Whinlatter Altura Trail

MTB in Whinlatter forest- The Altura Trsail North loop and South loop- 18km.

I drove up to the Lakes last night and stayed in Bowness at Laurel cottage,a great B&B,cheap, nice staff, parking and great brekkie. I wanted to get a couple of rides in before the rest of the gang arrive for scrambles and walks.

Thought I'd check out the new built trails at Whinlatter forest near Keswick. In the car park at 10am it was -2 degrees and I did not like the thought of cycling in so many clothes but I braved a compromise and set off. My 66's were way too tall so the climbing up the North loop trails was slow going with my weight so far back but the trails were fast, rock hard and frozen but dry as the sun was shining all the way- and the views were breath taking. The trails and the little black stunts were great fun to do and after the singletrack then doubletrack climbs the rolling trails and downhill singletrack were awesome.

I carried on up the south loop but these trails were on north facing hills in the shade and were completely frosted over with hoarfrost. My back wheel skidded on almost every switchback and I was off. Then once at the top it was a lot of rolling down with no brakes or skidding a lot! Pretty tough going. On the last DH track with berms and TTs I rolled 3x TTs then decided to jump the last one as I had so much speed, I landed fine but... headed for the berm to scrub speed off but ended up skidding on it and taking a tumble. The guy behind me almost landed on me too. I took off in front of him again only to come off again trying to make the turn at the trail exit. He went ahead and came off on some rock slabs enetering the last bit of singletrack. I tried to ride past but skidded off the rock too! After that it was plain sailing but I think I'll stick to the sunny trails for now!

Great day riding- so glad to be back on a full sus with proper working forks, be even betterif they were the right height!

Must be 10 or so years since I was last in the Lakes and the beauty today reminded me why I used to love it so much- I really should make the effort more, (I know a 6hr drive is painful but this has to be worth it!)