Whinlatter Tomorrow

mcnultycop

I'm planning on doing Whinlatter tomorrow, probably both loops of the red. I've donce the blue and South loop of the red before - in fact this was my first trail centre visit. I presume the trails there all hold up well in the rain - it'd be a bit daft to have a trail centre in the Lakes that couldn't handle the rain.

I'm not the most technical rider ever, and will be avoiding any black features (particularly as I'm riding alone) - is there anything likely to surprise me on the North loop, which I've never done before, or is it similar to the South?

iancarruthers

Hi. It's been raining a LOT here today, but your right, the trails do hold up well. There is usually a few puddles, especially in the south side, but they have been cleared, or they had when I went round on Saturday, so it should be good. The North side is different to the South but not technically difficult if you take it easy. There will be a few people around as well so you'll be ok going on your own, I usually do, and often see others on the trail. It's a great ride, enjoy

The Northern Monkey

Tis no more difficult that the South, but is a different type of trail.

North is definitely my favourite of the 2, some brilliantly fast, loose and tight trails!

mcnultycop

Cheers both. I'll do the North first then the South, as at least I know what the climb is like on the South!

The Northern Monkey

Just take it easy up the looooooong fire road on the North loop... some cracking views over Bassenthwaite Lake to the right to keep you occupied though!

mcnultycop

From what I remember of the South loop climb it was long but steady with loads of switchbacks. I actually don't mind a fire road climb. What's the altitude gain on the North, similar to the South (apparently 200m according to the Forestry Commission website)?

mcnultycop

Well I unintentionally did the Blue, as I was chatting to some people then ended up following them onto the Blue. I then only did the North loop of the red. I really enjoyed it, but it started snowing/hailing and my feet were freezing, so I didn't bother with the South loop.

There was one nasty surprise for me - a 90 degree bend just after a little drop down some rocks, but otherwise it was pretty much all ride-able for me. The drops on one side focus your attention though.