Following your arrival at the weekend accommodation, you will be shown where you can store your bike (if bringing your own for the weekend) and to your room. Most people tend to arrive early evening, but if you do wish to arrive earlier in the day and get in a few extra miles on your own, then do let us know.

In the evening we will be meeting as a group in a local pub, where over a drink and something to eat there will be an informal chat about the events of the weekend. For our weekends we use a selection of quality B&Bs and small guesthouses / hotels, which provide us with a great base for these weekends and offer a warm welcome after a day in the saddle.

Tonight is a good opportunity to get to know our MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) qualified guides who represent Skedaddle’s enthusiastic and friendly attitude to mountain biking as well as the other bikers on your weekend.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Heading out from Penrith, today’s route initially sees us heading through the beautiful and historic grounds of the Lonsdale Family and through the Lowther Estate, home of the Yellow Earl, Hugh Lowther (the 5th Earl of Lonsdale) – a colourful character in more ways than one, whose love of yellow was replicated in the cars he owned and the uniforms for his servants. A few miles of winding lakeland trails follow before we reach the Cockpit Stone Circle.

This Bronze Age site marked the crossroads of two trading routes; one from the stone circles of Long Meg and her Daughters and the other to Castlerigg. It’s from here that we have a somewhat technical climb onto Barton Fell and then up higher still to Loadpot Hill on a great section of singletrack. You’ll now be at a height of 671 metres between Haweswater and Ullswater and from this lofty vantage point the views of the Pennines and the Lake District are superb.

We then start our homeward journey that sees us descending to the lovely hamlet of Butterwick before we head through the village of Helton once more. From here it’s very much an undulating route back to Penrith, as we weave our way along quiet country lanes and well-surfaced off-road tracks back to our accommodation.

Washed and brushed up our evening meal is taken at a local pub that is situated a short stroll away from the accommodation.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Heading out straight from the accommodation and Penrith we soon pass-by the Norman Castle of Brougham situated next to Brocavum Roman Fort, overlooking the River Eamont. From here we are soon winding our way to the fells and on route pass-by the historic Brougham Hall, which was sold by the 4th Lord Brougham (the man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo to pay off gambling debts!) The lovely hamlet of Helton is next before a cheeky Skedaddle climb that will take us up to the open moorland of Askham Fell.

From here the views down to Ullswater below and across to Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Saddleback are superb. With some decent ascents now behind us we head down to Howtown. Whilst tricky in places the descent offers a speedy ride for more experienced bikers, whilst others can take their time and enjoy the trail as they hone their skills.

After exploring the Martindale Valley (with its ancient church) a road section then leads us alongside Ullswater from Howtown to Pooley Bridge. One more steep section over Heugh Scar follows and we are soon back at Askham.

From here we wind our way back to Penrith and our accommodation where the ride concludes. Here you’ll be able to change and take a shower before departing. For those heading home by train we’ll drop you off at Penrith station for your scheduled return journey.