| Route | Contributor | Last Updated | Where | Distance | Tags |
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| WMB 88 Peak District (Red) Intermediate Ride | Matt_Skinner | Nov 25th 2008, 02:12 | 14.2km |
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| Start/Finish: Car park in Hayfield centre, SK 037870 Total distance: 14.5km (9miles) Height gain: 525 metres (1722 feet) Time: 2-3 hours Map required: OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield (1:50,000) Route summary: A figure of eight with big climbs that takes in some of the best trails both north and south of Hayfield | |||||
| WMB 88 Peak District Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Nov 25th 2008, 02:12 | 28km |
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| Start/Finish: Car Park in Hayfield centre. SK 037870 Total distance: 28km (17miles) Height gain: 1116 metres (3661 feet) Time: 3-5 hours Map required: OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield (1:50,000) Brief route summary: A classic Peak District ride with all the hallmarks of this landscape, and all the challenges too | |||||
| WMB 90 Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Oct 28th 2008, 05:03 | 13.8km |
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| Start/Finish: Nirvana Cycles, Westcott village green (grid ref TQ 141 486) Total distance: 10 miles Height gain: 354m (1161ft) Time: 1-2 hours Map required: OS Landranger 187: Dorking & Reigate A ride suitable for beginners yet with enough to entertain more experienced riders, including some great singletrack and descents. | |||||
| WMB 90 Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Oct 28th 2008, 05:05 | 42.4km |
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| Start/finish: Nirvana Cycles, Westcott village green (grid ref: TQ 141 486) Total distance: 42km (26miles) Height gain: 959m (3146ft) Time: 2-4hrs Maps Required: OS Landranger 186: Aldershot & Guildford and 187: Dorking & Reigate. All the best bits of the Classic ride with a bonus descent to Shere | |||||
| WMB 90 North Downs Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Oct 27th 2008, 05:22 | 46.6km |
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| Start/finish: Nirvana Cycles, Westcott village green (grid ref TQ 141 486) Total Distance: 46.5km (29 miles) Height gain: 1053m (3455ft). Ride time: 3-5hrs Maps: OS Landranger 186: Aldershot & Guildford, and OS Landranger 187: Dorking & Reigate A ride taking in the very best of the North Downs, including some legendary singletrack trails | |||||
| WMB 91 Brecon Beacons Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Dec 17th 2008, 11:00 | 17.8km |
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| Start/Finish: Whistle Inn (grid ref 228 102) Total Distance: 20km Total Ascent: 792m (2,600ft) Total Time: 2.5-5 hours An original route that omits the Sugar Loaf, along with the out-and-back nature of the Classic ride. You still get one mountain and a joy ride across the coal tips, though. | |||||
| WMB 91 Brecon Beacons Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Dec 17th 2008, 10:55 | 46.4km |
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| Start/Finish: Whistle Inn (grid ref 228 102) Total Distance: 42km (27miles) Total Ascent: 1,554m (5,100ft) Total Time: 4.5-8 hours This ride takes in two mountains and won't be completed without advanced skill, fitness and bravery levels. | |||||
| WMB 91 Brecon Beacons Intermediate (Red) Route | Matt_Skinner | Dec 17th 2008, 11:02 | 9km |
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| Start/finish: Keepers Pond (grid ref 2504 1007) Total Distance: 11km Total Ascent: 457m (1,500ft) Total Time: 1.5-3 hours A short route around the 561m Blorenge. Not suitable for the unskilled rider but a great blast taking in some proper off-piste riding. | |||||
| WMB 93 Glasgow Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Feb 4th 2009, 09:53 | 13km |
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| Start/Finish: Milngavie town centre (grid ref. 553 745) Total Distance: 13.2km (8.2miles) Height Gain: 236m (775feet) Total Time: 1 - 1.5hrs Maps requried: OS Landranger 64, Glasgow, Motherwell & Airdrie (1:50,000) An easy roll along well-surfaced traks with only one real climb to contend with. One for bad weather as it's well sheltered virtually all the way around. | |||||
| WMB 93 Glasgow Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Feb 4th 2009, 10:05 | 30.4km |
