A scenic view of rolling green hills and fields under a clear blue sky, with a tranquil river winding through the landscape. Lush trees dot the hillside, and patches of farmland are visible in the foreground, showcasing a vibrant mix of greenery and earthy tones. Sam Houghton Circuit mountain bike trail.
See all photos (12)
×
User
Today
 
  |   Rate it:

Tags:
Level: Advanced
Length: 26 mi (41.8 km)
Surface: Doubletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +1,106/ -1,102 ft
Total: 6 riders
 

Mountain Biking Sam Houghton Circuit

***   Add a review
#48 of 98 mountain bike trails in England
#8,146 in the world

There is a well supported race held on this circuit each year. It has a reputation as a bit of a killer.

The Sam Houghton circuit combines numerous bridal ways (old pack horse trails) that climb over the local fells (hills) offering stupendous views over the Lake District including Lake Windermere.

This is a strenuous ride with over 1300m of altitude gain on trails that are often rocky, rough, steep and sometimes treacherous. It features a really gnarly rock garden. You'll earn your drink at Wilf's cafe...

We rode it in the opposite direction to the race. There are dozens of gates on the circuit and almost all will need opening and then closing...

First added by Jim Cummings on Oct 3, 2015. Last updated Apr 23, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: yes
  • Fat bike grooming: yes
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
Best place to start this circuit is at the Wheelbase Cycles shop, Staveley. There is lots of parking there and a cafe to restock in after the ride...


Sam Houghton Circuit Trail map

Add to or improve this map // Share this map on your website

Local Info

Club Sponsor

-

Trail checkins

Upcoming Events

None.
Add one

Trail conditions

Good (Jul 3, 2018)
login to update

Camping & Lodging

Coming soon!

Sam Houghton Circuit videos

Add a video
We don't have any videos of this trail yet. Add one here.

Add a review

Rating
 
Difficulty
 
Review

Reviews

  • Jim Cummings
    ***

    This is a very scenic ride on a clear fine day. But you'll have to stop to take in the views - you won't want to take your eyes off the bumpy trail when you're on the move.
    It's a ride you do for the views, the serenity and for fitness and the challenge rather than the fun - you won't find jumps, flowing berms, rollers, pops and so on. There are plenty of challenging rock gardens. You will be able to get some speed up on some of the downhill sections but more often you won't get a lot of flow. There are no purpose built mountain biking sections on the circuit. It's mainly on bridal ways but does follow some back country roads as it crosses the valleys between the hills.

    Reply | Thank

Rider questions