Are these the best trails in the UK?

KDX

Hi

I'm new around here but thought I'd share a few pics of my recent trip to the Lake District (couple of weeks ago).

I'm sure there'll be people who recognise these trails, there all popular guide book routes but suprisingly (especially given the fantastic weather) I had them pretty much to myself.

Did leave me wondering though, are these the best natural/public trails in the UK or do any of you know of anywhere better? If you do I'd love to know where it is because I've ridden in quite a few of the obvious places (North Yorkshire, Brecon, Peaks, Cornwall even) and I can't think of anywhere that can top the Lake District for sheer quality of riding and stunning views.

Any how, I'd be interested in your views although it's just a bit of fun (not trying to start an argument etc ). It's also an excuse to post a few of what I think are quite nice photos and introduce myself.

Hope you like em!



















Last couple are from the Altura trail at Winlatter of course. Seemed rude not to ride it as they'd gone to all the trouble of building it but to be honest I kind of prefer the more natural stuff.

Cheers

Rich

stubs

Lovely its amazing how many people visit the Lakes but there are still places away from the tourist honey pots that see comparitively few people.

Where are the photos taken looks like some nice trails.

AlasdairMc

Nice pics, I really like the Lake District although haven't been down for many years.

If you're looking for spectacular, come up to Scotland.


Loch Leven and Mamore Lodge, en route to the Blackwater Dam


Glen Iolairean looking towards Glencoe - you can just see the ribbon of singletrack leading into the distance. I didn't see a single soul on that day, and didn't cross tarmac for 25 miles either.


Pentland Hills (my local trails, minutes from my house on the edge of Edinburgh).

Honestly, Scotland has the best trail centres and the best natural riding, you should definitely put it on your list of places to visit.

al

KDX

Ahh, Scotland, yep fair comment I guess. I don't actually know much riding north of the border. Did a bit on Arran many years ago but although the scenery was great th etrails were hard to find etc (not representative of the rest of the country though obviously).

Still, for me the Lakes are definitely the best riding in England! Lets just leave it at that

To answer your question STUBS, all th ephotos are taken in the northern lakes around keswick. First few are from Skiddaw/Blencathra, then a few from the Borrowdale valley and finally a couple from the Altura Trail in Winlatter Forest.

And yes, It is suprising how quiet it can be if you pick your time. Early to mid morning on a weekday out of the main holiday season always seems to work well. I don' t think most tramplers get out until nearly mid day. Mind you, neither do I if I've been to the pub the night before but thats one of the advantages of having kids. You don't get to go to th epub as much but you do tend to wake up early with a clear head and think...lets go riding 8) 8) 8)

Cheers

Rich