With views of Sellafield nuclear facility
Cleator Moor is on the edge of Lake District away from the main crowds, but that doesn't take away from the ride. there are still stunning views and great riding to be had.
Nothing says amazing vista like the united Kingdom first Nuclear facility, but don't let that put you off, your not going to come away glowing green! There can't be that many rides where you can get views of such an important piece of British strategic and Engineering importance.
Anyway the ride isn't all about industrial views the natural countryside is pretty impressive, that's what the lake district is known for isn't it? The ride is a mixture of road (climbs not to much wasting of descents) rocky bridleways, forest tracks, open moorland and rocky gullies. Splashing through streams, climbing fells, rattling down rocky descents this ride has a bit of everything. Being on the western edge of the Lake District you get views into the fells looking east, whilst looking west you get views of the Isle of Man and Irish sea.
The beauty of this ride other than the stunning landscape in which it is set, is that as its not in the central tourist belt of the lakes, it's not crowded, you won't be tripping up over walkers like you do in the more popular central areas. I like that it isn't busy having the countryside to yourself is nice being able to get away from it all is part of going on cross country mountain bike trips.
The details of the route are below along with the route as a downloadable GPX file, take the time to get out there you won't regret it.
Happy riding
Cleator Mountain Bike Route
| Distance | 25km |
| Time | 2-3hr |
| Climbing | 600m |
| Starting location | Wath Bridge, nr Cleator moor |
| Pubs, cafes | |
| Parking | Lay-by at Wath Bridge |
| Route | View the route on Strava Download GPX |
| Photos | View photos on Flickr |
The Lake District offers a great number of rides, from trail centres to moorland and mountains. Why not make a weekend or even a week long trip and explore what the Lake District has to offer.
Mountain Biking in the Lake District, contains 24 short, medium, long and full-day mountain bike routes in the Lake District. Grab a copy on Amazon now.
Don't forget to check out my favourite Lake District routes!
Did you ride this route? Comment here!