Here was the first of the hills, the wide track leading steeply through a field on the far side of the gate. Beyond, the grassy slopes rose up to where they were overhung by the edge of the forest which itself cloaked steep hillsides which we would have to surmount at some point in the very near future.
From the Grizedale visitor centre we'd cycled a short distance following the green arrow markers for the bike trail known as the Hawkshead Moor Trail, a 10.5 mile (16.9km) loop through the western reaches of Grizedale Forest in the southern Lake District. The route is entirely off road mainly following gravel track or traffic free forest roads.
The first hill was short but steep and led us to a crossroads under the trees. Here you can join the loop in either direction but going left or clockwise seems the preferred way - the biggest hills are done early in the route this way. In addition the Hawkshead Moor Trail follows the same route as the North Face Trail - a red graded mountain bike path that leaves and rejoins the main path at intervals giving the option to do as much or as little as you want. This trail is one way being single track path and must be done in a clockwise direction.
After a short downhill here the climbing began in earnest with a very steep start that settled into a steady ascent into dense woodland as we left the valley behind. There were six of us doing the ride today; our friends Sam and Jamie who were camping with us, my wife Jacqui who didn't walk half as much as she'd expected to, my 12 year old son Josh who was up front doing a good impression of Alberto Contador and my 2 year old son Daniel who resided in great comfort in his seat on the back of my own bike.
Following a concerted effort we reached more open country with large clearings in the coniferous forest allowing distant views to open up. The gradients became gentler and finally began to undulate before we embarked on the first swift downhill allowing us to cool off after the earlier exertions. Soon we arrived at the first diversion for the North Face MTB trail which Sam and Jamie had opted to do. It is clearly signed with red markers both where it leaves and rejoins the main track and they left us with Josh who had also opted to give it a go. Owing to boardwalks, rocks and small drop offs I decided - with my young passenger - to stay with Jacqui on the easier path but I'll do it when I'm next at Grizedale with a bike to myself!
Our own route was thoroughly enjoyable though and even Jacqui who had not found the hills much fun describing them as "like the Alps... only worse" began to enjoy the ride as well. Long exhilarating descents and short climbs led us northwards with a spectacular panorama of the Coniston Fells on the left and Coniston Water far below that was gradually replaced with one of Langdale and then of Helvellyn and Fairfield as we neared the northern part of our loop. There were frequent pauses to wait for those on the slower but more technical North Face Trail giving us the chance to experience the forest's stillness and bird life. We were far from any road or traffic noise and there were few people about - another couple of family groups and 4 or 5 mountain bikers were all we saw even though the visitor centre was crowded. Oh and one chap heading the wrong way in search of Moor Top car park.
Just before Moor Top - after we had given the lone wanderer directions - our route branched off left and south to follow the green markers on the home stretch. Here a fast descent broken only by Daniel's triumphant announcement that he had got his arm out of his harness - brought us in very little time back to the crossroads near the start of the route. All that remained was to wait for the rest of our party and ride the couple of miles back to the campsite where we were based just south of Satterthwaite. We had ridden to the start instead of driving to the visitor centre to avoid paying for parking and unnecessarily using the car.
A total of 10.5 miles from the visitor centre or 14 miles riding from the Grizedale Campsite (recommended) the Hawkshead Moor Trail is a couple of hours very well spent. The route is suitable for families with the option for the adventurous to try the harder route though a certain amout of fitness is required for the hills early on the route. Unfit beer swilling pie eaters would perhaps struggle here but it's the best way to enjoy the unique views of this beautiful corner of the Lake District which improve the further you get from the motor roads.
Essentials >>> 10.5 miles circular route >>> traffic free forest roads >>> non technical with fair sized hills >>>
Pete Buckley May 2010
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