M AY 2 019 mbr 23
Winter’soverandthemountainsbeckon—it’stimeto etwilda ain
GREAT PINSEAT,
YORKSHIRE DALES
29km (19 miles)
There are higher points in the Dales, but not
with quite so much awesome riding around
them. Start at the wonderful Dales Bike Centre
(Landranger 98/SE046988) and clamber N
to Fremington Edge and on to Hurst. Head W
and lap up some fi ne downhill to Langthwaite.
Follow the road SE for 1.5km, then take the BW
W to the road. Head S then another BW leads
NW to Great Pinseat. Descend W to Hard Level
Gill, then SE to follow it. Take the road N for
1.3km, to briefl y join your outward route. Then
head SE on BWs that lead through Healaugh to
the B6270. Follow this E to fi nish.
GPS download po.st/GreatPinseat
Ride time 4 hours
Why ride it? Great scenery and some big hills
Where to eat? Dales Bike Centre for some of
the best cake on earthDUNKERY BEACON,
EXMOOR
38km (24 miles)
From Minehead (Landranger 181/SS969471),
take the SW Coast Path W and at Selworthy,
drop S around switchbacks to Lynch. Follow
lanes and BW S to Horner, and continue N then
NW around Crawter Hill. Loop around Ley Hill
on a BW and continue through Horner Wood
to Horner Water. Climb to Stoke Pero, turn L
to a T-junction then R to climb to a junction,
where you turn L onto a BW that climbs E to
the summit. Continue NE to Brockwell, turn R
to Wootton Courtenay and at Ranscombe, take
forest tracks to the trig point. Now follow BWs
N back to Minehead.
GPS download po.st/Dunkery
Ride time 5 hours
Why ride it? Great riding and views; a big hill
Where to eat? Loads of choice in Minehead or
divert to Horner for cafe
PONT SCETHIN, SNOWDONIA
25km (14 miles)
This is a classic loop any way you tackle it, but from the south, it’s a
biggie too. From the picnic area just west of Bontddu (Landranger 124/
SH661186) head W then turn R up a wooded BW and follow to a road.
Turn R, climb then drop steeply and turn R to follow a track onto open
hillside. At SH638201, turn R to Banc y Fran, and head N over Y Braich
to the col. Keep SA down to the bridge then up to the track. Head
SW to the road head, SE to Pont Fadog, then SE to Bwlch y Rhiwgyr.
Descend E to rejoin your outward track and retrace your way back,
enjoying great views.
GPS download po.st/PontScethinLoop
Ride time 4-5 hours
Why ride it? Great views, great technical riding
Where to eat? Defl ect west to the Ysgethin Arms in TalybontBEN MACDUI, CAIRNGORMS
32km (20 miles)
Britain’s second highest mountain is also its longest realistic descent.
From Linn of Dee (Landranger 36/NO862898), head N up Glen Lui and
continue N up Glen Derry then NW to climb steeply to Loch Etchachan.
Now climb SW then W to Ben Macdui and retrace your steps to
NO009997. Pick up a vague path that cuts S through a shallow col and
onto the narrow N shoulder of Derry Cairngorm. Follow this S along the
ridge (vague and unrideable in places) to Carn Crom, then SE to drop
sweetly down to the fords at Derry Lodge. Now retrace your tracks down
Glen Lui to fi nish.
GPS download po.st/BenMacDui
Ride time 6-8 hours
Why ride it? Britain’s second highest peak and awesome riding
Where to eat? Head back to Braemar
HIGH STREET,
LAKE DISTRICT
35km (22 miles)
This is a big day out, with some marvellous
high-level riding. Start at Brothers Water
(Landranger 90/NY402134), head SE
through Hartsop towards Hayeswater then
hike-a-bike E up to the Knott. Head S to
High Street, then back N to Loadpot Hill.
Keep L to keep this to your right and drop
to the Cockpit, where you turn L to drop to
Martindale. At Sandwick take the trail W to
follow the shores of Ullswater (best at quiet
times) to Rooking then Patterdale. Head
S to fi nish.
GPS download po.st/Highstreet
Ride time 5-6 hours
Why ride it Big-mountain feel and a
wonderful, long descent
Where to eat? Helvellyn Country
Kitchen, Glenridding