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| Start/finish:Milngavie town centre (grid ref. 553 745) Total Distance: 30.4km (18.9miles) Height Gain: 647m (2121 feet) Total Time: 3-5 hours Maps Required: OS Landranger 64, Glasgow, Motherwell & Airdrie (1:50,000) A tough route over energy-sapping ground, with tricky navigation and a fair amount of climbing. Very satisfying to finish! | |||||
| WMB 93 Glasgow Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Feb 4th 2009, 10:16 | 27.3km |
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| Start/finish: Milngavie town centre (grid ref. 553 745) Total Distance: 27.3km (17miles) Height Gain: 520m (1700ft) Time: 2-3hrs Maps Required: OS Landranger 64, Glasgow, Motherwell & Airdrie A longer route with great views and some stiff climbing. Nothing too technical unless you stray off the path and stitch in some of the excellent surrounding singletrack though. | |||||
| WMB 94 Yorkshire Dales Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Feb 26th 2009, 07:44 | 14km |
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| Start/finish: National Park Centre car park near south edge of Malham village (SD 900 627) Total distance: 15km (9 miles) Height gain: 347m (1138ft) Time: 1.5-3hours You'll know when you've been riding after tackling the sever road climb but the trails are hardpack and grass, and none too taxing. | |||||
| WMB 94 Yorkshire Dales Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Feb 26th 2009, 07:41 | 27.5km |
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| Start/finish: National Park Centre car park at south edge of Malham village (SD 900 627) Total Distance: 28km (17.5miles) Height Gain: 764m (2506ft) Time: 2.5-5 hours A bit of mud is normal for UK riding and the fells around Malham have their fair share of it. Mastiles Lane is mostly well-armoured though. | |||||
| WMB 94 Yorlshire Dales Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Feb 26th 2009, 07:47 | 24.6km |
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| Start/finish: National Park car park at south edge of Malham village (SD 900 627) Total distance: 33km (20 miles) Height gain: 795m (2608 feet) Time: 3-5 hours Apart from a few climbs and grassy stretches on the tops, the majority is hardpack and holds up well to the elements | |||||
| WMB 95 Dartmoor Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Mar 16th 2009, 10:41 | 25km |
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| Start/finish: Car park behind Tourist Information Centre (TIC), Princeton (OS grid ref: SX 589 736. Total Distance: 25.1km (15.6 miles) Height Gain: 420m (1378 feet) Time: 1.5-3hrs Maps required: OS OL28 Dartmoor Our beginner's route is an easy railway path trundle that's simple to navigate but offers varying surfaces, the option of some technical diversions, and stunning views that will keep you interested. | |||||
| WMB 95 Dartmoor Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Mar 16th 2009, 10:45 | 30.9km | ||
| Start/finish: car park behind Tourist Information Centre (TIC), Princetown, OS grid ref: SX 589 736. Total distance: 32km (19.9 miles) Height gain: 420m (1378 feet) Time: 2-5 hours Maps required: OS OL28 Dartmoor Our big ride takes you from the bleak moortop to deep valley avoiding the worst of the bogs: you only need to worry about the trails! | |||||
| WMB 95 Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Mar 16th 2009, 10:48 | 19.6km | ||
| Start/finish: Car park behind Tourist Information Centre (TIC), OS grid ref: SX 589 736. Total distance: 22.8km (14.2 miles) Height gain: 417m (1368 feet) Time: 2-3 hours Maps required: OS OL28 Dartmoor Our intermediate route shares the beginning of the classic route but then heads into the woods for some short but sweet trail fun. A quick railway spin takes you onwards to the gem of a technical climb that winds up below Vixen Tor, well worth a reprise if your legs are up for it! | |||||
| 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. | |||||
| 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 Intermediate (Red) Route | Matt_Skinner | Jun 10th 2011, 01:04 | 25.7km |
