4.5
(21)
203
riders
15
rides
Mountain biking around Winscales offers a diverse landscape characterized by significant elevation changes, dense woodlands, and scenic lakeside paths. The region features routes that traverse areas like Ennerdale Water and Loweswater, providing varied terrain for mountain bikers. With numerous trails winding through natural features such as Kirkgill Wood and Crofthill Wood, riders can experience both challenging climbs and rewarding descents. The area's geography supports a range of mountain biking experiences, from moderate excursions to more demanding rides.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
5.0
(1)
18
riders
37.3km
02:55
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
14
riders
32.2km
02:48
700m
700m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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5.0
(2)
19
riders
64.0km
04:23
1,100m
1,100m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
14
riders
9.12km
00:55
240m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(2)
16
riders
26.3km
02:12
560m
550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Beautiful Views and good for the soul.
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Amazing scenery of the lake and fells, good place for photos
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The view from this location is fantastic. Elevated and widespread views into the valleys and mountains. There is a seated bench allowing for a rest & hydrate
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Approaching this mountain it makes you stop and admire the steep contour and shape. I said to myself "it is like a giant mole hill". Stunning to see.
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The views are a bit special at this location. Panoramic and widespread, the contour of the mountains can be seen in all directions
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Early morning November 18th, cold and minus 3 degrees. Pardshaw seemed like a safe place to park the car, there were a few people going about, it is just a small village. You get good views as you approach the start of the mountains from Pardshaw
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At this point you are effectively as far as the trail goes before heading back towards the start point. There is a man made water ford that is easy enough to ride over. It is an ideal location to stop and hydrate, eat and rest. There are slight banked seating points area where you can sit down and rest
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The track here suddenly has no trees on the track edge and is slightly more open land. There is a slight rise that your climbing, the surface is compact but medium size rock which takes a bit effort to ride over
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There are 15 mountain bike trails available around Winscales, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult rides.
Yes, Winscales offers 2 easy mountain bike trails. While the region is known for its challenging terrain, there are options for those seeking a more relaxed ride.
Advanced mountain bikers will find 6 difficult routes in Winscales. An example is the View of Derwent Water – Loweswater loop from Lamplugh, which is 39.8 miles (64.0 km) long with significant elevation gain, offering a demanding experience.
Many of the mountain bike trails in Winscales are loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the popular View of Pillar – Ennerdale Water Lakeside Path loop from Lamplugh is a 23.2-mile circular route.
The Winscales area is rich in natural beauty. You can explore highlights such as Loweswater, Blake Fell Summit, and Fellbarrow Summit. Many routes also feature scenic lakeside paths, particularly around Ennerdale Water and Loweswater.
Yes, you can encounter waterfalls in the area. The Holme Force (waterfall) is a notable natural monument that can be explored near some of the routes.
The komoot community rates mountain biking in Winscales highly, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscape, which includes challenging ascents, rewarding descents, and scenic lakeside paths through areas like Ennerdale Water and Loweswater.
Absolutely. Many trails provide stunning views of the surrounding fells and lakes. For example, the View of Pillar – Ennerdale Water Lakeside Path loop from Lamplugh offers views of Pillar, while another route provides views of Derwent Water.
The terrain around Winscales is diverse, characterized by significant elevation changes, dense woodlands like Kirkgill Wood and Crofthill Wood, and scenic lakeside paths. You can expect a mix of challenging climbs and rewarding descents.
While many trails are moderate to difficult, there are 2 easy routes that could be suitable for families with some mountain biking experience. It's advisable to check the specific route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's ability.
The Lake District, including Winscales, is generally best for mountain biking from late spring through early autumn (May to October) when the weather is milder and trails are drier. However, conditions can change rapidly, so always check local forecasts.
While specific 'hidden gems' are often discovered by local exploration, routes like the Kirkgill Wood – Crofthill Wood loop from Pardshaw offer a deep dive into the region's dense woodlands, providing a less-trafficked experience away from the more popular lakeside paths.


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