Guide to the famous Fred Whitton Challenge: a 179km (112 mile) charity challenge ride through the Lake District taking in 7 iconic passes. The guide also presents an alternative 5-day cycle tour of the Lake District using existing cycle trails and quiet country lanes and 15 challenging day rides departing from Keswick, Ambleside, Penrith and bases to the southwest and southeast of the National Park.
Step-by-step route descriptions are accompanied by either 1:100,000 or 1:200,000 mapping, together with details on gradient, major climbs and cafes/pubs en route. Also included is a comprehensive what to take checklist plus other practical information such as preparing your bike, packing for a cycle tour, fuelling your ride and more.
The guidebook allows for flexible touring of between 2- 7 days, suggesting schedules taking in all the dales, lakes and passes and making maximum use of budget accommodation. It contains full logistical information, as well as advice on preparation and equipment and tips for taking on the Fred Whitton Challenge.
Richard Barrett spent his working life as a professional marketer, but still found time for climbing, winter mountaineering and sea kayaking. He first visited the Harris hills as a teenager and became a regular visitor. He lived in North Harris for a number of years, where he and his wife ran a guest house and, although now a city-dweller, he still makes frequent forays to the Hebrides, reconnecting with the wilderness and catching up with old friends.
Map key
A Tour of the Lake District: route summary table and overview map
The Fred Whitton Challenge: overview map
Day Rides: route summary table and overview map
Introduction
The Fred Whitton Challenge
Lake District National Park
Geology and landscape
Plants and wildlife
History and culture
Getting there
Weather and when to ride
Where to stay
What type of bike?
Preparing your bike
Preparing yourself
Tips for completing the Fred Whitton Challenge
What to pack
How to pack
Riding comfortably
Fuelling your ride
Riding as a group
Cycle touring
Day rides
Maps and itineraries
Using this guide
A tour of the Lake District
The Eastern and Far Eastern Fells
Stage 1A Ambleside to Troutbeck over Kirkstone Pass
Stage 1B Ambleside to Troutbeck via Shap
The Northern Fells
Stage 2A Troutbeck to Keswick via Threlkeld
Stage 2B Troutbeck to Keswick via Hesket Newmarket
The North Western Fells
Stage 3A Keswick to Cockermouth over the passes
Stage 3B Keswick to Cockermouth via Lorton
The Western Fells
Stage 4A Cockermouth to Eskdale Green via Ennerdale Green
Stage 4B Cockermouth to Eskdale Green via Egremont
The Southern and Central Fells
Stage 5A Eskdale Green to Ambleside over the passes
Stage 5B Eskdale Green to Ambleside via Coniston and Hawkshead
Day rides
Ambleside and the Central Lakes
Route 1 Over the Wrynose and Hardknott passes from Ambleside
Route 2 Around the Central Fells
Route 3 A circuit of the Eastern Fells from Ambleside
Penrith and the North East
Route 4 Haweswater and Ullswater from Shap
Route 5 Lowther Park and Ullswater from Penrith
Route 6 Around Inglewood Forest
Keswick and the North West
Route 7 Loop around the Back o’ Skiddaw
Route 8 Whinlatter and Honister passes from Keswick
