Blencathra and the Old Coach Road, EMTB

A ride in the northern part of the Lake District with superb weather and scenery. From Threlkeld a scenic track leads up to the remote Skiddaw House (YHA), then the terrain changes completely as it follows the river Caldew into Mosedale. This area feels truly wild and remote. Undulating minor roads then lead to the start of the Old Coach Road and a convenient spot for a lunch break. The 'road' is wide and easy and offers superb views of Blencathra. As the track descends towards Keswick the surface is challenging, consisting of very loose stones which can feel like riding on ice. After a meander past the Castlerigg stone circle, the disused railway track (refurbished at considerable expense by the look of it) leads back to Threlkeld.