Ennerdale Mountain Biking Trails
Trail Grades at this centre:
Green - Easy |
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Ennerdale Mountain Biking Trails Summary
Ennerdale can be found to the North West of the Lake Distrct National Park, near Whitehaven. Its a relatively unspoilt valley, with no facilities for tourists and is usually visited by the walker, mtbiker and occasional Coast to Coaster.
While there are no purpose built technical trails to be found, there are a number of bridleways off the fells that offer some exhilarating singltrack descents. The official routes explore either side of the wooded valley, a wilderness worth exploring.
Trail Centre Details
The valley is dominated by the most westerly lake in the Lake District National Park, Ennerdale Water, as well as the classic view towards the high fells of Pillar and the Ennerdale Fells. Ennerdale is one of the quieter valleys of the Lake District, and it’s not surprising that efforts are made to kep it as unspoilt as possible. The Wild Ennerdale partnership is responsible for ensuring that the use of the valley is sustainable.
Wild Ennerdale is a partnership between people and organisations led by The Forestry Commission, National Trust, United Utilities and Natural England.
This has included the re-wilding of the valley where possible and the planting of native trees to replace the monoculture of the conifer plantations as they’re harvested. You should also take time to see if you can spot some of the red squirrels, as the valley is home to a population of a 150 or so.
The valley bottom has a couple of low level walking trails – The Liza Path and a walking trail around Ennerdale Water – if that takes your fancy, or there are also the high fells which are begging for a High Level Tour over Pillar and High Stile!
There are 3 MTB trails at Ennerdale, all of which are along forestry tracks which are shared with other users, forestry lorries and any vehiles accessing the youth hostels. While these are not purpose built mountain bike trails, it is recommended that you have a MTB and not a road bike as the forestry roads can be rough and potholed in places.
- 1 Lake and River Short Route – GREEN
- 2 Ennerdale Short Loop – GREEN
- 3 Ennerdale Whole Valley – GREEN
Those looking for a bit more technical riding can explore some of the bridleways on the fellside – check out one of the featured videos below for the singletrack descent from Black Sail Pass.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Bods on Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Facilities:
The only facilities in Ennerdale would be the Ennerdale YHA and the Black Sail YHA at the head of the dale. There are also a couple of B&Bs and self catering accommodation that are near Bowness Knott and you could cycle directly from them (Beckfoot Retreat B&B and Routen House )
The bright lights of Ennerdale Bridge, with plenty of pubs and a café is only a short drive north of Ennerdale. The Fox and Hounds at Ennerdale Bridge is one of the nearest pub,community-owned and offers excellent food and local beers. Accommodation is also available.
Opening hours:
n/a
Parking and Fees
MTB Routes at Ennerdale Mountain Biking Trails
Green - Easy Grade
Lake and River Short Ennerdale Route
The Lake and River Short Route at Ennerdale is a short cylce on forestry tracks along the north shor …