The Best Mountain Biking Trails Around Keswick

10 trails that will test your skills and take you to the most glorious parts of the Lake District.

FATMAP

Images

7393956858_3a23bda5aa_o.jpg
7772268738_44cc29abef_o.jpg
7932227004_25e4dd090d_o.jpg
4611615683_389a55aab1_o.jpg
7281725176_f10cf0fcca_o.jpg
3881243921_fae749fdd5_o.jpg
25885650378_baae6061bc_o.jpg
On the Black Sail Track

by Graham Harcombe

Licence Free

31547694541_b0181b8cd2_o.jpg
15731215007_93c615796c_o.jpg
25562918005_04548d5b2c_o.jpg
25562977125_348a9df606_o.jpg
8714547783_c222f82119_o.jpg
8715620732_b172648ca2_o.jpg
8714513163_444ac31da8_o.jpg
37519892132_5e5f6f9d8b_o.jpg
37519973242_b45569e77e_o.jpg
36841592924_39b4aa0104_o.jpg
14911941309_63002f372c_o.jpg
14911941267_db9049c116_o.jpg
14911954878_7f768c7fa6_o.jpg
15075460476_d3a50573cd_o.jpg
8024795646_25c3220cbe_o.jpg
8024796132_55da87b8f5_o.jpg
8024797091_4921a1aec1_o.jpg
8024799791_c6b5a3066a_o.jpg
8024794447_bd5556855a_o.jpg
14838239967_04eed1a45a_o.jpg
14838016550_cc2d7dddc4_o.jpg
14838112197_f7f27f1e26_o.jpg
14837893579_4fa64c2aca_o.jpg
14837942428_b55a0e02fe_o.jpg
8024794447_bd5556855a_o.jpg
8024799257_6fab4e70f4_o.jpg
8024798901_0575ab6b00_o.jpg
8024799791_c6b5a3066a_o.jpg
8024793976_0fbb4d3376_o.jpg
4863403327_97bb2c833a_o.jpg
753444913_a51057f448_o.jpg
6014351463_d375f56186_o.jpg
4863392991_15e4029aa1_o.jpg
4863372351_7786f5f7ac_o.jpg
37502476026_b061d9c136_o.jpg

Description

Keswick is the perfect base for outdoor adventurers, sitting between jutting mountain peaks and the glistening Derwentwater, right in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Riders can rise to the challenge of craggy mountain ridges and boggy fells on the many trails that surround this traditional market town.

As you’re more likely to have drizzling rain rather than blazing sunshine in the Lake District, it’s good to have an all-weather route up your sleeve. The Borrowdale Bash is a perfect loop starting in Keswick and taking you down the beautiful Borrowdale Valley. If you want a big day out and don't mind carrying bikes uphill for the reward of technically-challenging rocky descents, then try the Four Passes.

Sources
https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/
https://www.visitcumbria.com/kes/keswick/

Adventures

Whinlatter Forest Altura Trail South Loop

A purpose-built fun singletrack trail that is slightly easier than the North Loop and would make a good progression for riders wanting to challenge themselves after conquering the Quercus Trail.

The Four Passes

A big day out for those that don't mind carrying bikes uphill for the reward of technically challenging rocky descents.

Whinlatter Forest Quercus Trail

A Forestry Commission purpose-built Mountain BIke Trail with plenty of flowing berms, rolling jumps, steady climbs and optional technical features.

Borrowdale Bash

A popular all-weather loop from Keswick with great views of the beautiful Borrowdale valley and fun technical descents.

Skiddaw Up and Down

A steep ride, carry and push from Keswick to the top of one of the highest legally rideable fells in the Lakes, followed by a fast, loose and wild descent back to town! Not for beginners!

Back of Skiddaw

A big wild-feeling loop which can be ridden in either direction from Keswick.

Lonscale Fell

A short but sweet loop from Keswick heading out to Threlkeld and back via some great singletrack skirting Lonscale Fell and a fast descent from Lattrig back into town.

Ennerdale

A pleasant easier ride that takes you into the heart of the Mountains and back on forest roads through the beautiful Ennerdale Valley.

Floutern Tarn and Loweswater

A quiet ride away from the busier parts of the Lakes, taking in the little-known track over Floutern Pass and gentle trails above the lovely Loweswater.