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| Start/Finish Penmachno, SH785497 Total distance 26km (16.2miles) Time 1.5 hours + Maps Harvey’s British Mountain Map: Snowdonia Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Snowdonia National Park (GPS) Summary Typical trail centre challenges – lots of stiff fire road climbs, loose surfaces, rock slabs and duckboard. Start at the parking layby just outside Penmachno village. Head almost due north up very steep fire road climb. Continue to contour around the hill as path undulates and becomes singletrack. After a sustained section of singletrack through trees, bear right up the fire road, climbing gently before beginning to descend gently. The trail is marked in the trees below to your right; follow this or stick to the fire road as the two rejoin several times. Follow the markers left and climb on steep switchbacks before contouring again to meet the road. At minor road which leads to Ty Mawr, go straight across and continue on the marked trail, at first on fire road and then on singletrack as you head north-east and then double back on yourself to ride south-west, returning to the minor road at the end of loop two. At crossing, go straight over on fire road and look out for trail as it leaves on left, bearing up and back towards the road before running parallel to it in the trees. Cross the wide, rough track in the clearing which comes in from Bwlch y Groes, then continue along singletrack, not losing much height and exiting onto fire road. After climbing briefly, join very clearly defined singletrack across open hillside; the path you’re travelling is barely visible on the hillside opposite and gives a great sense of scale to this section. At high point of singletrack, descend sharply to fire road. Stay with the marked trail and follow it on a brief fire road before entering the final few kilometres of ups and downs. | |||||
| WMB127 Drumlanrig Classic Route | Matt_Skinner | Sep 7th 2011, 03:20 | 27.8km |
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| Start/Finish Layby on A76 (NS857042) Total distance 28km (17.4 miles) Total ascent 1104m Time 4-6 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 78, Nithsdale & Annandale. Or Garmin Discoverer 1:50K – Scotland (GPS) Summary Only 17 miles but the ground conditions, nav issues and altitude gain make it a challenging, but worthwhile ride. From the layby, cross the road onto the singletrack road, under the railway line heading for Coshogle. After around 1km look for a track cutting back on yourself on the left. Take this, climbing to Kirkbride farmhouse. Turn left just before the farm on a track and skirt the farmyard and buildings up a grassy track. Go through a gate and the track climbs dead straight in front of you. Go only a few metres though, before passing through the gate on your right. The navigation is tricky here, but if the sheep track is visible under the grass, follow this as it contours round the hillside above the ruined church and cemetery on your right. Keep contouring, aiming for the gate on the opposite side of the field. Pass through this and continue on the same line, dropping down through the small burn and climbing steeply up to the wall corner above. Follow the increasingly distinct path up the left of the wall here. It is marked on the OS map, but there isn’t much on the ground. Climb over the hillside and descend down the east flank of Knockconey Dod until you pass through another gate and get onto a good grassy track. Follow the grassy track as it skirts round the north side of the abandoned steading. The singletrack path then drops down into a small glen, splashes through a burn then climbs steeply up through the bracken. Follow this up the hill to meet the well surfaced estate track. Turn right on this and climb some more. When the track stops you want to bear right over open hillside for a short time, passing through a large washed-out burn cutting. At the other side of this the trail gets very distinct and is very good singletrack. This is the Dempster Road; descend on it until you reach the Mennock Water, splash through and climb up the banking to the road. Turn right on the road and follow it to Wanlockhead. In the village fork left for the mining museum and café, or go straight on to carry on. Just as you pass out of the village take the private Tarmac road on the right that climbs to the radar station. Climb up this to the summit of Lowther Hill and the radar ‘golf ball’ – the extra climb is well worth it for the view. Retrace your tyre treads back down to the far corner with the radio mast and signpost for the footpath. Descend off the steep estate track here, down to the saddle. Go over the gate here and then descend on the very narrow singletrack along the line of the telegraph poles. After descending down the Enterkin Burn, meet the track and turn left up the climb to the first sharp bend left. Carry straight on to the west of the ridgeline. Cross the ridge, through a gate and into an open field. Follow the line of the track again, down the ridgeline to meet the track for Chapel. Keep descending southwest, staying right at the next junction. At the minor road turn sharp right and follow it all the way down to the A76 and your layby. | |||||
