Lakes and Dales Horseback Rambler

  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...