| Route | Contributor | Last Updated | Where | Distance | Tags |
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| WMB124 Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia Easy (Blue) Route | Matt_Skinner | Jun 10th 2011, 01:03 | 20.3km |
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| Start/Finish Betws-y-Coed railway station, SH 794 568 Total distance 21km (13 miles) Time 1.5 hours + Maps Harvey’s British Mountain Map: Snowdonia. Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Snowdonia National Park (GPS) Summary Reasonably sheltered, some steep climbing and rougher singletrack. From Betws-y-Coed railway station, turn right along the high street (A5), then right over the bridge. Take the left opposite the gear shop and follow this lane from the town, parallel with river but climbing. At an obvious junction near the end of the residential area, take the unsigned single carriageway Tarmac road climb to the right and ascend steeply leaving the river behind. Near the top you will meet a fire road which crosses the Tarmac track: this is the Marin trail so keep an eye out for signage from now on and follow it round through the latter half of the loop, towards the car park. At the crossroads above Pen y Parc, bear left still on fire road to cut out the descent and re-ascent to and from the car park. Polish off the climb then enjoy the singletrack down into the valley, cross the road and follow the Marin trail signage through several singletrack sections before exiting onto the road above Pencraig. Roll down the road to a gentle fire road climb which delivers you to the Dragon’s Tail, which is steep and loose so take care if you’re nervous about rocky sections. At the exit continue to follow markers, crossing minor road and continuing on fire road to Pont Banog. Climb steeply up the road, then bear right to enter Endor and Stumpdance sections of singletrack. At the end of Stumpdance, you’ll see the point where you joined the Marin trail; turn right here and descend to the valley. Return to Betws-y-Coed on the road. | |||||
| WMB124 Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Jun 10th 2011, 01:02 | 60.9km |
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| Start/Finish Betws-y-Coed railway station, SH794568 Total distance 61km (38 miles) Time 5+ hours Maps Harvey’s British Mountain Map: Snowdonia. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Snowdonia National Park (GPS). Summary Buff trail centre singletrack, rolling doubletrack, big hills, some quiet back lanes and a challenging bog section. From Betws-y-Coed railway station, turn right along the high street (A5), then right over the bridge. Take an immediate left opposite the gear shop and follow this quiet lane away from the town, parallel with the river but climbing. Turn right at next obvious junction. At the top of this ascent, turn right onto fire road at the crossroads with the Marin trail to follow marked route. At crossroads where outbound and inbound routes pass, turn left to take outbound route. Continue on marked trail until road crossing near the Ugly House. Turn left on road, cross river on A5, then turn right onto road to Pont Cyfyng. Take byway that climbs behind house to the left in the village and ascend on loose, rocky track. The path smooths at the top; stay on it to tree line, go through a gate and descend to Dolwyddellan. Turn right onto main road then left for railway station. Cross railway on bridge, then bear left and start to climb before picking up track to the right that climbs more steeply towards Bwlch y Groes. At sharp bend in track, bear left – look for marker in the heather. Don’t follow doubletrack further as it’s a dead end. At top of hill, go straight on to pick up singletrack, go through gate to wooded area. Follow it down towards Penmachno. At junction with manmade singletrack bear right for Penmachno loop one. At crossing of minor road, either bear left to shortcut or straight ahead for loop two. At end of loop two bear left down wide continuation of Bwlch y Groes track to road and then left towards Ty Mawr. Follow minor gated road past Ty Mawr and down into the valley. Turn left to join A470, then left again to rejoin minor road, which will return you to Betws-y-Coed. | |||||
| WMB 123 White Peak Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 17th 2011, 03:53 | 23.4km |
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| Start/Finish Miller’s Dale Station/car park, OS grid ref SK 138 732 Total distance 23.5km (14.6 miles) Total ascent 863m (2827ft) Time 2.5 hours + Maps Landranger 1:50k: Buxton & Matlock 119. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Peak District National Park (GPS). Summary Steep climbs with technical sections, fast farm tracks, grassy and rocky descents. From the station, turn right and descend to the B6049 beneath the rail trail, turn left towards Tideswell, then left again after 500m onto a steep Tarmac climb. Bear sharp left onto Limestone Way and continue to climb steeply, bearing left through a farm and along the hill to Monk’s Dale. After a short up and down road section join the Pennine Bridleway, climbing to Wormhill and past Tunstead quarry, joining road and passing behind farm on PBW, before descending to Chee Dale on grassy path to the river. From Blackwell Mill stay with PBW, crossing small bridge over rail trail behind the hire centre/tuck shop and pass through a gate to climb steeply to the A6. Turn left onto the A6 for 1km, then follow minor roads through Blackwell to Priestcliffe Ditch. Bear left on Limestone Way at the top of the hill, joining rough track (Long Lane) and descending to the next junction (not to the road). Turn right onto climbing track. Stay with this until Priestcliffe, where you take the left signed Brushfield to traverse walled gravel tracks across hill to the next village. In Brushfield, bear left to Monsal Dale. Track becomes rougher as you drop into the valley; where it bends sharp left just after entering the trees there is an easier bridleway. If you take this, bear left onto Monsal Trail at the end; otherwise stick with the main track, pass through a gate and descend the longer, rougher route to the rail trail. Don’t cross beneath the rail bed but turn left onto it to return to Miller’s Dale via the Cressbrook and Litton tunnels. | |||||
| WMB 123 White Peak Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 17th 2011, 03:51 | 6.7km |
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| Start/Finish Miller’s Dale Station/car park, OS grid ref SK 138 732 Total distance 11.8km (7.33 miles) Total ascent 525m (1721ft) Time 1 hour + Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50k: Buxton & Matlock 119. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Peak District National Park (GPS). Summary Easy rail trail riding and scenic farm tracks. One steep and technical climb. From Miller’s Dale Station, join the Monsal Trail and head east on the old railway path (towards Bakewell). Pass through the Litton and Cressbrook tunnels. Continue on the rail trail to Headstone Viaduct, crossing the descent from Putwell Hill as it passes below the rail trail. The bridleway climb which takes you to rejoin the byway leaves the Monsal Trail on the right-hand side before the viaduct; pass through the gate and climb a narrow path. Rejoin the rocky main track and continue ascending, passing through a gate at the top before the track levels out. Continue to Brushfield. At Brushfield bear right at cottages onto byway that climbs gently below woods before emerging between fields. Follow this path as it undulates over Bull Tor towards Priestcliffe. At Priestcliffe, turn right at the junction immediately in front of the cottages and follow byway as it heads north west towards Miller’s Dale and begins to descend. At junction with Long Lane turn right and descend steeply. Track becomes broken Tarmac and then minor lane before emerging onto the B6049. Turn right and descend final Tarmac stretch to Miller’s Dale village; turn left on the road (signed Wormhill) and climb steeply under bridges to return to Miller’s Dale car park. | |||||