| WMB127 Drumlanrig Easy (Blue) Route | Matt_Skinner | Sep 7th 2011, 03:21 | 8.5km |
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| Start/Finish Rik’s Bike Shed, Drumlanrig Castle Total distance 8.5km (5.3 miles) Total ascent 201m Time 1-2 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 78, Nithsdale & Annandale/Drumlanrig MTB leaflet map. Or Garmin Discoverer 1:50K – Scotland (GPS) Summary A short non-technical route with optional red graded sections. From the car park for Rik’s Bike Shed, take the forest track west following the Drumlanrig MTB route signs for the blue route. You’ll follow these for the whole route. Follow the track up the hill, by Beech and Coldstream Lochs. Take the singletrack left of Hillhead Loch before rejoining the track and climbing again. After the stretch of straight track follow the blue sign right, then right again, cutting through fire roads. You are at the high point of the loop, so it is largely descending down to the river from here. As the track follows Boghouse Burn, keep an eye on the left for a wide singletrack turning. Turn left down the blue signposted singletrack, following it through some fun berms and fast descents. Cross the track and continue descending to cross the minor road and drop down the track into Carse Wood. At the bottom of the track take the hard right to turn back on yourself and follow the riverside track all the way down, keeping to the blue signposts. This eventually spits you out onto the red Tarmac of the castle driveway, where you turn right and follow it all the way back to the start, admiring the castle as you approach it. | |||||
| WMB128 Chilterns Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Oct 6th 2011, 05:33 | 21.3km |
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| Start/Finish SU611/895, Wallingford riverside car park Total distance 21.6km (13 miles) Total ascent 286 metres Time 1.5-2.5hrs Maps OS Landranger 175. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Southern England and Wales (GPS) Summary A great introduction to the Chilterns, with classic countryside and singletrack. Turn left out of the car park, then right after 50m onto bridleway. Pass under the A4130 and join the Ridgeway (south) to North Stoke. Keep straight ahead leaving the Ridgeway to join farm track ahead when road turns left. Join and follow the road to the B4009, and go straight ahead on the Swan’s Way (bridleway) for 2km, ascending slightly. Then as you descend turn left onto the Icknield Way for 1.4km, then turn right towards Hailey on to Bixmoor Wood. Then descend to Homer Farm. At crossroads turn left, then left at second crossroads descending into Mongewell Woods and through Wicks Wood. Past Woodhouse Farm turn right on the road then shortly left on the Ridgeway. Follow Ridgeway singletrack for 2.2km, crossing minor roads until you reach the A4074 (don’t cross it). Turn right (this side) past the roundabout then cross the road and go right then immediately left onto a path. Keep straight ahead past the farm and heading towards Crownmarsh Gifford. At T-junction turn left to return to the car park. | |||||
| WMB128 Chilterns Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Oct 6th 2011, 05:32 | 54.4km |
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| Start/Finish SU645/820, Woodcote village hall Total Distance 51.8km (32 miles) Total Time 3.5-5.5hrs Total Ascent 1020m Maps OS Landranger 175. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Southern England and Wales (GPS) Summary A classic Chilterns ride, with lots of singletrack, rolling hills and countryside. Go left out of the car park, left at crossroads and left on Whitehouse Road. Descend into Common Wood following white arrow markers on trees straight ahead to and over the B4526. Follow bridleway, joining a driveway and go right and right again back into the woods. Go right on road, then left on private road and right on bridleway. Go left at crossroads and right on bridleway. Turn left on road, then left on bridleway. Turn left on road, steep uphill and right when road turns left. Go straight ahead, turning right on Tarmac at bottom. Go straight ahead on road for just over 2.5km past Bozedown Farm to Whitchurch. Go right then