Grizedale Forest, in the heart of the Lakes District, is very scenic and popular with riders and walkers. There's an ample car park, an information centre, toilets, picnic area, and a café as well as a bike shop with a great range of rental bikes. It has a web site at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/grizedale.
The mountain bike trails range from intermediate to advanced. None of them are easy because this is hilly country - it's not really suitable for casual recreational riders, let alone families. Many of the trails follow gravel forestry roads, others follow old horse tracks called bridal ways, and some are purpose built single track.
The website describes five intermediate trails and three advanced trails and you can download a map from their website. The trails have good signage and are generally easy to follow.
 | Grizedale's North Face Trail |   | 9 mi |
Good morning ride even though it was very wet and muddy.
| ThankGreat day on the saddle on the northface trail great trail a must ride trail '????
| ThankIt's a good ride with enough technicality to keep you interested if not excited. It's mainly in forest but you can take a little side track at the top of the hill for some great views and blue sky serenity - if you're lucky!
| ThankYou won't find many sweeping berms, jumps, rollers, drops or switchbacks in the Grizdale Forest but you will find some very pleasant trails in oak, beech and plantation forest with stunning views over the beautiful lake called Coniston Water.
| ThankFar too much fire road and small steep climbs for little payback for my liking. I was expecting dramatic views of the Lake District but that was all hidden behind forest. Only got a view at the top of the Black Run (see photo.)
I was hoping for some long rolling singletrack, but was bitterly disappointed. Travelled 1 1/2 hours and don't think I'll bother again.
| Thank