The best MTB trails around Derwent Water

There are over 85 mountain bike trails around Derwent Water, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. This includes 15 easy, 41 moderate, and 31 difficult routes.

Mountain bike trails around Derwent Water feature diverse terrain, from ancient woodlands and bays to rocky sections and fells. You'll encounter sweeping mountain backdrops, picturesque valleys, and views over the lake, with some routes featuring significant elevation gains up to 3,000 feet.

Yes, Derwent Water offers several easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners and families. For example, the Mountainbike loop from Portinscale is an easy 16.3-mile route with minimal elevation gain, providing a pleasant ride through the area. Whinlatter Forest Park, just 6 miles away, also has the 7.5km blue-grade Quercus Trail designed for all abilities.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Derwentwater to Thirlmere loop — The Lake District is a difficult 26.3-mile trail with over 3,500 feet of elevation gain. Another option is exploring areas like Walla Crag, known for its classic Lake District rocky terrain and impressive views. Whinlatter Forest Park also offers the 19km red-grade Altura Trail with challenging single-track sections, berms, jumps, and rock features.

Many routes offer spectacular views. Iconic viewpoints include Friar's Crag, providing panoramas of the lake and fells like Walla Crag and Maiden Moor. Surprise View, located above Ashness Bridge, offers expansive vistas across multiple lakes and mountainous scenery. You can also enjoy views of prominent fells like Blencathra and the Skiddaw Range along various paths.

Yes, you'll find several notable landmarks and natural features. The picturesque Ashness Bridge is a popular spot, and the dramatic 'jaws of Borrowdale' provide a stunning backdrop. The area is also home to several islands in Derwent Water, and ancient woodlands along the shoreline. For a historical touch, the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle is located above Keswick.

Yes, many mountain bike routes around Derwent Water are circular. The Ashness Bridge – Birkett's Leap loop from Derwentwater is a popular moderate circular path. The 10-mile Derwentwater Walk, while primarily for walking, also follows a circular path through woodlands and along the shoreline, parts of which are suitable for cycling.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from accessible paths to challenging single-track sections, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District, including sweeping mountain backdrops and views over the lake.

Yes, parking is available at various points around Derwent Water, particularly in and around Keswick, which serves as a hub for exploring the area. Specific car parks are often located near trailheads or popular access points to the lake.

Keswick, at the northern end of Derwent Water, is well-served by public transport, including bus routes that connect to other parts of the Lake District. From Keswick, many trails are accessible, or you can use local services to get closer to specific starting points around the lake.

The Lake District, including Derwent Water, is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking with cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be busy, while winter rides are possible but require appropriate gear for potentially wet and cold conditions.

Many trails in the Lake District National Park are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under close control, especially around livestock. It's always best to check specific trail regulations or local signage, but generally, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on public rights of way.