
more singletrack, which descends
to another road where you pick
up another bridleway right to
climb back up to Sugarloaf Hill.
Bear left at the saddle to
pick up Lady Howard De
Walden Drive, which contours
around the eastern face of the
hill and returns you to the fi rst
switchback ascent of the day,
which you now descend to return
to the car park. |
