MTB: Whinlatter Pass Ridden
12 September 2009, 11:17 PM
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MTB: Whinlatter Pass Ridden
Phew, just got in from Doing Whinlatter today! 
I've been wanting to do this since about January when I first discovered the trails whilst watching the Malcolm Wilson Rally!
My brother and I have got back into MTBing and there's been a lot of hype about Whinlatter so off we went.
It's dead easy to find, leave the M6 and follow the A66 west. Go past Keswick and then turn left through Braithwaite and just keep going! You'll eventually see the Whinlatter Visitor Centre on your right. There are bogs, a cafe and a bike shop (buy your route map here, £1). Parking for more then 4 hours was £4.00.
There are three loops to choose from, one blue, two reds. There aren't any black runs as such but there black sections, ie logs to ride along and some drops etc.
Off we went on the blue, the first part also being the start of the north red. Both of us struggled to start with, grip is very low!
I'd also had some tyre probs last time out so my pressures were all to ****, ie massively too high. After a crash last time out I was also sporting a new saddle so I was expecting some teething issues. I have to say, it took me a lot longer to settle in than I expected.
When I say grip is low, what I actually mean is, there is no grip! The surface is mainly slate, some loose and some still set in the mud. Most of the blue is also under tree cover so it's all damp too. It's a nice enough run around, the route wouldn't be so taxing on a surface with grip but I didn't enjoy it, too many moments for my liking. I would say however, if you go, do the blue because it's the most treacherous part of the day and it's a good place to hone your skills without the hurdles of the red runs. It also takes in Comb and Hobcarton for the rally fans! That was the first 4.6 miles done!
The north red. I was beginning to wonder what I had let myself in for now!
The first part is through the trees again, I dealt with it better this time for having let some air out of the tyres. It soon gets scenic with views over Keswick...
It also gets gnarly! You have to traverse a hillside, well mountainside I guess! It's chuffing steep and it's not helped by the trail not being very wide, or level! To be honest, I lost my bottle here a bit, foolishly I looked down! Make no mistake, clip your left pedal here and you'll get pitched off down a long drop and there's not a lot to stop you!
The scenery is a bit special though! There are some tight hairpains (not this one!) They're also up steep climbs so they're tricky...some were about as tight as I can turn, first gear jobs!
The climb then goes onto some fire road, pretty dull but satisfying when you get to the top. At the top, more tree covered, rooty terror awaits!
So far we'd found it difficult to get into a rhythm, it doesn't seem to flow well and the good bits are thin on the ground.
Then comes the epicness! The run back down to the car park is sublime!
It's fast, has hairpins, berms, jumps and pretty much makes up for what you have to suffer to get to it! The hairpin, bermed bends are incredible, you lose so much height in such a short way! The jumps are nice, if a little close together...I just sort of jumped off them rather than attack them as confidence was still low, if they're not your thing you can just roll them. 6 miles, 200 metre height gain/loss, done! 
Red south. The start and finish of this is the exit for the blue...bit of a gripe on this! This is the most used part of the trial, has two way traffic on it, it's not wide enough and is fookin lethally slippery! Next up is a short spell on fire road, nice enough but a bit dull. As you go back on the single track your heart drops through the floor. All there is to see in front of you is the end of a valley, the only way to go is up, a long way up!! It's not actually as bad as you first think. You twist and turn your way up and up and up some more. This climb works and seems to reward you more if you really attack it. From here you can see the narrow trail on the north red. Just.
And the descent to the car park
There's an optional loop as you near the top...it's a little confusing as you get red arrows pointing both ways and the map isn't too clear. It's a worthwhile run that flows well,
and you see this!
The next descent made the day for me. Quick, flowing, tabletops (which I can't clear lol) hairpins, berms, jumps and finally, consistent grip!
A little more fire road, some singletrack, some northshore...
And back to the car, 5.5 miles, done! We liked this so much we did it twice!
To sum up then. It's a good day out, enjoyable and the views are to die for. I do think we got lucky with the weather, I've been there in winter watching rally cars and it's a miserable place. The views made it for me, in winter the tops will be in cloud for sure. Also if it's wet all the way round I'd fully expect to have an off, it's that slippery. If I was to go again I'd want knee and elbow pads. We (luckily) didn't get any punctures but I was constant fear of them, I'd say take two tubes...that said, as long as you can get back to the car park, you could go the shop.
