Holiday Highlights
- Fun singletrack perfect for everyone to enjoy
- Fantastic views across Ullswater to the majestic Helvellyn
- Rock gardens, great descents and a riverside lunch
- Biking along the old Roman road
- Historic stone circles as route markers
- Admire the imposing ruins of Lowther Castle
The riding on this trip was exceptional. All the guides were brilliant, so many fascinating stories during the ride about local history. Thank you for an unforgettable weekend!
Itinerary
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 straight from the accommodation and Penrith we soon pass-by the Norman Castle of Brougham situated next to Brocavum Roman Fort and overlooks 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 to bank at Monte Carlo!) to pay off gambling debts.
The lovely hamlet of Helton is next before a cheeky Skedaddle climb takes 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 descent ascents now behind us we head down to the lovely Martindale Valley. Whilst tricky in places the descent offers a speedy descent to more experienced riders whilst others can take their time and yet still enjoy the trail as they hone their skills.
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 head back to Penrith where the ride concludes.
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 from Penrith once more today’s route sees us initially 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 up onto Barton Fell. The exertions though are well worth it as we are afforded with superb 360 degree views of the Pennines and the Lake District.
Our return leg from then takes in the village of Helton once more and 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.
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.

Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The Ullswater mountain biking weekend offers you a range of riding over different types of terrain.
As well as short sections of quiet roads and dual track bridleways, you’ll ride over rocky tracks, take on steeper descents, rewarding ascents, exciting stream crossings and singletrack traverses, all within the capabilities of those with limited experience of off-road riding or for those just wanting a great fun weekend!

Mountain Biking Grade
Aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 holidays
20-35 miles / 30-55 kms per day
Off-road routes with occasional difficult and technical sections over undulating terrain requiring good general fitness
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Holidays that are graded as a 2-3, will have aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 holidays. A day on the bike would see you exploring bridleways, dirt roads and grassy trails. You‘re fairly new to mountain biking or perhaps looking to gain experience on rough offroad trails. If you have all day available and you can cover up to 30 miles. If this sounds like you then you might enjoy our grade 2-3 trips.
As a novice I was very nervous, but the guides immediately put me at ease and encouraged me all the way. They were always on hand to give us tips on how to make our cycling better!
Dates & Prices
Late Availability
We want you to know which holidays are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.

Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
Whats Included 
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full support service including a guide qualified in First Aid and a back up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike
D) GPX files available upon request
E) Scheduled train station transfers on arrival and departure days
What's not Included 
A) Bike hire (available if required)
B) Train tickets and charges for travelling with your bike
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, etc.)
H) Transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Our 26 favourite days in the saddle
What is the best day you can experience? Well, our expert team has some ideas...
Our expert's guide to the Lake District
The ability to explore it by bike has always enabled us to escape to its lesser-visited wonders...
Reviews
Zachary, AustraliaExcellent...The Giant Talon was a sturdy hire bike, I was quite impressed by the quality of the bike. The gears were spot on and it was a pleasure to ride. All the guides were easy to get along with and provided different levels of support for everyone on the trip. Their support with food and drinks was excellent and the selection of food was great! Steve was such a friendly guide who also had a great sense of humour and was accommodating for everyone on the ride.
I found you could truly relax and not have to think about anything other than your ride as everything from breakfast to afternoon tea was provided.
Nicole, BrightonSteve was amazing...He was so helpful, encouraging and made even the “cheeky” climbs fun(ish)! I struggled with some of the cycling but he could not have been more helpful. I would definitely recommend a Skedaddle holiday. As a novice I was very nervous, but the guides immediately put me at ease and encouraged me all the way. They were always on hand to give us tips on how to make our cycling better.
Mary, NottinghamA very enjoyable weekend...It was so nice not to have to think about where to go but just know that we would be following some great trails with fantastic scenery. Skedaddle team were excellent – very knowledgeable and helpful!
Peter, WalesThis trip could not have been better...The riding on this trip was exceptional. Fantastic views and great climbs. All the guides were brilliant. Steve was an amazing leader and he told us so many fascinating stories during the ride about local history. They were just great people to go riding with and an absolute credit to Skedaddle. Thank you for an unforgettable weekend!
Ben, SouthamptonBoth days were excellent!Two days of fantastic riding. Not too easy that I felt I hadn’t achieved anything, but not too difficult that I wasn’t thoroughly enjoying myself the whole time. Awesome rides, super instructors, beautiful scenery, great camaraderie – even the weather turned out nice. Both days were excellent.
Steve was super. Great local knowledge, lots of interesting stories. Judged perfectly how hard to push us. Plus I will forever more think of monstrously steep climbs as a little bit “cheeky“.
Clare, West MidlandsGreat couple of days!The weather was glorious and I felt more confident as the trip went on. Both days were great!
Derek, SuffolkExcellent!Excellent venue that understood and met cycling needs, secure store, bike wash and parking. Award winning porridge! Excellent range and quality of food, snacks and refreshments to meet everyone’s requirements along the way. The routes selected were correct for the ability of the group and met expectation for the area. Good advice on terrain, hazards, technique, weather and necessary clothing equipment!