| WMB 123 White Peak Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 17th 2011, 03:50 | 34.4km |
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| Start/Finish Miller’s Dale Station/car park, OS grid ref SK 138 732 Total distance 34.6km (21.5 miles) Total ascent 1256m (4122 ft) Time 3.5-plus hours Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50k: Buxton & Matlock 119. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Peak District National Park (GPS). Summary Plenty of ups and downs to stretch your legs: steep, semi-technical ascents and descents, fast double track, and rail trail and farm roads. Join westerly Monsal Trail at Miller’s Dale station. Leave rail trail in Chee Dale, dropping to river and Blackwell Mill to follow track to A6 at Wye Dale car park. Join the A6 towards Buxton. Care is needed, as the road is busy and fast, with poor visibility. After approx 1km turn sharp left onto rough doubletrack that climbs the hill behind you. Ascend to King Sterndale, turning right onto the road to leave the village and pass the church on the right. At a right hand bend in the road, turn left onto the bridleway, then pass through a gate to cross diagonally over two open fields (signed but unclear on the ground). At far gate descend steeply into Horseshoe Dale, making a sharp left/right to continue straight ahead at the bottom and climb up to the A5270. Pass through a gate and turn left onto the road at the top. At the next junction turn right on The Ditch (road), then left to Chelmorton at next crossroads. Follow the road as it passes through the village and becomes track, bearing right on bridleway at the end to climb up on the hill behind the church. At the top, turn left at the crossroads onto Pennine Bridleway (PBW) and follow this as it descends to A6. Turn left onto the A6 for 1km then leave road and rejoin PBW at head of Chee Dale. Stay with PBW to cross Monsal Trail, the river and exit the valley before passing Tunstead Quarry. At junction bear right on PBW to Wormhill and continue across Monk’s Dale via road climb to crossroads. Turn right onto the track and continue south, returning to Miller’s Dale on Limestone Way. Join B6049 and climb towards the A6. Turn left onto Long Lane and follow the byway to Priestcliffe and then Bull Tor. Continue on the same track to Brushfield and onwards to descend to Monsal Dale. Turn left onto the Monsal Trail to return to Miller’s Dale Station. | |||||
| WMB 100 Fort William Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 02:09 | 13.9km |
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| Start/Finish: The North Face car park, GR NN145764 Total distance: 14km (8.7 miles) Height gain: 619m (2023 feet) Time: 2-3 hours Maps required: OS Landranger OL41, Ben Nevis, Fort William and Glen Coe. Route summary: One for the climbers in your group — takes you up to the high crags of Ben Nevis for a real mountain feel. Lots of technical singletrack in a spectacular location. Leave the North Face car park on the track heading southeast, crossing the river. Follow this for a short time before taking the narrow track on the right, climbing steeply. At the next crossroads take a left on the ‘puggy line’ (light railway) track. Follow this for 450m then take a sharp right onto more singletrack. This switchbacks up to meet another track, where you turn left. Follow it to a T-junction, where you turn right. This takes you all the way to the mountaineer’s footpath. Follow the excellent singletrack southeast into the corrie ahead. The trail pops over frequent water bars here, so practise your rear wheel hops! Keep climbing up the trail up to the foot of the crags. Just short of the CIC Hut the trail deteriorates so you might want to turn round here. Alternatively push your bike up for lunch by the hut. (It’s a private Scottish Mountaineering Club hut and will be locked.) Turn back and reap the rewards as you descend down to the track. Carry on past the original track you arrived on and take the next left. Follow the track left as it contours round the hill heading south-west, then take a right onto the track descending steeply down the hillside. When you reach the track junction at the bottom by the pylons, turn right and you’re back on the ‘puggy line’ — after 1.5km you’ll see the singletrack you climbed up on your left. Follow this back to the car park and a well-earned cuppa. | |||||
| WMB 100 Fort William Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 02:08 | 19.8km |
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| Start/Finish: Braveheart car park, GR NN121736 Total distance: 19.9km (12.4 miles) Time: 2-4 hours Height gain: 724m (2367 feet) Maps required: OS Landranger OL41, Ben Nevis, Fort William and Glen Coe Route summary: A strenuous climb out of Glen Nevis, with challenging singletrack and fast forest blasts. Starting in the Braveheart car park on the Glen Nevis road, turn right up the fire road and through the gate. Follow the track as it climbs steadily. At the track fork, go right following the West Highland Way (WHW) thistle marker posts. This track begins to climb more steeply before switchbacking further up as it reaches the head of the glen. Follow the main track up and over the rise. Just after you begin descending, keep an eye out on your left for the singletrack heading off into the woods, marked with a WHW thistle post. Follow this singletrack through the trees — there are no other trails to go wrong on. Pass through the gate and leave the forest, sticking to the WHW as it goes up the side of a small hill then down to another gate. Pass through this and begin the descent down to the road. At the WHW information board turn right onto the singletrack road (marked as alternative WHW route into Fort Bill). Follow this to the outskirts of the town. Just as you’re reaching the first houses take the track on your right, climbing steadily back up onto Cow Hill. Begin the epic climb back up to the border, turning left to join The Street at OS NT792191. Navigation is fairly straightforward here: follow the obvious doubletrack as it makes its way south over one false summit after another. At the high point of the stony track there is a cow’s head sign marked to Glen Nevis. Take this right and descend initially on wide trail. A sign on your left reads ‘multi-user trail’ but isn’t marked on any maps. Take this trail and descend on excellent flowing path all the way to Fort William. Take the right turn and the trail turns back on itself to return you to the Braveheart car park. | |||||
| WMB 100 Fort William Easy (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 02:07 | 13km |
