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Claife Heights Trail

Claife Heights Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Claife Heights Trail

Mountain biking

5.0

(97)

Gravel riding

5.0

(1)

This Highlight goes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

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Location: Claife, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Tips

Barney

August 7, 2018

Mountain biking

This trail between Sawrey and Belle Grange/High Wray is an absolute delight. It's not remotely technical, but it's utterly stunning. There are no huge mountains to take the breath away (well, there are, but they're on the horizon) but it's as if someone wished to distil the concentrated essence of the lakes into a couple of square miles. There are tarns, gently undulating scenery immense beauty everywhere. It's well worth lingering.

Biene

August 30, 2016

Mountain biking

You don't know what to do first - look where you are going or look around. Try both! Or stop frequently.

Boris 🚴 🏃🐾🐕‍🦺

June 27, 2018

Mountain biking

Beautiful tour with a moderate increase. If you have some time, you should rest at the lakes. With a bit of luck you can find lots of mushrooms.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Claife Heights Trail

5.0

(5)

riders

#1.

The Windermere, Hawkshead and Kentmere loop — The Lake District

54.3km

04:54

1,230m

1,240m

Embark on the Windermere, Hawkshead and Kentmere loop, a demanding mountain biking adventure through the Lake District. This difficult 33.7-mile (54.3 km) route, typically taking around 4 hours and 53 minutes, challenges you with 4043 feet (1232 metres) of elevation gain across varied terrain. You will encounter unpaved tracks, rocky paths, and thrilling singletrack descents, including the fast doubletrack near the Grizedale Stone Fox Sculpture. The Claife Heights Trail offers particularly stunning vistas, showcasing the concentrated essence of the lakes with its immense beauty and picturesque tarns.

Planning your ride requires good fitness and advanced skills; be prepared for sections where you might need to push your bike, especially on the steep Kentmere side of Garburn Pass. The trail is highly rated, often feeling surprisingly quiet despite its proximity to popular spots like Ambleside. Consider incorporating a ferry crossing as a unique part of your journey, but always check schedules beforehand to avoid delays. The area is known for dry conditions, large rock slabs, and loose corners, so choose your timing wisely.

This loop is a quintessential Lake District journey, offering an extensive exploration of the region's natural splendor, shaped by glacial activity. It seamlessly integrates tranquil bridleways with demanding mountain passes, providing a varied riding experience. Beyond the trails, the wider area around Windermere and Hawkshead holds historical landmarks like Wray Castle and Beatrix Potter's Hill Top Farm, allowing you to blend cultural stops into your adventure. The route's popularity stems from its significant challenge and breathtaking views of mountains, moorlands, and forests.

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Hard

4.6

(15)

182

riders

#2.

Rydal Water Beach – Claife Heights Trail loop from Lakes

44.9km

03:24

700m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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Moderate

4.6

(7)

riders

#3.