whinlatter vs gisburn

clodhoppa74

hi,

got a few day soff next week and was thinking of heading to the lakes for some riding.

my wife's just started, and she can 'comfortably' do the purple route at gisburn in about an hour and a bit... was wondering if there's anything of a comparable scale in the lakes, probably more southern lakes actually, as we're in the dales.

non - trails are fine too, just need an OS map number and we're away.

she's really getting into it, after a rocky start, and i'm getting a little bored doing gisburn every week (she's still learning, so it's useful to her to go to the same place so she can see she's improving, and i'm encouraging her all i can)

miss notax

I've never ridden Gisburn but I rode the red route at Whinlatter a few days ago and it's possibly not the right place for someone new to riding.... In my opinion, there are some quite cheeky technical bits that might catch her out.

Don't know about the rest of the area though - I live in Hampshire!

clodhoppa74

cheers sarah. that's the kind of thing i need to know. i mean i'm making out she's the novice, i'm no great trail rider either, but i can do hills a bit better!

miss notax

clodhoppa74 wrote:

cheers sarah. that's the kind of thing i need to know. i mean i'm making out she's the novice, i'm no great trail rider either, but i can do hills a bit better!

Just my opinion - others may disagree!

My OH took me to Cwmcarn when I had been MTBing for a literally few months and it was horrible - nothing like walking huge chunks to ruin your confidence!

GHill

Check out Grizedale forest. The North Face trail has lots of boardwalk sections that can be treacherous in the wet but overall it's not too technical. There are plenty of simple fireroad rides at Grizedale too, if you don't want things too adventurous.

Grab a Cumberland sausage and onion marmalade sandwich from the cafe when you're finished, delicious!

cicatriz

I would opt for The North Face at Grizedale. As already mentioned it's not too technical but challenging enough to boost the wife's confidence. It's not all trail work either with the sections of The North Face broken up with sections of fire road in between. You can get some great views over the hills towards Coniston too.
The Altura trail at Whinlatter is, in my opnion, much more demanding both physically and technically. Longer and steeper climbs and the descents can be very tricky especially if they are wet.
I guess it all depends upon your skill and fitness levels but I feel it is better to do an easy trail well than to do a harder trail badly. It's your choice but I hope you enjoy it either way.

clodhoppa74

thanks all.

grizedale sounds like a winner, although the north shore may freak her (and me, i not done any yet) out a bit.

and yeah, i'm really conscious of not being a gung ho twit and putting her off one of the best things you can do in the woods. legally.

good views are a winner too. hope the weather holds out for next week *fingers crossed*.

quentin_miller

Here is a nice easy route to do: Sawrey and Claife Heights northwest of Lake Windermere

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=7079

You cross with your bikes on the Ferry (the ferry leaves every 15mins, ride past all the cars in the queue)



It involves one steady 150m climb to the highest point which is 778ft

Only 10 miles course.

You can get there by train if you wanted.

If you want something harder check out this one (the same location)

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=4004

OwenB

There's a few decent routes listed and described on here http://www.mountain-bike-cumbria.co.uk/trails.php

clodhoppa74

yoink... i'll have them.. thankyou!

elPedro666

quentin_miller wrote:

Here is a nice easy route to do: Sawrey and Claife Heights northwest of Lake Windermere

Had a ride around here a few weeks back & it was lovely in the sun (oh yes!). Bit rocky in places in the woods though - I can't get to the map link to check out if it goes there or not though.

I camped just up the coast at the National Trust site at Low Wray, not a bad site at all and it's so nice to ride straight from the tent instead of faffing with the car.

To echo most people, Grizedale is great for being adaptable if you're finding it too much or too steady.

The Lakes are wonderful, enjoy yourselves!

clodhoppa74

we will do!

just looking forward to ding new things, new trails and so on. and i'm chuffed she's getting into biking, makes such a difference to the guilt engine in my head that knows i'm having lots of fun without her!

Dobelerone

North Face for me,Im pretty new to riding myself,i have covered this a couple of times and have to say it does inspire confidence as well as a quality backdrop,its a no brainer!!!!!!! Going to attempt Altura next week myself so will keep you informed.Just a little tip,try and get there around 8.30-9.00am as it does get very busy mid morning,park at Boggle Cragg car park and ride up (about 5 minutes, if that)to loosen yourself off.

GHill

clodhoppa74 wrote:

north shore may freak her (and me, i not done any yet) out a bit.

The stuff at Grizedale isn't really North Shore, it's more boardwalk over boggy bits. It does have some step downs (about a foot or so) but those can be easily rolled down at slow speed if necessary.

If you come across it and don't fancy it you can bypass it on the fireroad.

Anyway, have fun wherever you decide to go 8)

JxL

South loop in Whinlatter Altura should be fine for your wife, although some parts of the North loop is quite tricky (a lot of slippy roots).

Its still doable at slower pace though, I met quite a few guys with their other halfs riding Altura.

Jamjam123

yes good luck when you go i rode the north face once it has some board walk on it but it's not much