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| Start/Finish: Braveheart car park, GR NN121736 Total distance: 13.2km (8.2 miles) Height gain: 260m (850 feet) Time: 1-1.5 hours Maps required: OS Landranger OL41, Ben Nevis, Fort William and Glen Coe Route summary: A sheltered and easy climb up Glen Nevis on fire roads, followed by a short singletrack downhill, scenic road pedal and fast singletrack back along the River Nevis to the Braveheart car park. Starting in the well-signposted Braveheart car park on the Glen Nevis road, leave the car park and instead of turning left to descend to the road, turn right up the fire road and through the gate. Keep left when the track forks at GR NN121722 — the West Highland Way forks right at this point. Carry on climbing steadily up the undulating track for another 4.3km at which point you take the right-hand fork, climbing more steeply for a short time. Where the track takes a sharp switchback right turn, look on the left for an easy-to-miss trail in the undergrowth heading steeply down the hillside. It’s quite technical for a short stretch here, so go easy if you aren’t confident — take a look first. Follow this trail down to the road, where you turn left onto the tarmac. Just before the excellent Café Beag on your left (an ideal opportunity for a quick top up) turn right over the footbridge. At the other side, turn sharply left onto the singletrack running along the riverside. Follow this for nearly 2km, until you reach another footbridge crossing back over the river. Arrive at the Nevis car park, then turn right on the road and keep an eye out on your left for the singletrack path paralleling the road back to the Braveheart car park. | |||||
| WMB 122 Western Lakes Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:27 | 24.5km |
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| Start/Finish The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere, NY 175 169 Total distance 25.5km (16 miles) Total ascent 915m (3000 feet) Time 3.5+ hours Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer OL4: The English Lakes, North-western area Keswick, Cockermouth & Wigton 1:25k, Harvey’s British Mountain Map Lake District 1:40k Summary Two passes that traverse seriously wild country. Ennerdale and upper Mosedale are devoid of habitation and navigation across the latter can be taxing. From Buttermere, take the same path on the far side of the lake as the Easy route. At junction at upper end of valley, bear right to climb bridleway to Scarth Gap. This is a carry; stick with the path as it crosses wall/stream and continues up boulder field to summit. At Scarth Gap, continue directly ahead. Keep the stream on your right and pick up well-maintained path that descends into Ennerdale. At bottom of descent turn right through gate onto wide gravel doubletrack. Follow this track down the valley to Lower Gillerthwaite, keeping to the main path and ignoring left turn to Pillar. Continue along lake shore towards Bowness Knott. Foot traffic is likely to increase and you may meet vehicles on the track. Pass the barrier at car park and join road, climbing away from water past hamlet of Beckfoot. At road junction in Whins take bridleway signed Buttermere, which heads away from road on the right. Climb walled track, sticking with obvious wide path once you’ve left narrow section. Path disintegrates into singletrack once farmland is behind you. Cross Floutern Pass and continue straight ahead. Look for an unmarked bridleway heading off to the right that takes you away from Mosedale and towards Gate Fell, eventually descending to Crummock Water. Bear right and follow path along lake edge, then left across valley to Buttermere. | |||||
| WMB 122 Western Lakes Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:27 | 25.4km |
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| Start/Finish Seatoller, Borrowdale, NY 245 137 Total distance 25km (15 miles) Total ascent 1620m (5310ft) Time All day Maps OS Explorer OL4: The English Lakes, Northwestern area Keswick, Cockermouth & Wigton 1:25k, Harvey’s British Mountain Map Lake District 1:40k Summary Be prepared for long carries on the climbs and to walk some sections of descent. The reward is some of the best technical riding anywhere in the UK. From the village of Seatoller, climb Honister Pass on the road. At Honister Slate Mine, cross the car park to join the bridleway that ascends very steeply to the top of the mines. Follow this track to the derelict mine hut, bearing left at an area of machinery to descend at first on a continuation of the same track before bearing right onto vague singletrack. Follow the bridleway as it descends the side of Fleetwith Pike, keeping the river on your left, to Gatesgarth. Take the next bridleway left towards Scarth Gap, crossing the valley and climbing for some distance. At Scarth Gap, follow the bridleway down into Ennerdale. Bear left to pass Black Sail hut, continuing to cross the river before ascending Black Sail Pass on a path which is at times vague but mostly well trodden and keeps to the right of a minor river. Enjoy the long descent from the summit of the pass into Mosedale and then down into Wasdale. If you need to refuel then head straight on to the village; otherwise bear sharp left at the gate on the bridleway between high walls. Follow this path, crossing a stream on multiple wooden bridges. Pass through a farmyard and stay on the main track to a point where walls diverge and open fell resumes. The optional lower bridleway stays in the valley bottom here as the rockier path begins to climb. The paths rejoin at the head of the pass so it’s up to you which one you prefer. From the Mountain Rescue post at Styhead Pass, pick up the descent to Seatoller. Care is needed in poor visibility but you will start to descend almost immediately. Follow the obvious track past tarn, crossing the river on a bridge, and large area of boulders with no obvious path, before rejoining the path as it drops into the valley. Pass through gates, over a bridge and follow the wide track to Seatoller, then road to Seathwaite. | |||||
| WMB 122 Western Lakes Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:27 | 6.7km |
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| Start/Finish The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere, NY 175 169 Total distance 6.9km (4.25 miles) Total ascent 185m (600 feet) Time 1-2 hours Maps OS Explorer OL4: The English Lakes, North-western area: Keswick, Cockermouth & Wigton 1:25k, Harvey’s British Mountain Map Lake District 1:40k Summary Very little ascent so suitable for all weathers, though trail surfaces are rocky and slippery in places. From Buttermere village, take bridleway that leaves the road at the Bridge Hotel and crosses the valley floor, passing through gates. At bridge over river, pass through a gate and take short section of stone staircase ahead. Do not climb the staircase for more than a few metres – this will take you up the fell to Red Stile and beyond – instead bear left onto wide, rough bridleway. Follow path as it undulates through trees, crossing small watercourse and wet, rocky sections. Keep to the main and most obvious path where minor paths leave to left and right, starting to descend towards forest’s edge. At end of the trees, pass through gate and descend a short distance on same track to join an undesignated lakeshore path with improved surface. Follow this path to the foot of Scarth Gap bridleway, bearing left and descending to a gate in wall. Cross valley floor to Gatesgarth if returning to Buttermere along the road. Turn left as the bridleway exits onto the road and follow minor lakeside road to Buttermere. If extending the ride, return along lake shore to a bridge at the lake’s edge, then continue towards Scale Force. The bridleway remains mostly level, only climbing when it reaches the foot of the falls, at which point retrace your steps back to Buttermere along the rocky bridleway. | |||||