Would I go back? I'm not in a rush. Don't get me wrong, it's a good ride and if you're used to riding on slate you'll probably love it. For me it doesn't flow that well, the gaps between the good bits are too long and it takes two hours to get there. I also prefer my more local ride, Gisburn Forest which is awesome the whole way around!
Top tips for Whinlatter; do the blue route and expect minimal grip, run your tyre pressures lower than normal, keep the bike upright in the turns and weight your outer pedal, pads aren't a bad idea, expect minimal grip!
I've been wanting to do this since about January when I first discovered the trails whilst watching the Malcolm Wilson Rally!
My brother and I have got back into MTBing and there's been a lot of hype about Whinlatter so off we went.It's dead easy to find, leave the M6 and follow the A66 west. Go past Keswick and then turn left through Braithwaite and just keep going! You'll eventually see the Whinlatter Visitor Centre on your right. There are bogs, a cafe and a bike shop (buy your route map here, £1). Parking for more then 4 hours was £4.00.
There are three loops to choose from, one blue, two reds. There aren't any black runs as such but there black sections, ie logs to ride along and some drops etc.
Off we went on the blue, the first part also being the start of the north red. Both of us struggled to start with, grip is very low!
I'd also had some tyre probs last time out so my pressures were all to ****, ie massively too high. After a crash last time out I was also sporting a new saddle so I was expecting some teething issues. I have to say, it took me a lot longer to settle in than I expected. When I say grip is low, what I actually mean is, there is no grip!
The surface is mainly slate, some loose and some still set in the mud. Most of the blue is also under tree cover so it's all damp too. It's a nice enough run around, the route wouldn't be so taxing on a surface with grip but I didn't enjoy it, too many moments for my liking. I would say however, if you go, do the blue because it's the most treacherous part of the day and it's a good place to hone your skills without the hurdles of the red runs. It also takes in Comb and Hobcarton for the rally fans! That was the first 4.6 miles done!The north red. I was beginning to wonder what I had let myself in for now!
The first part is through the trees again, I dealt with it better this time for having let some air out of the tyres. It soon gets scenic with views over Keswick...It also gets gnarly! You have to traverse a hillside, well mountainside I guess! It's chuffing steep and it's not helped by the trail not being very wide, or level! To be honest, I lost my bottle here a bit, foolishly I looked down! Make no mistake, clip your left pedal here and you'll get pitched off down a long drop and there's not a lot to stop you!
The scenery is a bit special though! There are some tight hairpains (not this one!) They're also up steep climbs so they're tricky...some were about as tight as I can turn, first gear jobs!
The climb then goes onto some fire road, pretty dull but satisfying when you get to the top. At the top, more tree covered, rooty terror awaits!
So far we'd found it difficult to get into a rhythm, it doesn't seem to flow well and the good bits are thin on the ground.Then comes the epicness! The run back down to the car park is sublime!
It's fast, has hairpins, berms, jumps and pretty much makes up for what you have to suffer to get to it! The hairpin, bermed bends are incredible, you lose so much height in such a short way! The jumps are nice, if a little close together...I just sort of jumped off them rather than attack them as confidence was still low, if they're not your thing you can just roll them. 6 miles, 200 metre height gain/loss, done! Red south. The start and finish of this is the exit for the blue...bit of a gripe on this! This is the most used part of the trial, has two way traffic on it, it's not wide enough and is fookin lethally slippery!
Next up is a short spell on fire road, nice enough but a bit dull. As you go back on the single track your heart drops through the floor. All there is to see in front of you is the end of a valley, the only way to go is up, a long way up!! It's not actually as bad as you first think. You twist and turn your way up and up and up some more. This climb works and seems to reward you more if you really attack it. From here you can see the narrow trail on the north red. Just.And the descent to the car park
There's an optional loop as you near the top...it's a little confusing as you get red arrows pointing both ways and the map isn't too clear. It's a worthwhile run that flows well,
and you see this!
The next descent made the day for me. Quick, flowing, tabletops (which I can't clear lol) hairpins, berms, jumps and finally, consistent grip!
A little more fire road, some singletrack, some northshore...
And back to the car, 5.5 miles, done! We liked this so much we did it twice!
