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.