| WMB 121 Blaenavon Intermediate (Red) Route | Matt_Skinner | Mar 11th 2011, 04:53 | 8.9km |
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| Start/Finish Keeper’s Pond car park, SO254107 Total distance 9km (5.6 miles) Total ascent 365m (1200ft) Time 1.5–3 hours Maps OS Landranger 1:50000 sheet 161: The Black Mountains Route summary A circuit of the Blorenge, taking in a tricky descent, industrial archaeology, a challenging climb and an impressive view. From Keeper’s Pond car park, follow the path around the pond, cross the bridge and continue on narrower trail with occasional rock sections contouring the Blorenge heading roughly north-east. After 1.75km look for marker stone at a trail fork (265120). The trail straight ahead isn’t marked on the map – take the bridleway that descends to the left. The gradient eases and the trail smooths into fast, flowing singletrack dropping down to the old narrow gauge railway track bed (269127). The bridleway follows the track bed to the right, with a short climb past the old railway tunnel. The trail narrows and steepens to singletrack descent with rock outcrops. Singletrack joins a wider, grassy trail. Pass through a gate and tackle short climb into the Punchbowl. Follow trail along the edge of the pond wall and take the trail on the right along the tree line. It’s a steep and loose climb, even steeper after the right turn. Once you’ve reached the gate the steepness is over. Follow the more moderate trail to join the road at 278112. As an optional extra, follow the road westwards for about 400m and take the track that switches back to the right. It’s not a public right of way, but the hang-gliding club that owns the top of the mountain doesn’t mind. It climbs for about 1km to a small brick building and views over the Usk Valley to the Sugarloaf, Skirrid and Black Mountains plus Abergavenny. Descend back the way you came. Once back to the road, carry on west, climbing to radio masts. Continue for 1km to a T-junction, turn right and Keeper’s Pond car park is 200m away. | |||||
| WMB 121 Blaenavon Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:28 | 6.8km |
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| Start/Finish Cwmtillery Lakes, Abertillery SO217061 Total distance 6.8km (4.2 miles) Total ascent 355m (1164ft) Time 0.5-1.5 hours Maps OS Landranger 1:50000 sheet 161: The Black Mountains Route summary Short but sometimes steep and technical loop taking you up to, across and down from moorland above Abertillery. From the car park at Cwmtillery Lakes, turn left and follow the narrow lane up through the houses. Take the sharp hairpin left to climb more steeply, reaching cattle grid and open hillsides. Opposite small farm buildings take the steep, loose track switching back right (224070). Climb steeply, pushing if (when) necessary to trail crossroads at the top. Take the right turn, climbing with the fence to your left over ground that’s either hard and fast or soft and slow depending on the season. Descend as the trail swings left through a loose, sandy corner. Watch out for a narrower trail turning back on yourself to the right. Follow the trail to the right, heading west down the slope towards Abertillery with a small patch of woodland to your left. Look for the stone wall running across the hillside – you’re aiming for the singletrack running just upslope of this, heading right. Descend on occasionally tricky singletrack, watching out for concealed steps, ruts and tightening turns. The trail steepens as it descends, heading into a fold in the hillside with a small drop towards the bottom. Continue on the trail, climbing briefly on grass before joining final section of singletrack. Descend to rejoin vehicle track above Abertillery, turn left and descend back to Cwmtillery Lakes and car park. Watch out in winter, as this track can be icy. | |||||
| WMB 121 Blaenavon Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:28 | 33.5km |
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| Start/Finish Cwmtillery Lakes, Abertillery, SO217061 Total distance 33.6km (21 miles) Total ascent 1230m (4035ft) Time 4-7 hours Map 1:50000 sheet 161: Black Mountains Summary Substantial ride mixing rocky trails, moorland and industrial heritage. From car park at Cwmtillery Lakes, turn left on lane through houses. Take hairpin left to climb to cattle grid and open hillside. Opposite farm buildings switch back right onto steep track (224070). Climb to crossroads. Go straight over between fenced-off areas. Trail swings right downhill, across stream and up bedrock section. Follow moorland trail, looking out for a left turn. Join and follow across moors to descend on steep singletrack to lane at Forge Side. Join National Cycle Network 46 north-west past Big Pit museum and railway. Meet B4248 next to pub. Turn right on road for 100m, turn left onto bridleway through coal tips to lane at Pwll Du. Turn right and follow road to Keeper’s Pond car park. Follow path around pond, over bridge and across hillside heading north-east. After 1.75km take descending left fork from marker stone (265120). Join railway track bed (269127), follow to the right to climb past old tunnel. Trail narrows to singletrack descent then into wider, grassy trail to gate. Pass through and climb into Punchbowl. Head along pond edge and take trail on the right along the tree line. Climb steeply to gate, pass through then follow more moderate trail to join road at 278112. Carry on west, climbing to radio masts. Continue for 1km to T-junction, turn right and Keeper’s Pond car park is about 200m away. Retrace path back down and through Blaenavon to Forge Side, climb on to Coity Mountain and cross moors to return to crossroads from earlier. Turn left, climbing with fence to your left. Descend as trail swings left through a sandy corner, then watch out for a narrower trail switching back to right. Follow trail down slope towards Abertillery with patch of woodland to left. Join singletrack heading right upslope of a stone wall. Descend on singletrack to rejoin vehicle track above Abertillery, turn left and descend back to Cwmtillery Lakes. | |||||
| WMB 120 Tweed Valley Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:29 | 21.4km |
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| Start/Finish Junction of Traquair Road and High Street, Innerleithen. OS grid ref NT329365 Total distance 21.8km (13.5 miles) Time 2-4hours Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 73: Peebles, Galashiels & Selkirk Route summary Tarmac leg loosener, an almighty climb, purpose-built singletrack, moorland single/doubletrack and semi-urban woodiness! Start from the junction of Traquair Road and A72/High Street, Innerleithen. Head north-east on main road for 200m, then take first major left (Leithen Road) to continue north out of Innerleithen alongside Leithen Water. Pass free visitor car park on the right, leave residential area and pass through golf course on unfenced road. After 6km, turn left onto minor road signed as private. Cross the river on a small bridge and continue past Leithen Lodge on a track towards small farm at Williamslee. Just before the buildings, at a junction of tracks, bear left over small bridge and begin ascent, following clear track as it switchbacks once out of the valley and then curves west around the hill towards Dunslair Heights. With radio mast ahead, leave track as it starts to swing north and pick up vague path over short stretch of moorland to the boundary wall. Cross at gap to join Glentress black route as it begins to descend Shane McGowan and Leithen Door sections. At black route signpost 80, leave route and return to boundary wall, climbing steep hill before terrain levels off. Follow clear track as it leaves fenceline to pass trig point at Black Law and then rejoins treeline to continue to Black Knowe. At gate/stile on the forest edge, cross fence and bear left to continue along ridge, dropping to Lee Burn Head and then ascending Lee Pen. Cross stile at top of hill, descend steep section and continue south passing through several gates to the mast/woodland above Innerleithen. Pick your way to town along tiny singletrack paths, returning to High Street via Leithen Road. | |||||