To sum up then. It's a good day out, enjoyable and the views are to die for. I do think we got lucky with the weather, I've been there in winter watching rally cars and it's a miserable place. The views made it for me, in winter the tops will be in cloud for sure. Also if it's wet all the way round I'd fully expect to have an off, it's that slippery. If I was to go again I'd want knee and elbow pads. We (luckily) didn't get any punctures but I was constant fear of them, I'd say take two tubes...that said, as long as you can get back to the car park, you could go the shop.
Would I go back? I'm not in a rush. Don't get me wrong, it's a good ride and if you're used to riding on slate you'll probably love it. For me it doesn't flow that well, the gaps between the good bits are too long and it takes two hours to get there. I also prefer my more local ride, Gisburn Forest which is awesome the whole way around!
Top tips for Whinlatter; do the blue route and expect minimal grip, run your tyre pressures lower than normal, keep the bike upright in the turns and weight your outer pedal, pads aren't a bad idea, expect minimal grip!
12 September 2009, 11:57 PM
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Looks good.
I did this last week:
It was a fair old climb but hey, that's what the gondola is for!
This was interesting!
Managed to cook a full set of brake pads.
I did this last week:
It was a fair old climb but hey, that's what the gondola is for!
This was interesting!
Managed to cook a full set of brake pads.
13 September 2009, 03:09 AM
#5
Scooby Regular
Haven't read your full review but was hugely disappointed in Winlater .
The shorter loop (thnk it was the South, the shorter one anyway) is tedium with constantly climbing tight switchbacks that stop you getting in any climbing rhythm at all, route only saved by some lovely views down to Derwent with the longer North loop salvaging something. Even on this better loop, the level of relatively 'dull' climbing just isn't rewarded by a satisfying enough downhill. It only comes alive at the very end of the route.
Maybe I'm spoilt for choice with Glentress and Innerleithen on my doorstep but Winlater was a huge let down for me
Lovely location but poorly constructed routes with a real 'man made' feel and lack of any real flow to either of them.
Long live Spooky Wood
The shorter loop (thnk it was the South, the shorter one anyway) is tedium with constantly climbing tight switchbacks that stop you getting in any climbing rhythm at all, route only saved by some lovely views down to Derwent with the longer North loop salvaging something. Even on this better loop, the level of relatively 'dull' climbing just isn't rewarded by a satisfying enough downhill. It only comes alive at the very end of the route.
Maybe I'm spoilt for choice with Glentress and Innerleithen on my doorstep but Winlater was a huge let down for me
Lovely location but poorly constructed routes with a real 'man made' feel and lack of any real flow to either of them.
Long live Spooky Wood
Last edited by SiPie; 13 September 2009 at 03:12 AM.
13 September 2009, 10:10 AM
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SiPie, we got talking to someone from near Glentress, he also said it was much better! One of the reasons we were keen to go was the bloke who 'designed' Whinlatter also did Gisburn, and Gisburn rocks! It flows nicely, there's a good spread of fun bits and the surface is a lot more grippy!
Cheers Neil!
Cheers Neil!
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13 September 2009, 11:53 AM
#9
I've got to agree with sipie but its not that whinlatter is bad its more like innerleithen is so good, once I rode minch moor descent and the a line,there is nothing else near it
13 September 2009, 03:29 PM
#11
Also known as daz
Been out today as well, did portreath,bissoe,tehidy all sorts, group went out for 6 hours but i did a two hour ride out afterwards as i enjoy riding on me own on occasions.
I am cream crackered, my rig is a giant anthem, which is nice, bit hairdy on the descents if you aren't confident as it's very agile, i've toned it down by leaving some cheap assed alex dp17 rims on, i kep on wrecking mavics and dr's on the routes we were being taken on, i'll buy me a racing pair towards the new year when the bagains are about.
Aren't you lot wary of coming off those chicken wire trails and being grazed to hell i know i would be.
Pg is that a charge knife i spy there.
I am cream crackered, my rig is a giant anthem, which is nice, bit hairdy on the descents if you aren't confident as it's very agile, i've toned it down by leaving some cheap assed alex dp17 rims on, i kep on wrecking mavics and dr's on the routes we were being taken on, i'll buy me a racing pair towards the new year when the bagains are about.
