Whinlatter Forest Park Mountain Bike Trail Centre

Ollie:

Located at the top of the lakes, Whinlatter is bloody miles away from everything (ie the south) but what it lacks in ease of access it makes up for in quality riding. Whinlatter is a "proper" mountain trail - its steep, rocky, cold, wet, fast, rooty, techy, and then covers it all with epic views over the Scottish hills on one side and the lakes on the other. The quality of the trails are simply outstanding. Having ridden at the blown out braking bumps of Cannock a few weeks prior, this was like another world. Yes, the climbs are tough, and possibly it could do with a few more options (either black lines or additional red routes) but the downhills more than make up for it. The climb for the south side trail was brutal, but the descent was one of the best I've ridden in recent memory. FWIW I rode a 29er XC bike and was in no way under biked despite the rocky nature of start of the final downhill. I'd definatley go back if I was in the area again. Cafe / changing facilities were good, the only downside was the cost of parking which increases every 20 mins(!) after 2 hours.

Great quality trail Tough climb Epic views Decent cake

Marc jenkinson:

Awesome place to ride

Great all round trails

Andy:

Grand places, some great local trails too.

Bike shop, cafe. Trails great. Easy access

Angela Hart:

Both the north and south trails have a brilliant descent. It must be the best maintained forest or trail centre have ever been to. It's beautiful scenery, varied woodland, there isn't a pothole on the fire roads, it's just perfect, as are the trails. The car park is high tech, reg recognition so no dicking with tickets. The visitor centre is also mega.

Good descents! Well maintained.

Adam:

Some of the best downhill I've done. I always say it's similar to glentress for the trails. You go up then come down with a smile. Usually busy when I've been. The variety of trails is a bit lacking but still a great place for a ride.

Superb downhill Great views of the lakes

Jody W:

Haven't tried blue route but wife and kids love it.

North and south loops start from trail centre so can have a break between them. Both similar in being climb to top via fire road and singletrack then descend in one go. Both brilliant fun, well made and have jaw dropping views. About 5 miles long each, climbs are hard enough. Good cafe and bike shop.