They were a long time in coming but finally the North Lakes has it's very own Mountain Bike Trail Centre.

Situated in Whinlatter Forest just west of Keswick at the top of Whinlatter pass is an evergrowing selection of MTB Trails. Whinlatter is very definately a 'Mountain' Forest and around every turn and bend in all of our trails you'll discover the spectatcular scenery of the English Lake District. On a clear day from the top of the Altura Trails South Loop you can see all the way to the sea while in the other direction a mountain view including Skiddaw, Blencathra and Derwent Water takes the breath away.

The Altura Trail

This Red graded trail is sponsored by ALTURA and is a trail of two halves...

The North Loop is approximately 10km in length with some superb flowing sections of singletrack, the climbs in the first half of the loop are well rewarded with what we think to be the best downhill in the U.K. Huge sweeping berms, technical forest sections and optional black graded features can all be found.

The South Loop is approximately 9km in length and is slightly less technical than the North Loop, a pleasant singletrack climb to the midway point allows you to choose between a flowing downhill section littered with berms and rollovers or a continuation of the climb to the top of Hospital Ridge. This gives superb views across the peaks of the North Lakes and is amply rewarded with some sweet singletrack.

Have a look at the video on the left of the final descent on the North Loop to get a feel for the trail.

The Blue Trail

The latest addition to the Whinlatter Trails is proving to be a classic in the making! At around 8km in length the entire trail meanders up, over and around the lower section of the forest and skips the big climbs of the Altura trail. Despite the smaller gain in altitude compared to it's harder brother the Blue loop rewards you with mellow berms, rollovers and boardwalks. All of this at a grade to suit everyone from the novice to the expert looking to hone their skills. If you're keen for more action after the Blue Loop, go and ride the bottom section of the South Loop as an ideal compliment! A helmet cam video from the first section of the blue trail can be found on the left, you can ride it a bit slower than dan and joe if you want though!

To Download a Trail Map for Whinlatter Forest click here

Local Trails

The Lake District is literally covered with superb bike trails, we are happy to advise anyone on suitable routes, just call into the shop and we will point you in the right direction.