Lake District, United Kingdom - Mountain Biking in the UK

This week's picture comes to us from Cumbria in England. Also known as the Lake District, this area has some of the most beautiful scenery and radical Mountain Biking in the UK. This photo was taken on the Cumbrian Way, a trail that runs across Skiddaw near the town of Keswick.

In the U.K., cyclists have right of way on all trails marked as 'Bridleway' on Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps (but not on trails marked 'Footpath'). The relevant maps for this area are OS Outdoor Leisure 4, 5, 6 and 7. Keswick is an excellent base, affording good access to the surrounding fells and lakes. It has two Youth Hostels (017687 72484) and a couple of good cycle shops which also hire bikes. Due to its outstanding natural beauty, Cumbria attracts lots of walkers so try to avoid weekends during the summer! Also, bad weather can occur suddenly at any time of year, so always follow the mountain code.

From London, Cumbria can be reached easily via train to Penrith or Carlisle, or by car on motorways M40 and M6.

Contributor: Stuart Berwick
Photographer: Jon Davies
Biker: Stuart Berwick