Mountain Biking around the Kendal Area

Article submitted by James Kirby

Kendal is the largest town in South Lakeland, just outside of the Lake District, but still remains a popular tourist destination because of the Windermere to Oxenholme railway link and of course the Kendal Mint Cake (see Did you know?).

Contents

Looking over Kendal to the castle.

If you live in Kendal, you will probably already know there are not that many bridleways within spitting distance of Kendal. There are a few if you know where to look, but if you go just a bit further there are some great trails just waiting to be ridden!

The Sagill trail, click for more a larger photo.

Trails to the North:

  1. There is a loop from Otter Bank (nr Dry Lane), over Whinfell, up the Borrowdale Valley, cross over the A6 and follow it down to Garnett Bridge and back to Otter Bank. The route Whinfell, Borrowdale and Bretherdale by Andy Slattery, takes most of this area in.
  2. Also worth checking out is Bretherdale, which is further up the A6.
  3. And if you are up for a small epic the Sadgill trail will treat you to just that! Turn off at Garnett Bridge on the A6 and go on there! It's highly recommended.
The Lambrigg Fells, click for more a larger photo.

Trails to the East:

  1. The largest of the trails to the east is around the Lambrigg Fells of which the Lambrigg Fell route by Andy Slattery will give you a good idea of the trails around. It is a short XC circuit with some excellent DH. A good evening ride from Kendal with quality views.
  2. There are plenty of small bridleways that you can link together to form a nice loop, which includes parts of the trail mentioned above.

Trails to the South:

Sedgwick - Beautiful grass fields, shame about the thorny lane you can see far ahead. Taken at Larkrigg, just out from Natland. Click for more a larger photo.
  1. From Natland you can ride a bridleway to Sedgwick, from there, there are useful routes to get to Grange-over-sands, Milnthorpe and Crooklands
  2. From mountainbikepics.co.uk (which is related to Bog Trotters) is a route around this area, which I (the editor) have ridden and enjoyed. I would watch out at the A6 / A591 Junction / Road but the rest of the trail is interesting and takes in many of the local bridleways to the south of Kendal.

Trails to the West:

  1. If you're ever in Kendal and want somewhere to ride, then all you need to do is head up the Underbarrow road and turn off to go over Gamblesmire Lane (watch out for pesky 4x4's) and then the trails around here are mainly single track and track roads, you can even go around in circles if you like it too much!
  2. Further in the West direction, you can combine Gamblesmire Line with more bridleways and roads passing Crook and heading over to Bowness-on-Windermere.

Bike Hire and Shops:

Evans Cycles - Tel: 0845 070 5404 - 113 Stricklandgate, Kendal, LA9 4RF

The Evans store is the largest cycle store in Kendal and supports a wide range of bike, components and accessories. It is their only store nearest to the Lake District.

Opening Times:
Monday to Friday - 10am to 7pm
Saturday - 9:30am to 6pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays - 10am to 4pm

Bruce's Bike Shop - Tel: 01539 727230

Askew's Cycles - Tel: 01539 728057 - The Old Brewery, Wildman Street, Kendal, LA9 6EN.

If your hungry get to Wilfs!

If you are heading over to Staveley:

  • Take a look at our guide to Staveley!
  • Be sure to check out Wheelbase superstore on your way!
  • And if you are hungry go to Wilfs café and get a bite to eat of there amazing food! I suggest their veggie burgers with cheese, your taste buds will love it!
  • SPINNOFF offer Lake District based, professional guiding for families, groups and individuals. All abilities are catered for. They can also arrange quality B&B accommodation, food and hydration, standard and premium bike hire.
Route 6 on the national cycle network. Which goes through Kendal.

Places of interest within Kendal:

  • Kendal Ski Club - Hosts the local artificial slope for ski and snowboard use.
  • Lakeland Climbing Centre - Although best known for the world-class indoor climbing centre, Lakeland Climbing Centre also offer a range of courses to suit everyone, from beginners to experienced climbers.
  • Kendal Mountaineering Club is in an active and friendly Kendal based club. We hold regular meets throughout the year locally and beyond.
  • Lakes Leisure Kendal is one of the largest sports, arts and leisure facilities in South Cumbria, offering a range of activities for all ages.
  • The Brewery Arts Centre is a modern arts venue, developed in 1971 from the buildings of a Brewery, first licensed in 1758, and whose character has been retained throughout a programme of refurbishment.
  • Kendal Mountain Film Festival - Every autumn, Kendal hosts one of the most prestigious Mountain Festivals in the world. - an extravaganza of films, books, art and photography, debates, presentations, film making, entertainment, humour and drama.
  • Kendal Mountain Rescue - Providing a Voluntary Mountain Search and Rescue Service to - (S.Lakes, Kentmere & The Howgills)
  • The YHA in Kendal is a Georgian town house centrally located in this gateway to the Lake District.

Did you know?

You can buy a shot (alcohol/sprit) of Kendal Mint Cake from Burgundys Wine Bar! I (the editor) have tried it recently after finding it on the menu, pointed out via a friend, it's definitely liquid Kendal Mint Cake, but you should go and try it for yourself to find out what it is like!

Find out more about Kendal:

Location / Getting there:

Mapping of the area:

All of the trails you will want to ride in the Lake District will be on the Ordnance Survey mapping. If you prefer other types of mapping please check out the Mapping of Cumbria article.

You can find the mapping for the Lake District below from amazon.co.uk:

The Lake District Mountain Biking - Essential Trails Guide by Vertebrate Graphic is a compact guide to the best mountain bike riding in the Lake District, exploring classic rides around Walna Scar, High Street and Borrowdale. And if your going to come and ride in the Lake District this is by far the best guide book around!