It was a cold breezy day with the thermometer standing at 2 degrees C at Whinlatter Pass and a blanket of new snow on the higher fells so I opted out of doing the longer red route called the Altura Trail, today deciding on the easier Quercus instead. At first it was a little confusing as to where it actually started - the Altura is clearly marked through a gateway into the forest just beyond the cafe and mountain bike hire centre - and it was only after following this for a short distance that the blue arrows sent me off down to the right.
This first section was a delight to ride - a single track trail twisted gently downhill through the trees and into a more open area with views of the surrounding fells. It was enjoyable and (almost) effortless and there were no difficulties other than optional jumps and rocks so you can just troll along here and enjoy the ride without having to concentrate on staying on the bike. There is a short section of forest road where the route follows the line of the C2C coast to coast route 71 and we carry straight on where this branches down to the left. The blue arrows are easy to follow and the only place I went wrong was at the road crossing. The arrow appears to point left down the road but it is in fact straight on up the path on the other side where the markers are picked up again.
There is always a price to pay for easy downhill riding - it is usually followed by less easy uphill riding and here a short dirt track section led to a singletrack path the climbed in switchbacks through the trees. The gradient was manageable though and I was soon up the steeper sections though I may not have been so fast on a warm day! Now I followed the arrows along an interesting section that in a way was even better than the first part of the route with smooth bumps and banked sections on the downhills. You pass a sign that gives the choice of heading home early - don't unless you are knackered - this next loop is brilliant fun!
The route then followed a downhill with banked turns where I was able to get up some speed and enjoy the descent safe in the knowledge that I wouldn't hit anything too difficult - that's one of the joys of the blue routes - the reds are exciting but I have come across obstacles I would not like to approach at speed! The trail ends along the same route as the red Altura though this section is an easy ride back to the car park.
My summary of the Quercus Trail is "short but sweet" and I felt like riding it again despite the cold weather. Next time I'll do the Altura which is a loop of 10km followed by one of 9km but I'll definitely do this one again. It is also suitable for older kids as long as they can ride up hills there being little difficulty or danger on the route.
A word on Whinlatter Visitor Centre; facilities excellent, cafe excellent (and not expensive), information on routes and the area excellent, car parking expensive - £3 for 2hrs £5 for up to 4 hours and more for all day. This is my only gripe about the place though there is limited space outside and I havn't checked the prices at the other car park - at Grizedale for instance some of the additional car parks are free.
Pete Buckley November 2010
How far is it? 7.5km/4.6 miles >>> What's it like? Blue grade MTB trail - mostly single track, fairly hilly but not technical >>> Planning a visit? Here's the trail guide on pdf - also available from the visitor centre.
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