• Distance: 15 miles
  • Height gain: 1,856 feet
  • Difficulty: Difficult

This compact route is a classic of Lake District mountain biking, taking in a dramatic ancient packhorse route as well as the lovely valley of Kentmere.

This route covers the loop anti-clockwise, which makes it more suitable for cross country riders who like the avoid technical descents. Reverse the route if you want the adrenaline rush of the difficult side of Garburn Pass.

This is a challenging route for experienced mountain bikers. Make sure your bike is in good working order and that you have all the food, water and equipment you need to complete the ride.

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THE RIDE

Start in Staveley, a pleasant village just inside the Lake District National Park. The village has great amenities, including a huge bike shop, cafes, brewery and much more.

From the centre of the village, follow signs towards Kentmere. The road crosses a bridge over the River Kent. 

Continue following the road until you reach a bridleway on the left at Ullthwaite Bridge.

Follow the bridleway along a walled lane towards a small cluster of houses. Pass through a gate and follow the trail into open countryside. It's a well-defined path that makes for challenging climbing - it's all rideable with concentration!

The track continues to meet another bridleway at a large ford. Turn right through a gate and continue climbing alongside a wall.

Soon the track begins to descend towards Kentmere village. This descent is a blast - it's possible to go very fast down here, so be careful and stay within your limits. Watch out for sheep too!

The trail passes through a sheep fold and then descends steeply to arrive at Kentmere Hall Farm.

It's worth pausing here to look at the farmhouse, which incorporates a fortified tower built in the 13th to 14th century. The road to Kentmere is a dead end for those relying on motorised transport and as a result it has retained its tranquility - the valley is a throwback to Lakeland as Wainwright would have known it.

Follow the track away from the farm and towards Kentmere's tiny church.

At the church turn left and follow the road until it ends at a farm. The Garburn Pass track is well-signposted. This is the start of a testing climb that will involve some pushing and carrying.

Some technical sections are rideable, but in places the steep, loose rock will defeat most riders.

Pass through two gates at the top of the pass to begin the descent towards Troutbeck.

The track has recently been repaired and has lost much of its character. The steep rock steps and shattered rock enjoyed here previously is now a level track made mainly of slate.

It's very fast, so keep your wits about you.

Pass through a gate, then take the left fork past Dubbs Reservoir. This is another fun trail over broken rocks, turning into easier riding before meeting a road.

Turn left and follow the road for just short of a mile. Turn left onto the bridleway leading to High House. This is a tarmac road until the house, then becomes a trail leading through fields.

Follow the network of walled bridleways to Hugill Hall, before meeting a narrow lane. Follow it to emerge on the A591 at Ings. Turn left and follow the cyclepath back to your start point at Staveley.