place Hawkshead, LA22 0QJ
Grizedale Trail Centre in the Lake District National Park is home to some fantastic natural mtb trails and singletrack including the infamous North Face Trail.
The diverse trail network accommodates all skill levels, featuring both public access and forest road paths, along with beginner-friendly green-rated family trails. The centre offers convenient amenities including an on-site café, retail shop, and bicycle washing station.
The 16 km trail offers adrenelizing sections of single track decent with leg burning up hills, contouring through oak woodlands and conifer forest. The challenging trail also gives the mountain biker tricky board walk sections through meadows yet reward the trail rider with outstanding views along the way.
The Black offers an awesome blast of jumps and berms with steep descents, not for the faint hearted. There is a split along this section with options of single or double black trail, watch out for the signs.
Start from the forest road to the east of Carron Crag summit. It can be accessed following the beginning of the North Face trail to marker number 5 then continuing straight on along the forest road for half a mile. Alternatively there is a bridleway which can be followed from the visitor centre.
Toilets
Bike Hire
Bike Wash
Cafe
Visitor Centre| Nearest Town: | Hawkshead |
| Website: | www.forestryengland.uk |
| Sat Nav: | LA22 0QJ |
| Grid Ref: | SD 335943 |
Want to view the location of this trail?
Login or Sign-up by clicking the button below.
Published: 4 August 2025
Forestry England is delighted to announce the official opening of their latest red-graded trail sections at Grizedale Forest.
Published: 5 March 2018
Specialized have been hard at work planning the biggest mountain bike party of the year, a three day MTB festival, set in the heart of the Lake District!
Published: 13 October 2017
Muddy, wild and so much fun! The final round of the Hope PMBA Enduro Series was a slippery affair as 300+ riders made the trip to Grizedale Forest.
Published: 2 April 2012
The first purpose built black downhill mountain bike trail in Cumbria was built by a team of volunteers lead by Grizedale Mountain Bike and with support from the Forestry Commission.
Please note: Distance is calculated as air distance or "as the crow flies" the most direct route between two points, so the distance by road maybe slightly longer.
Disclaimer: All trails and location details have been submitted to this website by independent contributors and resources. We hold no personal responsibility for the accuracy or legality of any trail description or location published herein. All listings are for information only.