Lakes and Dales Horseback Rambler

After as massive campaign lead by fellow cyclists, the West road of Thirlmere Reservoir is open again meaning we can all once more enjoy the 10 mile circler ride around the shore! It is quite astonishing to think now that the road was closed for over two years after a rock fall at Rough Crag. It got a little bit ridiculous as legally horses could not be excluded from the road closure (Traffic Regulation Order) and cyclists started to still ride the route, but openly said they were riding the route as their bike identified as a horse! Myself and my friend Bridget were invited to ride the road when it was still closed to test it out and to show how silly the situation had become. Of course we were more than happy to help and were featured in the local press!    The Cumberland New 2 February 2024 There are lots of car parks around Thirlmere, but for this ride I will start it from the Swirls Car Park off the A591 and would recommend doing the ride anti-clockwise. This route takes ...

  The Lake District is good at any time of year and often your can get four seasons in a day! Spring though has the added benefit of it being a bit quieter and a good time to go on a bluebell ride. After spending several years working in Grasmere I have become very fond of Loughrigg Fell and in a past work life this was my morning dog walk before work. I remember the bluebells being good, but the day of this ride they really were spectacular! There are a couple of car parks in Elterwater, but this time we tried Silverthwaite Car Park between Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge. Once you have worked out how the machine works this is a great car park to start a ride. From Silverthwaite car park cross the road and take the path directly opposite the car park entrance. This leads you through a small wood and links onto the bridleway. Some people may like to dismount and lead their horse along this path. Once you have done this, the bridleways around here are well signed, but you still need...

To anyone that like looking at OS maps Great Langdale it pretty special. I say this as there is so much choice, weather you’re a walkers, mountain biker, horse rider or disabled tramper  user. This ride is good at any time but a great time to visit this valley has to autumn, firstly there are less visitors and secondary the autumn colours on a sunny crisp day really do sing! One of my favourite routes is the bridleway that starts in Elterwater and carries on up the valley through Great Langdale. This trail is for all and the last time I did this was with my horse and my two children were 8 and 10 on their mountain bikes. It sounds a crazy mix, but riding your horse while others cycle really can work, especially if you can find the right off road route. This route does have one hill, but overall it quite flat (for the Lake District) so for the youngest member of the team this route was challenging but still doable. At no point did I have to lead my horse and push a small child’s b...