| WMB 120 Tweed Valley Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:29 | 9.9km |
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| Start/Finish Innerleithen 7Stanes car park, OS ref NT335357 Total distance 10km (6.25 miles) Time 2.5 hours, with tea stop Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 73: Peebles, Glentress & Selkirk Route summary Easy riverbank cruise, followed by long climb with options of varying technicality to descend. Park in Innerleithen or at 7Stanes car park alongside River Tweed on Traquair Road. Follow road away from Traquair, parallel with river, for approx 1.3km until you see disused railway bridge over the river on your left with a well-surfaced path. Cross river, bearing left to navigate stile/gate and then passing under the bridge you’ve crossed to continue to follow the river downstream on rough, grassy path along northern bank. Follow the river down to Walkerburn. Shortly before Walkerburn, the path deviates from the river to pass between high hedges. Exit onto Tarmac in semi-residential area. At T-junction, turn left and cross the A72. If you need a cuppa the Caberston Coffee Shop is across the road. Otherwise, turn right to skirt the edge of the village on minor road, crossing the Tweed and turning right to Traquair. Take next fire road turning on left and begin to climb as track doubles back, then ascends more gently with valley views to your right. At junction go straight ahead to join the Innerleithen red/XC route and continue climbing to Caddon Bank. To tackle Caddon Bank, bear right on the red route then enjoy the descent to the car park. For the easier trail, carry on ascending the fire road to the next junction, take care as you cross downhill trails. At junction turn right and freewheel back to the car park. | |||||
| WMB 120 Tweed Valley Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:30 | 52.8km |
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| Start/Finish Junction of Traquair Road and High Street, Innerleithen. OS ref NT329365 Total distance 53km (33 miles) Time 5-7 hours Map Ordnance Survey Landranger 73: Peebles, Galashiels & Selkirk Summary Mixes Innerleithen red and Glentress black routes with big hill riding. Start from junction of Traquair Road and A72/High Street, Innerleithen. Join red route to the top of Minch Moor. After brief descent, turn left onto the Southern Upland Way. Go straight ahead at all junctions/crossroads and follow SUW signage at all gates. In Traquair, turn left onto the B709 for 1.5km, then right onto minor road for Orchard Mains and Glen House estate. Follow road west along the valley, then turn right to Cardrona/Peebles. Follow track with Tweed Trails signage, bear right and go through a gate. Climb steeply up grassy doubletrack straight ahead to the edge of a plantation. Pass through gate then take left onto singletrack that skirts trees and fence (don’t follow fire road). Follow steep path as it slackens, then undulates before steep descent. Cross fence at gate to continue on doubletrack that skirts Birks Hill. Follow track to the top of Kirkhope Law. Go through gate, turn right for path that follows the ridge to Peebles. At a gate with Kailzie Hill sign, bear left to climb on singletrack alongside a wall before descending to gate/original track. Follow track to the river (ford/bridge), along the avenue and into Peebles along the road. Cross the Tweed, bear right and pick up the A72 towards Innerleithen. Turn left onto minor road 0.5km after garage, then right onto fire road signed Janet’s/Jenny’s Brae. Follow Peebles Link track to Buzzards Nest car park. Follow black route to post 80 (after the mast) ascending towards Makeness Kips and Dunslair Heights. Leave black route and follow directions for Moderate route step 4 to Lee Pen (alternatively follow black route back to Glentress for escape route). From Lee Pen, descend to Innerleithen via rocky section and woodland trails. | |||||
| WMB 118 Marlborough Downs Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:30 | 41.5km |
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| Start/Finish Avebury National Trust car park, A4361. OS grid reference SU 099 695 Total distance 26km (16 miles) Time 2+ hours Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 173: Swindon and Devizes Route summary Gentle climbs and undemanding trails make a perfect beginner’s route. At the centre of Avebury’s stone circle, turn right onto the Wessex Ridgeway and begin climbing. At the junction with the Ridgeway, turn left towards Hackpen Hill and Barbury Castle. Follow clear doubletrack north across one minor road at Hackpen Hill. At the second minor road (Barbury Castle), bear slightly right across Barbury Castle itself on the bridleway. Follow bridleway to next minor road/car park, then bear right to pick up bridleway south past Four Mile Clump to Rockley. As the bridleway meets the road before Rockley, turn left then right on a dead end minor road. At the end of the road in Rockley village, turn left onto ascending doubletrack beneath trees as the road enters a yard. Follow climb as it bears right, crossing a gate to follow the trail along the field edge onto Manton Down. Continue ahead as the path climbs and strike out on doubletrack across open fields. As you crest the hill, the NCN4 joins from the left, continue along it as it drops over Fyfield Down among the Grey Wethers then climbs to the Ridgeway. This is where you joined the Ridgeway after climbing out of Avebury. To shortcut the route go straight over to retrace your steps. Otherwise, turn left to stay with the Ridgeway as it descends over 2.5km of doubletrack to the A4. Turn right onto A4 for just under 1km. Turn right onto the Avenue/B4003 to return to the centre of Avebury. | |||||
| WMB 118 Marlborough Downs Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:31 | 72.2km |
