Review for Whinlatter Forest Park Mountain Bike Trail Centre

SaddleSource:

It claims to 'put the mountain back into mountain biking' and it certainly feels like it does! I'm afraid I disagree with the above posts, certainly the tracks are challenging, but you are in rugged Lake District terrain. It can be wet and muddy, it can be cold windy and exposed, the climbs can be long and technical and the bedrock slippery but when it all comes together these trails offer more than enough to offset this you can have an absolutely stunning day on the bike here.

Quercus Trail: Great for beginners and families, though do be careful if you're an experienced rider, there can be children on the trail who can be intimidated by someone rushing up behind them. It has everything you'd expect from a blue route, mellow climbs and descents, flowing berms and some optional features for those who are feeling brave. A nice length so as not to put anyone off either. Red North: The long climb to the top is rewarded with a smashing two part descent. The first part is forested, it can be loose and rooty but also features some well built berms and rocky sections. After this it breaks out onto to clear mountainside. If you dare look over the drop you'll get some fantastic views, but if anything the trail is even better! lots of small jumps connecteed by a series of switchbacks mean the only thing stopping you is how much you choose to brake! Red South: Again a challenging climb but it certainly feels a lot less difficult than the North route climb. Again it features a two part descent, The first part starts from the very top, do take time to admire the views to Basenthwaite and beyond, before you launch down the rock staircase into a fast descent with interspersed climbs. Watch out for some slippery corners and medium sized drops! The second half can best be described as a downhill BMX track, big, wide berms and rolling jumps mean a big grin factor on probably the best descent at the trail centre. The facilities are also good, Cyclewise always seem happy to help and the cafe are staff are quick and polite whilst providing excellent food. If you park at one of the other car parks on the way up you can avoid paying the highest ticket prices, however, the money is reinvested in the centre so I feel it is a bit rich complaining! There's plenty of other activities on site for those that don't enjoy biking as well