Whinlatter 1 - Detail
Where to start
Whinlatter rides circle the top of the mountain to the north of Whinlatter Pass. The most convenient start and finish is at the Visitor Centre (Map) and both loops start and finish there. For the more parsimonious, like me, you can avoid the parking fees at the visitor centre by parking in the forest car park on the left of the road 100m before the Visitor Centre (approaching from the Braithwaite side).
The visitor centre has a cafe and a large adventure playground. There are some details on the Forestry Commission website.
If you're into more exercise you can always start in Keswick or Cockermouth and cycle up to the visitor centre, which will add about 220m of ascent.
The Forestry Commission is carrying out a review of the cycling facilities at Whinlatter, with the intention of adding some single track: details can be found on their website.
Route
The routes are waymarked and you simply follow the signs. It is suggested that you tackle the Purple route first, followed by the Orange: this way round separates the climbs a bit more.
Start by leaving the car park at the opposite end to the road with the visitor centre to your left. Both routes climb together for about 1.4km, climbing nearly 200m. The Purple route then forks left at a junction with some excellent views out over the valley to the east and south, looking down to Keswick and Derwent Water. The route is now largely downhill for 4.5km: if you don't go so fast that you can't take your eyes off the road there are some lovely views in clear weather. The quality of the paths are pretty good and can be tackled at speed.
You come back down to the main road over Whinlatter Pass. After a short distance the cycle route enters the forest again on the right and continues parallel to the road for 2km with gentle ascents and descents. You come out at the forest car park mentioned in the first paragraph, above. Go down to the road, turn left and climb back to the visitor centre.
If you have the energy you can now tackle the Orange route. This follows the same climb up the mountain but forks right at the viewpoint and climbs further before coming out at a large flat space with excellent views over Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw. Take the moment to catch you breath as the route now turns sharp right and down. The paths on this route are significantly more rutted and damaged than on the purple route. The 3km to the road is steep in places and you can build up high speeds: however the surface can be difficult and care needs to be taken. Great fun for the brave!
You come out on the road about 1.3km from the visitor centre: turn right and head back to the car park.