Nether Wasdale and Hollow Moor by mountain bike
This circular ride around the western end of Wasdale busts the myth that all mountain biking in the area is hardcore. It has one steep climb that requires pushing, but that aside it's a mixture of high-level cruising, a long descent and fast-flowing exploration around the valley bottom's tracks and lanes.
Enjoy the ride
Nether Wasdale is an ideal start point, allowing a pleasant warm up around the lanes to Wastwater. The real fun starts with an outstanding descent from the top of Hollow Moor. Enjoy the views as you work your way around the route, for not only do you get a twist on the classic view towards Scafell Pike, you also get a mighty seascape out across the Irish Sea.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Nether Wasdale National Trust car park, near Cinderdale Bridge, CA20 1ET. Grid ref: NY128038.
Step 1
If you are parked in the small National Trust car park turn right out of the car park and then first left towards Wastwater. If you are parked in the centre of Nether Wasdale head east out of the village to a junction, take the left branch, then at the next junction head straight on and follow the road to Wastwater.
Step 2
A few hundred yards along the lakeshore take the left turn away from the lake just after the viewpoint. Follow the road past Greendale for 2 miles until you reach a bridleway on the right (immediately after the cattle grid).
Step 3
Follow the steep bridleway as it climbs uphill, through a gate and beside the trees. At a bend the bridleway enters a lane and climbs west through the trees. Past the trees the bridleway turns north and exits onto open fell. Head north then west beside a wall to a footbridge.
Step 4
Cross the footbridge and then enter the walled lane. The lane is rough at first and then undulates before descending in a long run down to the road near Gosforth.
Step 5
Turn right and head down towards Gosforth. Cross Wellington Bridge and carry straight on for 200yd (183m). Turn left on to a bridleway (there is a sign saying 'Private Road', but this is a public bridleway so carry on) and follow the bridleway to a T-junction.
Step 6
Turn left and follow the road for around half a mile to a bridleway on the left for Hall Bolton. The bridleway dips down to cross the River Bleng then climbs to join a road.
Step 7
Turn right at the road then, after a mile or so, at the next junction turn right for Nether Wasdale. When you reach the village you've a choice of two Lakeland pubs if you would like some refreshments after your efforts. If you parked up in the National Trust car park continue through the village and turn next right back to the car park.
End point
Nether Wasdale National Trust car park, near Cinderdale Bridge, CA20 1ET. Grid ref: NY128038.
Trail map
More near here
Greendale and Middle Fell walk
Enjoy a quieter walk from Wasdale into the Western Fells, exploring above Wastwater on a circular route to Greendale Tarn and the summit of Middle Fell.
Pillar trail from Wasdale Head
Few places in the Lake District have views to compete with those from the Pillar summit, but this route there involves a ascent of over 800m so a high level of fitness required.
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