Bike Hire
Bike Hire in the Lake District

Cyclewise Whinlatter Bike Hire

Bike Hire in the Lake District – Take Your Adventure Off Road At The UK Leading Trail Centre

Hire Quality Hardtail, Full Suspension Mountain Bikes and Electric Bikes at Whinlatter Forest and ride amazing MTB trails at one of the UK’s leading trail centres.

Based at the Whinlatter Forest Trail Head, near Keswick, we are the perfect location from which to enjoy our 3 amazing graded mountain bike trails situated amidst a beautiful forest setting. Additionally, we have a superb range of mountain bikes and electric bike to hire available for either 3 hours or the full day. Great fun for everyone whatever your biking ability.

Trail Information:

The Whinlatter Trails current status (updated 23/11/23) :

Gorse Cycle Trail (Grey)- open

Quercus Trail (Blue) – open

Altura Trail North Loop (Red) – open (check out the trail improvements)

Altura Trail South Loop (Red) – closed until 23rd Dec due to tree felling

 

Note: From 8th January 2024 – Forest England will have diversions in place due to essential maintenance and forestry operations work, this is expected to last until early March. https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/whinlatter-forest-updates

Book Bike Hire

The availability of all of our mountain bikes is subject to change. 2024 mountain bikes will soon be added to our hire fleet.

Reserve Your Bike Hire

Frequently Asked Questions

We definitely recommend booking in advance for weekends and holidays.

Yes, definitely! You are welcome to bring your own helmet or hire one from us.

It is UK Law that you must be at least 14 years of age. More information can be found here.

With 1000ft of ascent some degree of fitness is required.

There is very little reception around the forest, for this reason we recommend you do not rely on it.

Yes, It is the hire person’s total responsibility for the safe custody and return of the bicycle.

In the event of loss or damage caused to the bike during the period of hire this must be paid for. e.g, from the moment you leave the hire centre to the moment you return the bike to one of our staff members.

If your bike is faulty, it must be returned within 30 minutes of hire. After that no refunds can be given.

For bookings more than 48 hours prior to the hire reservation, we can either move your booking to an alternative date or provide a refund less  2% card transaction fees.

In the event you have to cancel less than 48 hours prior to the hire reservation, we can move your booking to an alternative date. No refund is available.

Mountain Biking Information

Location

Bike Hire in the Lake District – Our trail head location at Whinlatter Forest Park, near Keswick in the Lake District, is the perfect place for a family day out. Whinlatter is home to the longest purpose built mountain bike trails in the Lake District and at 1000ft above sea level it is England’s only true mountain forest. Additionally, the scenery and views you experience as you ride around the bike trails are breathtaking. Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Helvellyn and Skiddaw are just some of the highlights. We also offer individual and family/group MTB Skills courses.

The Trails

There are several trails at Whinlatter to suit all ages and abilities – The Gorse Trail, The Quercus Trail, and The Altura Trail – Trail Information

Furthermore, Cyclewise have a very friendly and helpful team of staff who are able to offer lots of advice about the trails and mountain biking in the area, so they will look after you whatever your hire requirements.
Additionally, we are also able to offer Group MTB Hire With A Guide.

Other Information

Whinlatter Mountain Biking trail Map

The Bike Trails

Bike Hire in the Lake District – Whinlatter Forest England

Whinlatter offers several graded cross-country singletrack trails and one forest road trail. All trails on site require a good standard of fitness due to the variable gradient of the terrain.

Click here for full details on the trails

Whinlatter Trail Map

Junior Biking

What To Wear & Bring?

Helmets are provided with every hire bike, although you are welcome to bring your own.

We recommend wearing trainers, sports clothing and dressing appropriate to the weather conditions.

A small rucksack is advisable so you can carry water, snacks and personal items.

Gloves are available to purchase in store, they are worth bringing if you have them, especially on chilly days.

Whinlatter Forest England

Whinlatter Facilities

Play Areas
Walking Trails
Running Trails
Adventure Activities
Picnic area
Cafe
Toilets
Shop
Dogs allowed
The main car park is on a ‘Pay on Exit’ system and is open 8.30am to 5.30pm. More details.

 

The Graded Trails

Blue Grade - Intermediate Trail

  • Blue grade trails are suitable for: intermediate cyclists or mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills.
  • Gradients and technical trail features: most gradients are moderate but might include short steep sections. Includes small technical trail features (such as roots and rock).
  • Suggested fitness level: a good standard of fitness can help.

Red Grade - Difficult Trails

  • Red grade trails are suitable for: proficient mountain bikers with good off-roading skills.
  • Gradients or technical trail features: a wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature will be present. Expect boardwalks, berms, large rocks, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers and water crossings.
  • Suggested fitness level: a higher level of fitness and stamina is required.

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