Lonscale Fell

Route Information

Stats: 10 miles & 1859 feet of ascent

OS Map:  Ordnance Survey

Refreshments

Parking is available at the Old Railway Station at Keswick, with ample places to eat in the town. Accommodation is also wide and varied, with a great Youth Hostel being a good familychoice, as well as the nearby Derwentwater Independent Hostel – my own choice.

Character

Prior to the floods of 2015 we would have taken you along the old railway cycle route to Threlkeld. Due to the bridge being taken in the floods we’ve re-assessed things and taken a steady road and track climb on the other side of the river, dropping into Threlkeld before the BW climbing really begins. The track then climbs steeply before descending at speed, with a tricky ascent across the valley to join a great testy little track around the edge of Lonscale Fell. This is followed by an absolutely epic descent down Latrigg back to Keswick – test your brakes before setting off, as it’s a classic.

2021 – summer sees the re-opening on the old  railway path from Keswick, adding another choice for riders.


Route

1. From the car park at Keswick Liesure Centre and the Old Railway Station head onto Brundholme Road. Then turn right up the lane signed ‘Windebrow’ and ‘Brundhilme’. Climb steadily, crossing a bridge over the A591, then into tree cover as the lane steepens. This eventually comes out by white-washed farm buildings, where you turn right and drop to Threlkeld.

2. At the next road junction turn left and ride into Threlkeld, now warmed up and ready for the fellside. Turn left at Blease Road, signed to ”Bleanchtra’ and begin some steep ascending. Crossing a cattle grid, the road gives way to track and the fun begins. This track climbs steadily, with a drop or two along the way, before a final sting in the tail – a steep and technical ascent to the bridleway around Lonscale Fell.

3. Once climbed, you now need to decide: ‘do I ride the full tour of Skiddaw and turn right, or do I turn left and have some shorter fun back to Keswick.’

4. If taking the shorter Lonscale ride turn left and roll along this excellent narrow rocky track with it subtle technicalities. The track eventually meets the Skiddaw track and you head down left, descending Latrigg as fast and safe as your skill and nerve allows, all the way back to Keswick. This is an epic and fast descent, but do appreciate and watch out for hikers and others using the trail.
Now all that remains is coffee / tea and cake back in town, and you can try another route after lunch

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