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| Start/Finish Avebury National Trust car park, A4361. OS grid reference SU 099 695 Total distance 73km (45 miles) Time 4+ hours on a dry day. All day if wet. Map Ordnance Survey Landranger 173: Swindon and Devizes Summary Mainly easy-going trail surfaces but distance makes it one for fitter riders. Follow the Easy Route directions to junction with Ridgeway above Avebury taking you from the stone circle, over Hackpen Hill and past Barbury Castle. Turn left onto Ridgeway to descend to A4. Turn right onto road, then left after 500m onto road signed East Kennett. Follow signs for NCN45 through East Kennett to climb on road over Lurkeley Hill. Take doubletrack byway opposite a T-junction. Climb into West Woods, past the transmitter mast on the left and follow doubletrack through the woods, heading east. At the junction with the minor road go straight ahead then turn left at next T-junction to Clench Common, where you take minor road to the right. At the car park at the crest of the hill go through a gate and climb a grassy path to Martinsell Hill. Bear left to follow the permissive path around the ramparts. Return to main bridleway and bear left along a sunken trail in the woods. Cross A345 and follow the bridleway along the ridge. At car park after Knap Hill turn right, ascend the bridleway to the right to resume ridge-top ride alongside Wansdyke. At Tan Hill, turn left to pass the trig point. At road turn right and drop down to Allington, then first right along the bridleway (ignoring left-hand bridleway). Head north then to descend across Allington Down to Beckhampton. Follow signs for Avebury Trusloe, then take NCN4 and byway to Knoll Down. Cross the A4 and bear west on Wessex Ridgeway track. Bear left at junction of byways to ascend Cherhill Down before taking bridleway to traverse the hill towards Landsdowne Monument. After the monument, bear right on steep, rutted bridleway to descend to the A4. Re-cross road to Cherhill. Follow NCN4 signs to return to Avebury via Yatesbury, White Horse trail and Windmill Hill. | |||||
| WMB 119 Snowdon Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:32 | 17.7km |
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| Start/Finish Rhyd Ddu station car park, GR571525 Total distance 17.8km (11 miles) Total ascent 609m (1998 feet) Time 2-3 hours Maps Outdoor Leisure (1:25,000) 17 Route summary Out and back to Bwlch Cwm Llan through old quarry workings followed by old-school singletrack in Beddgelert Forest. Start at Rhyd Ddu station car park. Ride to northern end and cross railway at level crossing. Climb for 1.5km on well-surfaced track curving right then swinging left and getting steeper and more loose. Continue on track as it bears right to a gate just below large rock outcrops. Note location of trail junction – you’ll turn left here on the way back. Continue on main track past rock outcrops and disused quarry workings. Traverse spoil heaps and inclines, to reach Bwlch Cwm Llan at GR605522. Admire the views then descend back the way you came At trail junction, turn left (signed Bridleway). Descend across grassland with potentially slippery bridges. At the edge of a patch of woodland drop to a farmyard. Go through yard and down the track to the road. Turn left after 500m then right into Beddgelert Forest. Cross the railway and climb on forest road, following bridleway markers – keep right at posts 45 and 44, bear left at 43. After 2km arrive at junction of trails at GR557513. Turn left onto singletrack between boulders. Emerge on to forest road, turn left over bridge, then left to climb to marker post 37. Turn left again to post 36, then bear left onto eroded singletrack. Emerge onto forest road at post 37. Turn left to post 46, at which bear right onto singletrack alongside a stream. At the bottom, turn left onto forest road and descend towards main track coming in to the forest. Turn left to reach railway crossing at forest entrance. Cross railway, repeat climb to trail junction but turn right and return to Rhyd Ddu as per Easy route. | |||||
| WMB 119 Snowdon Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:31 | 18.3km |
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| Start/Finish Lakeside car park, Llanberis, GR580601 Total distance 18.5km (11.5 miles) Total ascent 1085m (3560 feet) Time 4-6 hours Map Outdoor Leisure (1:25,000) 17 Summary With 1000m of climbing in one hit, a challenging descent and high-speed singletrack the summit loop’s a real classic. From the Lakeside car park in Llanberis, head south on the main road past the bottom of the High Street to a mini-roundabout. Turn right past the Snowdon Mountain Railway station and climb on Tarmac. At the top of the steepest stretch of Tarmac, go through the gate signposted Snowdon summit and climb on rocky track. Continue up on mostly-rideable trail, crossing under the railway. Just over 4km in you’ll pass the Halfway House cafe. Continue to climb over increasingly difficult ground. The track swings left and up towards Clogwyn station and will involve walking. Cross under the railway again, before setting off on another steep pitch. The gradient eases as you gain the ridge, leading to a great bit of high-level climbing. Note the position of the marker stone at the junction of the Llanberis path, the path along Crib Goch and Ranger path (GR608549), you’ll need to spot this on the way back down. If you’re in a hurry or the trail is busy, join the Ranger path now, otherwise continue to the summit. Descend from the summit, turn left at the marker stone, crossing the railway at a second marker stone. Head slightly west of north down the Ranger path. Follow the cairns on the upper section and obvious path lower down, tackling boulders, steep turns and rocky sections. The hardest part is towards the bottom, after which the trail levels out to cross sometimes-boggy terrain. Look for bridleway fingerpost pointing right at GR573553. Push north up the grassy slopes before pedalling up to gain the saddle at the head of Telegraph Valley. Follow the obvious fast trail towards Llanberis, joining farm track. Turn right onto Tarmac at GR573590 to drop back into town. | |||||
| WMB 119 Snowdon Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:32 | 8.2km |
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| Start/Finish Rhyd Ddu station car park, GR571525 Total distance 8.3km (5.2 miles) Total ascent 269m (882 ft) Time 1-2 hours Maps Outdoor Leisure (1:25,000) 17 Route summary An open loop across the southern flank of Snowdon followed by a climb into Beddgelert Forest and a fast descent to finish. Start at Rhyd Ddu station car park. Ride to northern end and cross railway at a level crossing. Climb for 1.4km on well-surfaced track curving right, then swinging left and getting steeper and looser. Continue on track as it bears right to a gate just below large rock outcrops. Pass through a gate to a junction with Rhyd Ddu path to the left (signed Snowdon) and bridleway to the right. Take right turn and descend across sometimes boggy grassland with potentially slippery bridges. At the edge of a patch of woodland drop to a farmyard. Go through yard and down a track to the road. Turn left after 500m then right into Beddgelert Forest. Cross railway and climb on forest road, following bridleway markers – keep right at posts 45 and 44, bear left at 43. After 2km arrive at junction of trails at GR557513. Turn right onto singletrack to climb through trees, which may be boggy higher up. Emerge onto open ground. Descend on grassy bridleway, marked by cairns higher up but becoming more distinct lower down. At trail junctions go straight on to reach minor road. Turn right, drop down to main road in Rhyd Ddu village. Turn right again, then look for bridleway sign to the left that returns to the station car park. Don’t worry if you miss it, you’ll be at the main car park entrance shortly. | |||||
| WMB 118 Marlborough Downs Beginner (Blue) Route | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:33 | 25.7km |
