The latest in Vertebrate Graphics's popular range of MTB route guides is now available. Lake District Mountain Biking - Essential Trails is Vertebrate's sixth book and has been written by Lakes locals Chris Gore and Richard Staton.

Obviously the Lake District is something of a classic destination, with no shortage of well-known rides. The guide contains 27 routes varying in length from 12 to 60km. As well as obvious hot-spots like Walna Scar, Skiddaw and Grizedale, you'll find lesser-known areas like Black Combe and Martindale. They're all graded for difficulty, with a cross-section that should suit most riders.

Each route features a route profile to indicate height gain and loss and uses Harvey mapping cross-referenced with easy-to-follow directions for clear route finding. The guide also contains tick-lists of the ‘top ten’ downhill runs, climbs and singletrack sections in the Lakes and all the information mountain bikers visiting the Lake District could ever need, it says here.

Lake District Mountain Biking - Essential Trails is £15.95 and can be had from shops or direct from www.v-graphics.co.uk/publishing, where you can also download a sample route.