| Route | Contributor | Last Updated | Where | Distance | Tags |
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| WMB 109 Quantock Hills, Somerset_Classic Route | ocoutts | Jul 14th 2010, 02:56 | 30.5km |
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| 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 |
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| 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. | |||||
| WMB102 The Purbecks, Dorset_Intermediate (Red) Route | ocoutts | Jul 13th 2010, 04:36 | 35.2km |
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| Start/Finish: Shell Bay, Studland, OS ref SZ036867 Total distance 35.3km (21.9 miles) Time 3-6 hours Maps Ordnance Survey OL 15 Purbeck and South Dorset 1:25,000 Summary The daisy chain structure of this route lets you pick and choose the best bits. From the chain ferry landing point, follow the road for 2km and take the bridleway/cycle route to the right at the bend in the road. Take the fi rst left through the gate and then left again rather than fording the river to climb up the heath to the golf course. At the top bear left and drop to Studland village on the sandy bridleway. Follow the coast path round the headland past Old Harry Rocks and up to Ballard Down, where you turn left to descend very steeply into Swanage. Turn right at the road junction and climb gently to the ridge before taking the bridleway left to Nine Barrow Down. Bear left along the ridge for 1km before dropping to the right. Cross the main road onto a minor road and follow this back to the heath before turning right to head back to the major road, turning right and then left at the bridleway climbing up through the trees. Once at the summit of Nine Barrow Down again, drop immediately left to enjoy a fast descent to the road. Turn right for 1km of riding on tarmac before turning left onto the golf course and then left again at the stone signpost to ride Frank’s Tank. Then it’s just a case of retracing your steps back to the chain ferry via the heath. | |||||
| WMB107 hebden Bridge Yorkshire_Classic Route | ocoutts | Jul 14th 2010, 11:59 | 37.1km |
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| 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 106 Pitlochry, Highlands_Beginner (Blue) Route | ocoutts | Jul 14th 2010, 11:28 | 38.2km |
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| 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 112 The Dark Peak Moderate | ocoutts | Aug 24th 2010, 01:54 | 38.7km |
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| 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 110 Lake District, Cumbria_Classic Route | ocoutts | Jul 14th 2010, 05:37 | 39.5km |
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| 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 113 Brecon Beacons Classic Route | ocoutts | Sep 8th 2010, 04:09 | 41.3km |
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| 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 112 The Dark Peak Classic | ocoutts | Aug 24th 2010, 01:28 | 50.8km |
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| 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 106 Pitlochry, Highlands_Classic Route | ocoutts | Jul 14th 2010, 11:34 | 53.9km |
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| 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. | |||||
| WMB102 The Purbecks, Dorset_Classic Route | ocoutts | Jul 13th 2010, 04:48 | 59.2km |
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| Start/finish: Shell Bay, Studland, OS ref SZ0368767 Total Distance: 59.5km (36.9 miles) Time: 6-8 hours Maps: Ordnance Survey OL15 Purbeck & South Dorset 1:25,000 Summary: From forest, heath and downs to tough climbs and fab singletrack descents, every type of biking is here. From the chain ferry landing point, follow the road for 2km and take the route to the right at the bend in the road. Follow the tracks to Kingswood Farm. Turn right along the road before taking the bridleway left into the woods after 750m. Climb steeply to Nine Barrow Down to follow the ridge towards Corfe Castle. Descend into the town. Turn right onto the main road in Corfe and bear left at the roundabout. Take the next left, signposted for the campsite, and follow the track straight through the middle of the campsite, turning right at the far end. At the road, turn left and climb, taking the path through the gate to the right. Continue to climb on doubletrack before turning left to drop steeply off the ridge. Bear right to end up at the road to Kimmeridge. At the next junction, turn left and then immediately right on steep bridleway. Follow this to Swyre Head, bearing left at the trig point to descend to Kingston village. Turn left to follow the bridleway/ white road over Corfe Common, turning right on the outskirts of Corfe. Continue on the bridleway, then turn right along the road. Take the bridleway right after 750m. At the crossroads of bridleway and three roads, continue straight on tarmac to Worth Matravers. Take the hairpin left in the village, pass the Square and Compass, then take the bridleway right signed Priests Way. Follow this to Swanage. Head straight for the Ulwell road. Turn right by the phone box, climbing steeply behind the houses to the top of Ballard Down. Turn right towards Studland, fi nally turning left onto the road and straight over at the Post Office crossroads. Take the bridleway right to climb up onto the heath. At the top of the golf course, turn right and then left at the stone signpost. Follow back down into the forest, passing through the gate beside Frank’s Tank before retracing your steps through the forest and back to the road. | |||||
| WMB 113 Pennine Trail Centre Classic | ocoutts | Aug 24th 2010, 02:05 | 65.2km |
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| 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 108 Dalby Forest, Yorkshire_Classic route | ocoutts | Jul 14th 2010, 02:22 | 85.9km |
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| 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. | |||||
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