The best gravel rides around Martindale

While Martindale is primarily known for its challenging routes, there are a couple of moderate options. The Thirlmere Balcony Road – Thirlmere Dam and Reservoir loop from Legburthwaite is a moderate 10.9-mile (17.5 km) route with less elevation gain, offering a good introduction to the area's gravel biking. Another moderate choice is the Bridleway to Kentmere – Garburn Pass loop from Kentmere, which is 9.6 miles (15.5 km) long.

Martindale is characterized by demanding climbs and technical descents. For a significant challenge, consider the Skiddaw House Hostel – Caldew Trail loop from St. John's Castlerigg and Wythburn, a difficult 33.2-mile (53.4 km) trail with over 880 meters of elevation gain. This route takes you through the Skiddaw fells and is often completed in about 3 hours 35 minutes.

Yes, many of the gravel bike trails in Martindale are designed as loops. For instance, the popular Caldew Trail – Bridleway Around Blencathra loop from Troutbeck is a challenging 27.1-mile (43.6 km) circular route. Another excellent loop is the View of Ullswater – View of Ullswater loop from Askham, a difficult 17.7-mile (28.5 km) path offering panoramic views of Ullswater.

The Martindale area is rich with natural beauty and prominent peaks. Along various routes, you might encounter significant summits and viewpoints such as Helvellyn Summit, Catstye Cam, and Sheffield Pike. Other notable spots include Striding Edge and the Red Screes summit cairn, offering breathtaking views of the Cumbrian landscape.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.4 stars from over 14 reviews. Reviewers often praise the challenging nature of the routes, the expansive views across open moorland and fells, and the sense of adventure provided by the significant elevation changes. Many appreciate the well-maintained bridleways and tracks that are ideal for gravel bikes.

Yes, Martindale offers routes that cater to longer distances. The Skiddaw House Hostel – Caldew Trail loop from St. John's Castlerigg and Wythburn, at 33.2 miles (53.4 km), is one of the longer options available, providing an extensive ride through varied terrain and fells.

The Lake District weather can be unpredictable. Generally, late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the most favorable conditions with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, be prepared for sudden weather changes, even in summer, as the fells are exposed. Always check local forecasts before heading out.

While specific pub stops are not detailed in the route descriptions, many villages and towns surrounding Martindale, such as Askham or Troutbeck, have traditional pubs. Planning your route to pass through or near these settlements would allow for a refreshment stop. It's advisable to check opening times in advance, especially in quieter seasons.

The trails in Martindale primarily consist of bridleways and tracks across open moorland. You can expect a mix of gravel, compacted earth, and potentially some rocky or muddy sections, especially after rain. The terrain often involves significant elevation changes, so good bike handling skills are beneficial. Always ensure your gravel bike is equipped for varied surfaces.

Public transport options to Martindale itself are limited, given its rural location within the Lake District. Buses serve some of the larger towns and villages surrounding the area, such as Penrith or Pooley Bridge, from which you might be able to cycle to trailheads. However, direct access to many trail starting points often requires personal transport. It's recommended to research specific bus routes and timetables if planning to use public transport.

While the listed routes are popular for good reason, the extensive network of bridleways and tracks throughout the Lake District offers many opportunities for exploration. For a slightly less-trafficked experience, consider exploring the areas around the moderate routes like the Thirlmere Balcony Road, which offers stunning views without the same level of challenge or traffic as some of the more prominent fells. Venturing off the most well-known paths often reveals quieter sections of the landscape.