4.3
(81)
772
riders
54
rides
Mountain biking around Little Strickland offers access to the diverse and scenic landscapes of the Lake District National Park and the Ullswater area. The region features a mix of country lanes, permitted cycleways, and bridleways, with terrain ranging from high mountain fells to rocky ground and forest paths. Riders can expect challenging climbs and rewarding descents, often with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.0
(1)
59
riders
41.8km
04:02
1,030m
1,030m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(2)
35
riders
40.2km
03:49
920m
920m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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5.0
(1)
30
riders
14.2km
01:16
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(2)
28
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
29.6km
02:19
640m
640m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Loadpot Hill, at 671 metres, and its trig point occupy an expansive, flat-topped fell between Arthur's Pike and Wether Hill. It has commanding but distant 360-degree views of the surrounding fells from its barren, flat top that you know must be a nightmare during high winds in winter. The trig point is not the actual summit; the summit is nearby but unmarked.
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The Cockpit is a 3,500–5,000-year-old Bronze Age stone circle (27m diameter) located on Moor Divock in the Lake District National Park, overlooking Ullswater. It features roughly 70–75, mainly recumbent, stones set into a circular embankment, likely serving as a prehistoric gathering place. It is accessible via walking trails from Askham or Pooley Bridge.
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quick stop, little pub in a few minutes walk.
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The decent down gives spectacular views of Haweswater Reservoir.
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From here you get a beautiful view looking north over the picturesque waters of Ullswater. The area is surrounded by dramatic fells and the lake is often considered one of the most scenic in the UK.
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Lovely views from Askham fell before the excellent decent towards Pooley Bridge.
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Among the many treasures of the English Lake District, Lowther Castle stands out. Built in the early 19th century on the site of two older houses, the castle once had a room for every day of the year and its gardens were famous in the north. Today, Lowther Castle is a great visitor attraction with dramatic ruins, beautiful gardens, and an adventure playground.
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The region offers a diverse mix of terrain, from country lanes and permitted cycleways to challenging bridleways. You'll encounter high mountain fells, rocky ground, and forest paths, particularly around the Ullswater area and the wider Lake District National Park. Expect a blend of technical sections, steep descents, and rewarding climbs with expansive views.
There are over 50 mountain bike routes available around Little Strickland on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options.
Yes, around Little Strickland, there are 9 easy routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. The wider area also offers family-friendly cycle routes through the ancient woodland and pastures of the Lowther Estate.
For experienced riders, there are 7 difficult routes. Notable challenging trails include the View of Ullswater – The Cockpit Stone Circle loop from Lowther, which is 41.8 km with significant elevation gain, and the Loadpot Hill Trig Point – View of Ullswater loop from Lowther, a 40.2 km path that includes a climb to Loadpot Hill.
Many of the mountain bike routes in the area are circular. For example, the The Cockpit Stone Circle – View over Ullswater loop from Lowther is a moderate 34.7 km circular trail, and the Lowther Castle – White House by the River loop from Lowther offers a shorter, moderate 14.2 km loop.
The trails offer access to stunning natural features and viewpoints. You can visit the Loadpot Hill Trig Point for extensive views, or the Pikeawassa (Steel Knotts summit) for outstanding views towards Ullswater. The Cockpit Stone Circle is another interesting historical site along some routes.
The mountain biking routes around Little Strickland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 1000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the picturesque fells, the shores of Ullswater, and the extensive network of bridleways.
Yes, while some trails are challenging, the wider Lake District National Park offers a mix of country lanes and permitted cycleways suitable for families. The Lowther Estate, nearby, also features an excellent network of family-friendly cycle routes through ancient woodlands and pastures.
The Ullswater Singletrack is particularly renowned for its technical and rewarding nature, featuring rock steps, drops, steep slabs, and boulder fields, offering a significant challenge. The fells around High Street also provide hundreds of miles of bridleways with moderate technical challenges.
The region offers great mountain biking opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but conditions can be more challenging due to weather and shorter daylight hours.
Pooley Bridge, a village at the northern end of Ullswater, is a common starting point for many cycling routes and offers amenities such as pubs and shops. The general area around Little Strickland also has quiet country lanes that may lead to local establishments.
While popular areas like Ullswater can see more riders, the extensive network of bridleways across the High Street Fells offers hundreds of miles of trails, allowing for exploration away from the busiest spots. The tranquil countryside around Little Strickland itself also provides opportunities for more leisurely and less crowded rides.


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