Description
This natural mountain bike route loops across the open moorland of Moor Divock and Askham Fell at the northern end of Ullswater, covering approximately 21km on bridleways and open fell tracks. The route forms a figure-of-eight with Roehead as the central crossing point, offering two ascents and two descents - the main descent from The Cockpit stone circle to Howtown is one of the most celebrated natural descents in the Lake District, with sweeping views over Ullswater throughout. No facilities exist at the start.
Like this?
The Trails
- Loop 1: Climb from Roehead onto Askham Fell, cross Moor Divock past the shake-holes and ancient earthworks, descend to the minor road, then ride through Helton and Askham villages
- Loop 2: Second climb back onto the fell from Askham, main descent from The Cockpit stone circle down 2 to 3 miles of loose rock and open singletrack to Howtown, then a lakeside road section back to Roehead
- The terrain is natural bridleway throughout. No waymarking. Navigation skills and a map are recommended.
Getting Here
- Primary parking: Roehead layby, southeast of Pooley Bridge, near Penrith, CA10. Space for approximately 8 cars at the end of the tarmac road to Roehead Farm. Free, no facilities.
- Alternative parking: roadside laybys on the Howtown to Pooley Bridge road
- Pooley Bridge village car park (paid) is 1km from Roehead and provides toilets and a cafe
- Nearest rail: Penrith, approximately 8 miles. No direct bus link to the trailhead.
Share
- If you have visited Ullswater Figure of Eight, please share your reviews, photos, and videos to this listing.