left at the B471, on Hartslock bridleway, parallel with the river past Combe Park. Continue past Gatehampton Manor towards Goring. At Goring (start of Moderate route), doubleback on yourself, but stay on the road, uphill then left through Great Chalk Wood. Follow bridleway signs to the B471 and go left to and left on B4526. After 0.7km go right on a bridleway down through Park Wood and Wrexhill Wood. At the road turn right. After airfield turn left on bridleway then left onto Swan’s Way. Continue on Swan’s Way for 2km until the B4009. Cross the B4009. Turn right past Littlestoke Manor towards North Stoke. Turn right at Carmel College/Mongewell Park. Take a brief spin on A4074 then turn right onto the Ridgeway. At junction with Swan’s Way turn right, then left to ascend through Wicks Wood and Mongewell Wood. Cross road and continue past Oakingham House then up through Bush Wood. In Bear Wood, go right then left and right on doubletrack. Right across Kingwood Common and continue for approx 4km. Turn right, continue for approx 1km then go left near Exlade Street. Turn right on the bridleway and cross A4074. Follow the white arrows and go left at fork, over a doubletrack. Go right at crosstracks then keep straight ahead to return to Woodcote. | |||||
| WMB128 Chilterns Intermediate (Red) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Oct 6th 2011, 05:34 | 33km |
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| Start/Finish SU602/805, Goring & Streatley railway station car park Total distance 33.1km (21 miles) Total ascent 702 metres Time 2.5-4.5 hours Maps OS Landranger 175. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Southern England and Wales (GPS) Summary A ride into the Chiltern hills, using lots of fun singletrack trails. Turn right out of station on the road for approx 1.4km, then keep straight ahead off road when the road turns sharp left, bearing left uphill. Cross the B471, after 0.6km turn left onto bridleway. Follow this over the B4526 and a minor road through Common Wood. Go straight over at crossroads in Abbot’s Wood, uphill bearing left to and over the A4074. Continue through woods, then take left on road. Take first right signed Hook End. Take bridleway past Lower Farm, through Heath End towards Ipsden Wood. Go right on road, downhill. At T-junction go left for 0.4km, then right on doubletrack to a crosstracks and turn left. Go left at/on a road to Stoke Row and right at X-roads. Turn right on bridleway as you enter the trees. Follow white arrows right then left, downhill and right on doubletrack. Turn right to cross Kingwood Common then continue on bridleway. Cross the A4074, continuing straight on for 0.6km, then go left across Kempwood. After 1.3km, turn right at crossroads and right again on a bridleway. Turn right on road then left after 0.5km at Goring Heath and right on bridleway, then left at the X-roads. Go right on bridleway, left at road and left on a bridleway. Go left on road, uphill then right when road turns sharp left. Go right on a bridleway at the bottom, past the stud farm and join road ahead to a T-junction in Whitchurch. Turn right, then left to join the Hartslock bridleway. At a T-junction past Gatehampton Manor, turn left to rejoin road back to Goring. | |||||
| WMB129 Inverness Classic Route | Matt_Skinner | Nov 17th 2011, 11:13 | 29.5km |
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| Start/Finish Bellfield Park, Inverness city centre Total Distance 29.6km (18.4 miles) Total Time 2-4 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 26, Inverness & Loch Ness Summary A great variety of trail surfaces, with terrific views down Loch Ness and the River Ness. Mostly easy surfaced, but with a few rooty trails to keep you interested. From Bellfield Park turn left onto the B862 towards Dores. Pedal for just under 3km along flat road before taking a left at the roundabout up Holm Road. After 300m look out for a footpath on the right, leading to a trail heading down into trees. It drops into a wooded glen, skirting the path of Big Burn until meeting a singletrack road. Turn right and follow the road for 1.5km. Throw your bike over the fence and go into the woodland singletrack. After entering the forest from the stile go straight ahead until you come to a fork in the trail, take the right hand trail, follow this until you come to a T-junction of fire road, approx 500m, turn left. Continue on until you reach the small pond and turn left. Stay on this trail until you reach the farm track. Turn left up the farm