Helvellyn and Dollywagon Pike

Leaving Glenridding on a narrow lane, the route begins climbing straight away up the roughly surfaced Greenside Road towards the Youth Hostel. Wide stony tracks continue climbing up the valley towards Brown Cove, before veering steeply uphill on rocky loose switchbacks around Keppel Cove which will see you pushing or carrying your bike. A brief rocky descent from the cairn is possible before the steep climb up Lower Man and around to the summit shelter on Helvellyn. The views from here are stunning but it is a place which can turn quickly inhospitable, so pack more clothing than you think you'll need at the bottom! A fun technical descent and undulating trail leads around Nethermost Pike and High Crag to Dollywagon Pike, where a very steep descent with rocky steps and huge wheel-eating drainage channels will test even the most accomplished of riders. From Grisedale Tarn, the descent continues on the obvious rocky technical trail heading down Grisedale, with little let-up in the difficulty, but great fun for those up to the challenge. The track eventually smoothes and widens before turning to tarmac to roll down into Patterdale. A short spin along the road will return you to Glenridding and some good pubs and cafes!