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| Start/Finish Avebury National Trust car park, A4361. OS grid reference SU 099 695 Total distance 26km (16 miles) Time 2+ hours Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 173: Swindon and Devizes Route summary Gentle climbs and undemanding trails make a perfect beginner’s route. At the centre of Avebury’s stone circle, turn right onto the Wessex Ridgeway and begin climbing. At the junction with the Ridgeway, turn left towards Hackpen Hill and Barbury Castle. Follow clear doubletrack north across one minor road at Hackpen Hill. At the second minor road (Barbury Castle), bear slightly right across Barbury Castle itself on the bridleway. Follow bridleway to next minor road/car park, then bear right to pick up bridleway south past Four Mile Clump to Rockley. As the bridleway meets the road before Rockley, turn left then right on a dead end minor road. At the end of the road in Rockley village, turn left onto ascending doubletrack beneath trees as the road enters a yard. Follow climb as it bears right, crossing a gate to follow the trail along the field edge onto Manton Down. Continue ahead as the path climbs and strike out on doubletrack across open fields. As you crest the hill, the NCN4 joins from the left, continue along it as it drops over Fyfield Down among the Grey Wethers then climbs to the Ridgeway. This is where you joined the Ridgeway after climbing out of Avebury. To shortcut the route go straight over to retrace your steps. Otherwise, turn left to stay with the Ridgeway as it descends over 2.5km of doubletrack to the A4. Turn right onto A4 for just under 1km. Turn right onto the Avenue/B4003 to return to the centre of Avebury. | |||||
| WMB 117 Howgills Intermedia (Red) Route | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:33 | 16.1km |
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| Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 Total distance 16.2km/10 miles Time 2.5 hours + Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000. Route summary One big climb followed by one big descent and very little else in between. From the centre of Sedbergh, take Howgill Lane and head north on NCN68, bearing right at t-junction after 2.5km and crossing several valleys. At crossroads before Howgill (heavily signed for NCN routes), turn right to pick up bridleway which ascends through Castley to the fell. At fell boundary pass through gate, drop to river and pick up track that climbs up the spine of White Fell. Endure long, sustained and partly unrideable ascent to the top of The Calf, bearing right as gradient diminishes to find trig point at summit. Ignore several smaller tracks heading to left and stick with wider, eroded path that climbs to summit. From trig point take wide and well maintained path south to Calders. Drop steeply on loose and rocky track to saddle of Rowantree Grains before ascending over shoulder of Arant Haw. Follow fast, wide and grassy descent down towards Winder. Take care to pick correct left turn off saddle between the two hills – ignore the first and continue along the ridge until narrow singletrack appears on left. Do not start to climb ridge towards the summit of Winder but take singletrack left and descend in a southward direction towards Sedbergh, visible below. Follow this track as it widens slightly, passing through several small cuts in the hill and always heading towards Sedbergh. At clear area of earthworks bear left to drop increasingly steeply above Lockbank Farm – watch out for a rocky stepdown which appears without warning on fastest section. Pass through two gates at foot of fell, cross the farmyard and pick up lane to minor road. Turn left to return to start point in Sedbergh. | |||||
| WMB 117 Howgills Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:34 | 37.8km |
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| Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 (alternative start point: Ravenstonedale NY 723 040) Total distance 38.3km/23.8 miles Time 4.5 hours + Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000. Summary A true classic, including one massive climb to start and some of the best sustained singletrack in the UK. From Sedbergh, take Howgill Lane and head north towards the fell (signposted as part of NCN68). After nearly 1km, take bridleway on right (signed as ‘permissive path to the fell’), climb lane. Go through gate at rear of farmyard. Climb steeply to the saddle between Winder and Arant Haw, staying with the bridleway to climb Rowantree Grains to the summit of Calders. Follow the path to the summit of The Calf (marked by trig point). From Calf summit, bear right past the tarn to take the bridleway, then right again at second tarn to begin descent into Bowderdale. Follow obvious but potentially boggy singletrack down to Bowderdale, initially steep but becoming more gradual and crossing several streams while staying on the left side of the river at all times. Approaching Bowderdale, pass through several gates and join the road, descending to the A685 slip road then turning right to veer away from the main road and head for Weasdale. From Weasdale follow minor roads then bridleway to Ravenstonedale, before heading south out of the village along dead end road signed Artlegarth and Adamthwaite. At top of road climb take bridleway on left that descends steeply to river crossing and then gently to Murthwaite. When meet track before Murthwaite bear right, crossing open fell before technical drop through woods to ford. Cross field and climb track to Narthwaite, bearing left through two gates from farmyard to drop to another ford. Pick up singletrack on the other side and follow past Cautley Spout back down the valley to Thursgill. Follow road from farm at Thursgill, joining A683 for spin into Sedbergh. | |||||
| WMB 117 Howgills Blue (Beginner) Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:34 | 14.4km |
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| Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 (alternative start point Cross Keys pub at SD 697 969) Total distance 14.7km/9 miles Time 1.5 to 3 hours Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000. Route summary Tarmac warm-up followed by low-level singletrack return along valley. From Sedbergh, follow the one-way system through Main Street onto A683. At junction with A684, stay on A683 (signed Kirkby Stephen) and follow road north-east. It’s a wide road but vehicles can be fast so make sure you’re visible, ideally equipped with lights if weather is poor. After 7km, you will reach the Cross Keys pub (an alternative start point). Next to the pub is a bus stop and path down to the river – walk down the steps and across the river on footbridge to pick up bridleway as it descends from Narthwaite. Turn left, keeping the river on your left, and pass below Cautley Spout, bearing left at junction to cross smaller river on footbridge, following path between walls to gate. Continue along bridleway as it heads south-west down the valley, contouring and maintaining reasonable height as you cross streams and pass through gates. Maintain direction as you cross open section of pasture below Cautley – look for gate in fence opposite to guide you back to singletrack as it continues around the fell and becomes a walled lane between hedges. Emerge at Fawcett Bank and stick with bridleway as it becomes doubletrack. Pass through farm at Thursgill then join minor road to descend back to valley floor. Turn right at junction with A683 and return to Sedbergh via road you exited on. Follow the one way system to return to the start point. | |||||
| WMB 117 Howgills Intermediat (Red) Route | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:35 | 16.1km |