Aren't you lot wary of coming off those chicken wire trails and being grazed to hell i know i would be.
Pg is that a charge knife i spy there.
13 September 2009, 08:48 PM
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I came away from Glentress somewhat underwhelmed. Perhaps it was that we were stuck in traffic on the road there or maybe it was the fact that some stupid bint reversed her car in to my Stumpy FSR before we left. Mainly I think it was the fact it didn't live up to the hype. There are 10 miles the difference between going to Glentress or going to Laggan for me and I'd rather travel up the dreaded A9 to Laggan than go to Glentress. Granted, Spooky Wood is good and enjoyable but again not all it's made out to be imo.
Most of my (off road) riding is done in the Dunkeld area where there is some great natural trails and scenery.
Hux, the bike is a Bionicon, Golden Willow and you're in the wrong section of the cutlery drawer there
Most of my (off road) riding is done in the Dunkeld area where there is some great natural trails and scenery.
Hux, the bike is a Bionicon, Golden Willow and you're in the wrong section of the cutlery drawer there
Last edited by PG; 13 September 2009 at 08:51 PM.
13 September 2009, 08:56 PM
#13
Also known as daz
Lol you know what i mean the saddle you mong 
Bionicon, don't they have the frame that you can adjust the geometry on the go?
I have a...
Charge sppon
bel air rl
wtb silverado
And now selle italia gel flow c2
Bel air is my sofa the wtb for race days and the selle sort of inbetween, the spoon im unsure about, kind of in between but i have days were i do and don't get on with it.....
I have more saddles and tyres than i know what but that's because grip and comfort are paramount to me.
Not sure if i should nip out tomorrow whilst the weathers good, we'll see.
Bionicon, don't they have the frame that you can adjust the geometry on the go?
I have a...
Charge sppon
bel air rl
wtb silverado
And now selle italia gel flow c2
Bel air is my sofa the wtb for race days and the selle sort of inbetween, the spoon im unsure about, kind of in between but i have days were i do and don't get on with it.....
I have more saddles and tyres than i know what but that's because grip and comfort are paramount to me.
Not sure if i should nip out tomorrow whilst the weathers good, we'll see.
Last edited by hux309; 13 September 2009 at 08:57 PM.
13 September 2009, 09:41 PM
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Yup. The geometry shifts on my bike. It works very well indeed. I test rode it at the Laggan demo day last year and decided I was having one. I went again this year and went to try the Turner 5 Spot in particular. I tried many, many bikes over the weekend but none of them would replace the Bionicon which worries me as I like to get a shiny new bike every year!
I'll maybe replace my 'Dale HT with a nice carbon or Ti number instead? There are worse dilemmas to have I s'pose.
I'm going to step up my training now in prep for the forthcoming Strathpuffer as I've been a bit lazy of late!
I'll maybe replace my 'Dale HT with a nice carbon or Ti number instead? There are worse dilemmas to have I s'pose.
I'm going to step up my training now in prep for the forthcoming Strathpuffer as I've been a bit lazy of late!
13 September 2009, 10:56 PM
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My Bike, Gary Fisher 2008 HiFi Plus 
Got told off yesterday by the bloke in the shop for putting 8 inch rotors on it!
Awesome mudguard, Neoguard
I've only had it 4 months and I'm already getting itchy feet for something else! Our kid's Trek Fuel 8 (pictured above) seems to go like ****!
Anyone ridden Dalby yet, I fancy that next... not that I'm trying to ride places where I might end up on a rally stage!
Got told off yesterday by the bloke in the shop for putting 8 inch rotors on it!
Awesome mudguard, Neoguard
I've only had it 4 months and I'm already getting itchy feet for something else! Our kid's Trek Fuel 8 (pictured above) seems to go like ****!
Anyone ridden Dalby yet, I fancy that next... not that I'm trying to ride places where I might end up on a rally stage!
13 September 2009, 11:01 PM
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Oh as for the 'chicken wire trails' or 'Northshore' or 'Board walk'...I'm not massively keen I must say! The stuff at Whinlatter has grippy paint stuff, there's actually more grip on the shore than the trail!! In Gisburn it's just rough split pine and slippy as! I've had two offs but to be fair, they were both in the wet. Given the choice I'd go around but it seems you have to ride it.
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