Cycling - Skiddaw House Route
This is a montain bike ride. It is challenging with some tough climbs. At about 13 miles it only takes 3-5 hours but is tiring, especially if you're pushing. It takes you behind Latrigg, around the side of Skiddaw and back on the side of Blencathra.
This ride should not be attempted on anything other than a mountain bike, and I recommend one with a good number of gears. The route starts from Cumbria House:
1. Go down St Johns Street, turn right into Station Street and bear slightly left at the 5-way junction into Station Road (War Memorial on the corner). Take the second gate into Fitz Park, follow the path round to the far right corner and go up the hill. Follow the path round to the left and turn right up the road at the first gate.2. Go up this road and turn left down a track which crosses the A66. You are now on the Cumbria Way which you will follow up to Skiddaw House. The first section which goes up the side of Latrigg up to the car park is a long, tiring climb (This is where you need lots of gears!).
3. Go through the car park and turn left at the top. This starts you on the leg that goes along the side of Skiddaw. It is pleasant and much easier ride, with a chance to look at the scenery but you climb quicker that you think. There is a rocky section that you will have to wheel your bikes across; it's short but be careful in the wet.
4. After a fairly long flat section there is a downhill. When you are the top it looks more like a stream most of the year, but it is the path. It is a tricky slope with lots of rocks, and less confident riders might want to walk!
5. Just after this hill there is a junction. Going straight on takes you up to Skiddaw House but you can turn right and cut out about 2 miles as you return that way anyway. The stretch up to Skiddaw House is a slight incline but you get to come down it on the way back and its a good hill. Skiddaw House is a good spot to have lunch before you turn back home.
6. When you get back to the junction turn left and go down a track which is smooth but with some drop offs. After crossing the river the track begins to climb, a gentle rise on an easy surface. You will cross another river at 299269; this is the start of a downhill section that leads you to the road. You can pick up some good speed, but watch out for the sheep!
7. Follow this road into Threlkeld. It is quite steep in places and speeds of around 40MPH can be reached but be careful. Turn right at the bottom of the road and follow it down to the A66. At this point follow a cycle track along the side of the road which leads you to the old railway line.
8. This takes you all the way back to Keswick, a distance of about 4 miles. It is very slightly downhill and you can average about 13MPH. At the end of the line you will find the leisure pool; go round to the front and turn left down onto Station Road. Cross the main Penrith Road into Station Street and the immediately left into Southey Street. Finally take the first right into Church Street and Cumbria House is just up the road on your left.