Before going up to the Stanes in early October, we're heading to Ambleside for some riding this weekend. We'd like to have a blast round the North Face at some point, any idea how the trail is after this great summer we've had? I'm not yet sure which other routes we intend to do but any recommendations after this weather would be appreciated. Thanks Mike
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 *Bump* Also interested, planning a gentle spin round there on Saturday.
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It is wet and muddy, but if you don't mind getting dirty you will find its generally ok. It isn't the best riding in the Lakes tho, you might want to link it up with some of the superb b/ways in the forest for a much better ride.
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rode this the other night in the wet, wouldn't really call it muddy though?? Looks in need of a little work in places, one of my mates used to do the work on the trail but now it's left to some of the other lazy git's who work for the F.C.!!  some overgrown parts to it, but not a problem in daylight, boardwalks are in reasonable condition too (not too slippy), bit more rocky and weathered now but a whole lot more fun 
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Looks like the weather forecast for today and tomorrow is pretty good which may allow it dry a bit more then. Last time up there the boardwalks were really slippy and I had a couple of spills although nothing too serious. That could be Friday sorted then, we'll have to decide for Saturday and Sunday. Cheers
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you might want to link it up with some of the superb b/ways in the forest for a much better ride.
We'll be doing exactly that.
That could be Friday sorted then, we'll have to decide for Saturday and Sunday.
Skiddaw Friday for us, easy Grizedale Saturday, Merida Sunday, Monday tba 
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Any published routes for the Grizedale byways? We have the biketreks maps and the one that goes out left long the top of Coniston is a nice loop.
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I can't help with routes, we're taking a guide 
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.jpg) I would definitely recommend including a descent of Parkamoor, there's a climb back up that doesn't miss out any of the TNF trail.
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I'll look out for that one, thanks.
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 Mike do you have Memory Map? If you do e-mail me and I'll send you some routes, if you don't I can send some in PDF.
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If you have a spare £15 and are going to do much Lakes riding in the future the Vertibrate Graphics guide book to mountain biking in the Lakes is good.
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Dave, I do have memory map yes. Any routes would be handy for future ref. Ian, yes I have that VB book but haven't had much chance to really study it. One of those things, buy it, promise to study oit later but put it on the shelf for now... PPP, I checked out the maps I have and we have done the Parkamoor descent before, really enjoyed it although it was very wet at the time and for some reason I get over cautious on wet rocky sections. The weekende was good, the weather never made it as nice as the forecasters said although yesterday was OK. It's almost a pity we spent most of the time under trees in Grizedale. On Friday we did the Loughrigg Terrace loop twice (clockwise), Saturday was the Iron Keld/Elterwater ride which was quite good and yesterday the North Face. We didn't do as many miles as we used to but that's probably because we "haven't got out much" this summer. I realised yesterday that one year ago we were struggling the length of the Isle Of Man, not doing it this year probably explains why we haven't been out as much. Thanks Mike
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Late report: Grizedale was a good mix of trail centre and natural stuff - very enjoyable. Plenty round there for a day's riding. Also had a look at Whinlatter and was very impressed. That'll be a lot of fun when the second half is finished.
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