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| Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 Total distance 16.2km/10 miles Time 2.5 hours + Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000. Route summary One big climb followed by one big descent and very little else in between. From the centre of Sedbergh, take Howgill Lane and head north on NCN68, bearing right at t-junction after 2.5km and crossing several valleys. At crossroads before Howgill (heavily signed for NCN routes), turn right to pick up bridleway which ascends through Castley to the fell. At fell boundary pass through gate, drop to river and pick up track that climbs up the spine of White Fell. Endure long, sustained and partly unrideable ascent to the top of The Calf, bearing right as gradient diminishes to find trig point at summit. Ignore several smaller tracks heading to left and stick with wider, eroded path that climbs to summit. From trig point take wide and well maintained path south to Calders. Drop steeply on loose and rocky track to saddle of Rowantree Grains before ascending over shoulder of Arant Haw. Follow fast, wide and grassy descent down towards Winder. Take care to pick correct left turn off saddle between the two hills – ignore the first and continue along the ridge until narrow singletrack appears on left. Do not start to climb ridge towards the summit of Winder but take singletrack left and descend in a southward direction towards Sedbergh, visible below. Follow this track as it widens slightly, passing through several small cuts in the hill and always heading towards Sedbergh. At clear area of earthworks bear left to drop increasingly steeply above Lockbank Farm – watch out for a rocky stepdown which appears without warning on fastest section. Pass through two gates at foot of fell, cross the farmyard and pick up lane to minor road. Turn left to return to start point in Sedbergh. | |||||
| WMB 117 Howgills Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:35 | 37.8km |
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| Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 (alternative start point: Ravenstonedale NY 723 040) Total distance 38.3km/23.8 miles Time 4.5 hours + Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000. Summary A true classic, including one massive climb to start and some of the best sustained singletrack in the UK. From Sedbergh, take Howgill Lane and head north towards the fell (signposted as part of NCN68). After nearly 1km, take bridleway on right (signed as ‘permissive path to the fell’), climb lane. Go through gate at rear of farmyard. Climb steeply to the saddle between Winder and Arant Haw, staying with the bridleway to climb Rowantree Grains to the summit of Calders. Follow the path to the summit of The Calf (marked by trig point). From Calf summit, bear right past the tarn to take the bridleway, then right again at second tarn to begin descent into Bowderdale. Follow obvious but potentially boggy singletrack down to Bowderdale, initially steep but becoming more gradual and crossing several streams while staying on the left side of the river at all times. Approaching Bowderdale, pass through several gates and join the road, descending to the A685 slip road then turning right to veer away from the main road and head for Weasdale. From Weasdale follow minor roads then bridleway to Ravenstonedale, before heading south out of the village along dead end road signed Artlegarth and Adamthwaite. At top of road climb take bridleway on left that descends steeply to river crossing and then gently to Murthwaite. When meet track before Murthwaite bear right, crossing open fell before technical drop through woods to ford. Cross field and climb track to Narthwaite, bearing left through two gates from farmyard to drop to another ford. Pick up singletrack on the other side and follow past Cautley Spout back down the valley to Thursgill. Follow road from farm at Thursgill, joining A683 for spin into Sedbergh. | |||||
| WMB 117 Howgills Beginner (Blue) Route | Matt_Skinner | May 13th 2011, 01:26 | 14.4km |
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| Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 (alternative start point Cross Keys pub at SD 697 969) Total distance 14.7km/9 miles Time 1.5 to 3 hours Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000. Route summary Tarmac warm-up followed by low-level singletrack return along valley. From Sedbergh, follow the one-way system through Main Street onto A683. At junction with A684, stay on A683 (signed Kirkby Stephen) and follow road north-east. It’s a wide road but vehicles can be fast so make sure you’re visible, ideally equipped with lights if weather is poor. After 7km, you will reach the Cross Keys pub (an alternative start point). Next to the pub is a bus stop and path down to the river – walk down the steps and across the river on footbridge to pick up bridleway as it descends from Narthwaite. Turn left, keeping the river on your left, and pass below Cautley Spout, bearing left at junction to cross smaller river on footbridge, following path between walls to gate. Continue along bridleway as it heads south-west down the valley, contouring and maintaining reasonable height as you cross streams and pass through gates. Maintain direction as you cross open section of pasture below Cautley – look for gate in fence opposite to guide you back to singletrack as it continues around the fell and becomes a walled lane between hedges. Emerge at Fawcett Bank and stick with bridleway as it becomes doubletrack. Pass through farm at Thursgill then join minor road to descend back to valley floor. Turn right at junction with A683 and return to Sedbergh via road you exited on. Follow the one way system to return to the start point. | |||||
| WMB 116 Edinburgh Intermediate (Red) Route | Matt_Skinner | Nov 5th 2010, 11:18 | 20.9km |
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| Start/Finish Flotterstone Inn Ranger Centre Total distance 21km (13 miles) Time 2-3 hours Maps OS Explorer 1:25000 map 344, Pentland Hills, Penicuik & West Linton Route summary With some excellent singletrack, this route takes you through glens, round hills and over tops with fabulous views and challenging climbs. Directions From the car park, head up the Tarmac climb towards Glencorse Reservoir. Ride past Glencorse, then Loganlea until you reach The Howe. Stay on the right-hand side of the glen and continue on the trail. As the glen twists left, you’ll see white gravel singletrack climbing diagonally. Follow this up the hill, staying right of the drystone wall. Follow the peaty trail and then continue straight on at the reservoir hut, passing round Black Hill before dropping down to Logan Cottage. Turn left here on the Tarmac road. At the right-hand bend, turn onto the reservoir road then take the signposted trail left through the gate and up the hill. Where the trail forks, take the right turn and continue climbing, heading for the glen between Harbour and Capelaw Hill. Follow this round to the trees on your left near Bonaly Reservoir. Stay right when the trail forks left to the reservoir. Climb across the north flank of Capelaw Hill to where the singletrack meets a wider track cutting right and back up the hill. Follow this over the shoulder and down to a stile. Cross this and climb to a fire road, then turn right. Follow this for around 0.5km to a drystone wall. Keep a sharp eye out on your left just after the wall for the singletrack dropping back down the west flank of Castlelaw Hill. About 1km after it becomes a fire road, look for a block of trees on your right, turning right down the steep path on the treeline. At the bottom, turn left and head for the car park. A few hundred metres past Glen Cottage, a sign points down to the filter beds — follow this as an alternative route. | |||||
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