Back ‘o’ Skiddaw
This is neat little loop but unfortunately due to floods the route from Keswick Sports Centre to Thelkeld along the old disused railway line is now impassable. 3 bridges were deemed unsafe and also the bankings literally collapsed making it too dangerous to pass. This used to be a nice relaxing way to start the ride. Now you have to ride to Threlkeld on the C2C Cycleroute 71. Which is still ok, just a back lane basically. When you arrive at Threlked you want to take Blease Road climbing up through the village and out past the Blencathra Centre & Field Centre until the road stops at a car park and the trail begins.
The trail steadily climbs as you work you way up the valley, until a point where you will see a bridge below and you’ll drop down to it. Over it and the climb starts, stay with the wall on you right and tackle the challenging climb before it takes a sharp left turn and you’re climbing again. it is rideable but a certain level of fitness is required. Take big care as you hit the highest point as it gets craggy and rocky and the drop off to the left is unforgiving. There has been deaths from falls here.
Over the top you’re now descending towards Keswick at a rate of knots. You’ll come around Skiddaw to the right at a reasonable height then you drop to Latrigg Car Park. Through the car park you’ll see a small gate on your left, go through this and follow the trail all the way down to Keswick, it’s a fun trail, tight at times with blind bends so please watch out for people hiking up. Job Done.