track past Cullaird farmhouse. Follow this track up the hill and keep going as it swings 90 degrees to the right. Stay on this track for just over 5km. Cross over the road and continue for another 1.5km. Just after crossing a river passing under the track turn right onto singletrack descending through the trees. Pop onto the road at the bottom and turn right. Turn left into the Dores Inn car park (stopping for a swift one, or lunch) and take to the trail round the back of the beach. This beachside singletrack runs into estate track after a few hundred metres and skirts the edge of the loch at Tor Point. It swings north and passes through the grounds of Aldourie Castle and comes to a junction with a singletrack road. Turn left and the road turns shortly back to estate track along the banks of Loch Dochfour. It eventually pops out back on the B862 again. Here you have the choice of either riding straight back on the B862 to Bellfield Park, or retracing your steps back through the singletrack in the woods by Torbreck. If you do this then take some time to explore the rest of the trails in the woodland – there is a good network and you can’t go far wrong as there are roads on three sides of the woods. | |||||
| WMB129 Inverness Easy (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Nov 17th 2011, 11:15 | 14.7km |
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| Start/Finish Bellfield Park, Inverness city centre Total distance 14.7km (9.1 miles) Time 1-2 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 26, Inverness & Loch Ness Summary Easy spin down the banks of the River Ness and Caledonian Canal. Ideal for beginners and families. From Bellfield Park cross the road to the River Ness and turn left onto the path along the riverbank. Follow the trail as it crosses several small bridges over The Islands before crossing the main bridge to the other bank. Turn left here and follow the trail, then the road as it skirts round Bught Park. Just before reaching the main Caledonian Canal swing bridge turn sharp left, staying on the east bank of the canal to pedal down the easy canalside trail. This carries you out of town with great views over the canal and River Ness to your left. At Dochgarroch turn right over the canal lock and make use of the tearoom just out by the main road. At this point you are going to turn back down the opposite bank of the canal, returning the way you came. At the Caledonian Canal swing bridge, turn right over the bridge then immediately right back onto the road round Bught Park, back to the finish the way you came out through The Islands. | |||||
| WMB129 Inverness Intermediate (Red) Route | Matt_Skinner | Nov 17th 2011, 11:16 | 20.2km |
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| Start/Finish Bellfield Park, Inverness city centre Total distance 20.4km (12.7 miles) Time 2-3 hours Maps OS Landranger sheet 26, Inverness & Loch Ness Summary Easy towpath riding to muddy downhill trail switchbacking. From Bellfield Park, cross the road to the River Ness and turn left onto path. Cross several small bridges before crossing the main bridge. Turn left and follow the trail, then road as it skirts round Bught Park. Cross the swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal, then turn right down the opposite bank. At the main road turn left through a roundabout then look for a road on the left heading into a housing estate. Follow this to the second right and round to Woodside Crescent. Turn left at T-junction. After 700m take the track forking left. Climb up, forking left after 500m. Track climbs to the summit and Pictish Fort. At the singletrack road turn right and follow for 700m, forking right onto the track where the Tarmac forks left. Follow for just under 2km until you reach a gate marked with the Great Glen Way symbol. Continue uphill for 200m before turning left at the T-junction, then right after 200m. Round the radio mast the narrow singletrack heads into the woods – follow along the ridge then descend to grassy forest road. Turn right then left on track as it descends under pylons then stays left and climbs up the hill. Stay right (straight on) at next three junctions, then turn left at the fourth. Follow the track back along the hilltop before descending under the pylons again and climbing to regain the grassy forest road you were on. Follow it east for 500m looking out on your right for the downhill trail. Follow this down and out to the track, turning left then staying right through farm buildings after 600m. Follow track to A82. Cross the main road and pass into the abandoned quarry. Follow the obvious trail and keep heading southwest until you pop over a rise, take a steep descent down and meet the canal. Turn left and follow the canal bank to the swing bridge. Turn right over the swing bridge, then immediately right back onto the road round Bught Park. Retrace your steps back through The Islands to the start. | |||||
