{"id":26235,"date":"2018-03-12T07:02:29","date_gmt":"2018-03-12T07:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?p=26235"},"modified":"2018-03-12T07:18:57","modified_gmt":"2018-03-12T07:18:57","slug":"off-to-the-lakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2018\/03\/off-to-the-lakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Off to The Lakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

It seems silly to drive 200 miles, a drive that takes over 4 hours, just so that I can go surf skiing, mountain biking and running, but that’s what I decided to do this weekend. Some people had organised something of a surf-skiers get together and paddle on Ullswater. I have a camper van and a sense of adventure so what better way to spend a weekend than camping and activities in The Lake District. It just so happened that I’d swapped my days around at work so had Friday off as well. With plans made and the van packed I headed off on Friday morning as Anna and Morgan headed off to work and school.There were still some large snow drifts throughout Wales and loads of roadworks so it was long drive but the snow disappeared by the time I was in England and I was soon heading North on the motorways. Before long I turned off towards the southern Lakes on the A590 before joining a\u00a0minor road at the bottom of Lake Windermere. This weaved it’s way through the hills and then alongside the picturesque Esthwaite Water.<\/p>\n

\"Esthwaite<\/a>

Esthwaite Water<\/p><\/div>\n

I turned left in Hawkshead up a steep hill to a forestry car park at Moor Top.<\/p>\n

Riding at Grizedale<\/h2>\n

I arrived in the Moor Top car park in Grizedale Forest just after midday with plenty of time for a mountain bike ride. The red-graded North Face trail looked like the one to do. As far as I could tell the other way marked routes here were all on forest roads, only the North Face trail is a true mountain bike trail. The guides said it was 10 miles and takes 2\u00bd hours. Perfect as a 2\u00bd hour ride was just what I needed. I set off, having not been out on my bike for months. I soon got into the swing of things though and felt good.<\/p>\n

The trail itself was rocky with lots of single track sections. This included lots of single track, technical climbing too. There were boardwalks, puddles, small drops, tight switchbacks and of course so amazing views.<\/p>\n

\"Riding<\/a>

Riding the North Face Trail<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Views<\/a>

Views of Coniston<\/p><\/div>\n

Before I knew it I was back at the camper, having ridden for 1 hour 10 minutes. Without stopping I just headed out for another lap. This time I knew what to expect so it was a little quicker but I was probably slowing towards the end.
\n