Whinlatter Forest Bike Park

Whinlatter is England’s only true mountain forest, high enough above Bassenthwaite that its upper slopes carry a subarctic feel in winter, and Forestry England manages both the forest and its network of way-marked mountain bike trails from the visitor centre off the B5292, northwest of Keswick.

The main red-graded route, Altura, runs to around 19km across a north and a south loop and climbs to about 500m above Keswick. For less experienced riders, the blue-graded Quercus trail is a shorter, gentler alternative, with a 3.5km loop through Masmill Oak Woodland and a longer 7.5km option, flowing single track with gentle berms and rolling jumps. Gorse Trail, about 10km of gravel along forest fire roads, suits those wanting distance without technical single track.

None of the trails themselves cost anything to ride, and there is no charge at all for anyone arriving on foot, by bike, or by public transport. Parking is pay on exit, charged by the hour up to a daily maximum, with the first twenty minutes free and no charge for anyone arriving by bike or without a car. The visitor centre, bike hire and cafe keep their own hours, shorter than the car park, and Forestry England publishes them. Forestry England also posts forestry operations, diversions and trail closures on its Whinlatter updates page, so check it before a ride.

This suits mountain bikers of most abilities looking for a purpose-built trail centre rather than forest fire roads, and families wanting the gentler blue trail. It does not suit a first-time rider on the red routes; the blue trail is the place to start. Anyone without a bike should also check the bike hire hours before setting out.