| WMB130 Northumberland_Alwinton Beginner (Blue) Ride | Matt_Skinner | Dec 21st 2011, 11:34 | 24.3km |
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| Start/Finish Alwinton National Park car park Total distance 24.4km (15.1 miles) Time 2-3 hours Maps OS Landranger Sheet 80, Cheviot Hills & Kielder Water. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Northumberland (GPS). Summary A long ride through the hills for an Easy route, but nothing technical and a great finish down the rolling ridgeline that is Clennell Street. From the main car park/toilets in Alwinton, turn right. The route follows the singletrack road for some miles, so just enjoy the ride. Follow the road for just over 10km until you reach a junction with a singletrack Tarmac road heading off on your right. Take this road and follow it through the farm at Rowhope and Trows, then splash through a ford – be careful as the surface under the water is very slippery, we used the wooden bridge on the right instead. Follow the track forking right up the hill and over into the next valley. Follow the bridleway round the head of the valley through forestry, and look out for the signposted bridleway junction. Turn right here down the grassy track for 100m, looking on your left for a gate. Pass through the gate and descend to a footbridge. Cross the bridge and climb the steep grassy track. As the track passes into the forest it becomes singletrack – quite muddy in places – but it soon turns to forest track for a blast through. You are now on Clennell Street, so follow the Clennell Street signs as it undulates its way down the ridgeline on beautiful grassy track, right back down into Alwinton. | |||||
| WMB130 Northumberland_Alwinton Classic Ride | Matt_Skinner | Dec 21st 2011, 11:32 | 32km |
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| Start/Finish Alwinton National Park car park Total Distance 32.1km (19.9 miles) Total Time 3-5 hours Maps OS Landranger Sheet 80, Cheviot Hills & Kielder Water. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Northumberland Summary A terrific route taking in the highest point in the area, Windy Gyle, pedalling through remote hill country with some superb singletrack on the way. From the parking area, turn right on the road out of Alwinton. After 1.5km look for the gate on your right signposted as a bridleway. Take this grassy path as it climbs across the hillside and undulates over to meet the road at Shillmoor. Turn right, taking to the farm track up the valley. At the farm of Batailshiel Haugh, the right of way has been diverted to the right of the farm buildings. Look for signs just before the farm gate and follow the trail round. Once back on the valley floor track continue north up the side of the Usway Burn. On reaching the remote house at Fairhaugh, stay right round the back of the house on the obvious singletrack, cross the footbridge and head left to climb doubletrack, (don’t follow the steep track directly in front). The track climbs up through a gate and onto open hillside before descending into the next valley. Drop down to the tearoom at Barrowburn and turn right on the road. Continue for just over 1km to the road junction. Turn right up to pass through Rowhope farm. Just after the ford, fork left up the steep grassy track. Follow this all the way to the summit of Windy Gyle. At the summit fence, take the path right where it quickly turns to rock slabs all the way along the summit ridge. About 200m before the end you will want to jump the fence and take to Scotland as it is officially footpath for a short distance. At the cairn (NT871160) turn right following the signs for Clennell Street and begin the grassy and muddy descent. When the grassy track meets a fire road, cross it onto grass for 100m. Go through the gate on your left and descend to a footbridge. Cross the bridge and climb steeply on grass track up to a forestry gate. Pass through the gate onto singletrack, which turns to forest road and ultimately to grass track as it descends down Clennell Street back to Alwinton. | |||||
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