MTB ride: Claife Heights, Little Langdale and Loughrigg Terrace

The ride is just over 20 miles and includes more than 2,200ft of climbing - you'll know you've done some exercise at the end of this route!

Starting close to Ambleside, the route is easily accessible for day visitors to the Lakes and offer chance to enjoy the amenities of the village before and after the ride.

This is a ride that's only suitable for fit and experienced mountain bikers. Make sure your bike is in working order and you've got all the food, water and equipment that you need.

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The route

Starting from Brathay, near Ambleside, the ride begins with a few road miles to give you chance to get warmed up.

You'll follow country lanes to High Wray where you'll head off-road for the first time.

A steep but rideable gravel track leads to the summit of Claife Heights (look out for great views across Windermere and towards the Langdale Pikes as you climb).

The descent from Claife Heights is technical in places, so ride with care.

You'll emerge on the road at Near Sawrey. Beatrix Potter lived here and her home is a popular National Trust attraction.

Turn right and follow the road parallel to the shore of Esthwaite Water to Hawkshead - a good place to stop for provisions should you need them.

After Hawkshead, you'll be climbing on the road again. At the T-junction at the top of Skinner How Lane join the bridleway opposite leading towards Tarn Hows.

This fun trail offers a mix of technical climbing and descending, leading to the A593.

Cross this road (which connects Ambleside and Coniston) with care and head straight up the narrow climb opposite. Pace yourself - the climb peaks at 12%!

Pass carefully through High Oxen Farm then pick up the bridalway leading to Hodge Close. This section includes a section known as the Slate Quarry or Slate River - a unique groove of broken slate that creates a thrilling descent.

Follow the trail to ford the River Brathay - it IS rideable but don't attempt it when the water's high. There's a footbridge if you don't want to get your feet wet.

After the ford your bridleway turns into a narrow road that leads to Little Langdale. Turn left and then right towards Birch Hill Wood. After the farm the road turns back to bridleway and offers a challenging descent over loose rock to Elterwater - one of the highlights of the ride.

From Elterwater meet a tough road climb with the option of taking an even more challenging parallel off-road route.

Descend past the Youth Hostel, then turn left for a short stretch on the road before dropping sharply off-road to meet the Loughrigg Terrace trail.

This is often packed with walkers so proceed with care and enjoy the opportunity to take in the spectacular situation. The terrace tracks along the side of Loughrigg Fell, offering great views across Grasmere and towards Helvellyn. The view is particularly good when the leaves are turning in autumn.

Follow the trail to neighbouring Rydal Water, where you'll briefly dip your wheels in the lake as the trail rouds a large boulder protruding into the water.

Continue to meet the road and follow it back to the A593. Turn right and follow back to your start point.

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