A ride around Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. Starting with the road alongside the north east of the first two lakes, into Lorton Vale with the river Cocker, up to Low Lorton. Then west over Whin Fell, with views over the Solway Firth, dropping down to Mosser. Then great views on the descent to Loweswater of the lake and the fells beyond. Alongside Loweswater through the delightful Holme Wood with carpets of Bluebells. Exiting the wood, the lunch stop was in no doubt, at a stone bench on the lake shore, with views to Grassmoor and the surrounding fells.

So far the riding had been easy and next there was the quiet valley of Mosedale. A couple of route options here; I chose the higher route which looked drier. Dropping down to meet the west to east bridleway, which would lead to the bottom end of Crummock Water, I misjudged a boggy bit and the rear wheel went in up to the axles! The descent to the lake proved difficult in places and the track along the shore was enjoyable, but sometimes awkward with many small boulders on the trail.

The final section along the south west of Buttermere was straightforward through Burtness wood. The track down from Honister to Buttermere was clearly visible as was the track up to Scarth Gap. Finished at Gatescarth Farm where there is a popular car park (pay & display). There is a free car park above Buttermere village but it’s very popular.

SE end of Buttermere

Dropping down to Loweswater

Into Holme Wood

Loweswater shoreline

Lunch stop

Into Mosedale

Whoops, misjudged that !

Descending over some tricky sections towards Crummock Water

Track alongside Crummock Water, awkward in places

Alongside SW shore of Buttermere