This is a great little ride which is basically a figure of 8 around Askham Fell. Park at the village hall and outdoor swimming pool, there is an honesty box for a contribution. Leave the car park and turn left onto the main road. You will soon reach Helton taking the next right and then right again to begin the climb. It is steep at the start but soon levels off after a cattle grid and the view soon opens up!
As the road flattens off you will start to descend slightly and you will come to a well signed bridleway heading off to the right. This is awesome to ride in the dry and a bit boggy in the wet!
Ride the well marked track until you see a well marked track heading off to the left. This track is undulating with a nice short sharp incline to keep you interested!
Ullswater soon comes into view and the views in every direction are stunning! The track soon starts to drop towards Howtown and this is marked as the Cockpit. An awesome descent with views that will only distract!
The trail soon flattens and becomes more undulating. As you come to a small fork take the higher singletrack trail which takes you to a gate at a house. It asks that you dismount as you go through the drive. As you meet the road turn right and head towards Pooley bridge. You will soon come to a cross roads, turn right and climb! You will come to a small car park and gate which leads to the bridleway back over Askham Fell.
The climb is a good one and will certainly get your heart pumping! As you top out the trail flattens before you reach your outward leg. Take the bridleway to your left climbing and heading towards a walled coppice. At the coppice turn right to take the fast grassy descent towards Askham.
You will soon reach a road that will take you back to Askham, leaving you with a big grin on your face! This is one of the best short routes in the lakes with some of the best views!
