Borrowdale Bash Route Info

sirichmond

Afternoon all,

Looking at going to do the Borrowdale Bash soon as only heard good things about it, has anyone got a route map/gps file for it. I have found this route online http://fattyres.co.uk/borrowdale-bash/ but it says only 37% off road, anyone suggest an alternative or is that the one.

Cheers in advance
Simon

Matt_

That's the route. There is a lot of road riding on it.

ratty2k

Yep, it is a lot of road riding... But, after doing it two or three times this year I have to say its well worth the effort.
The trickiest section from Watendlath:

DSCF0296 by rathbonepeter, on Flickr

It gets a bit easier after this, with some lovely singletrack and a good final descent.

stubs

If you go into Keswick cycles they do a waterproof map for £2.50 that has some alternative route sections on it. Well worth the money.

sirichmond

Thanks for the info guys, so you would say its worth doing even with all the road sections?

stubs

Yes the scenery is utterly fantastic, if you have never been in that area before your in for a treat assuming the weather is okay. It is probably the best route I have ever done for just riding along with your mates stopping and looking at the scenery having a drink and a bite then spin onto the next spot. Dont blast, twiddle along chatting stop whenever you feel like it and absorb the sheer pleasure of riding in beautiful countryside with good mates.

If you fancy making the ride longer and a bit tougher link up with the Skiddaw Skedaddle route that will make it a long tough day with a lot more jaw dropping scenery.

You can also link up with the Altura trails at Whinlatter for some thrills.

trailpuppet

+1 for what stubs has suggested re Skiddaw/Blencartha route stopping off in Keswick for a bite to eat on the way through. Some free parking to be had around the back of the swimming pool/leisure centre and on the road leading to it.
http://www.bogtrotters.org/route/showro ... ?route=109

Maybe this?
http://www.bogtrotters.org/route/showro ... hp?route=3

There is another way via the old railway line to Threlkeld and up to Blencartha. Ride to the end of the valley and turn left and return down the other side via Latrigg back to the car if parking at the pool. Beware walkers on the Latrigg descent

sniper68

If you pick up the Allerdale ramble at Manesty it cuts out most of the road work under Catbells and when I ran it through Memory map it was more like 51%Tarmac 49% offroad.There's also trails(cheeky) in the woods between Catbells and Portinscale.As stated though the off road bits are very good and most of the tarmac (especially the first bit to Watendlath)is very scenic.
I can do you a GPX file if need be.

BigLee1

Hope you enjoy it
I did it a couple of years ago and hated it, trail centres for me