MTB Skills and Guided Ride in the Lake District

A half-day or full-day mountain biking experience in Keswick is ideal for cyclists of all levels, offering a mix of skill-building coaching and guided trail riding. Whether you're looking to improve your technique or just enjoy a great ride, this session will help boost your confidence and bike control.

Key Details

Location: Keswick, Cumbria
Duration: Half day or Full day
Group Size: 1-6 people

Key Skills

Improve bike handling skills
Build confidence on and off-road
Master mountain biking techniques
Learn essential cycling control
Increase fitness through cycling drills

What to Expect

For a half-day session, you'll focus on either skill development or a guided ride tailored to your ability. If you choose a coaching session, you'll cover essential techniques to improve bike control, balance, and confidence on different terrains. A guided ride will take you along scenic trails, with the route adjusted to match your skill level and preferences.

A full-day session includes both coaching and guided riding. The morning begins with a coaching session, covering techniques like cornering, braking, and handling rough terrain. After a break for lunch, you'll set off on a guided ride, putting your skills into practice on some of the Lake District’s best trails. Whether you prefer flowing forest tracks or more technical routes, the ride will be adapted to your ability to ensure a fun and rewarding experience.

Location

Keswick, located in the heart of the Lake District, offers the perfect backdrop for a mountain biking experience. Known for its diverse landscape, Keswick features a range of trails, from forest tracks to rocky mountain paths.

This area is well-suited to cyclists of all abilities, with routes that offer scenic views and exciting challenges. The location is easily accessible and provides the opportunity to explore some of the best biking terrain in the UK.

Prerequisites

This session is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. You don’t need to have previous mountain biking experience to participate, although a basic level of fitness and confidence on a bike will be helpful. The day is designed to introduce you to new techniques and improve your overall riding ability, whether you’re new to mountain biking or have some experience under your belt.

If you prefer not to bring your own bike, you can hire a Ragley hardtail below. For your comfort and safety, make sure to bring appropriate clothing, including waterproofs and warm layers, as well as food and drinks to stay energised throughout the day.

Why Choose Us

Rich is a highly experienced guide with over 20 years of mountain biking experience in the Lake District. His expertise, combined with his qualifications, including British Cycling Level 2 and Level 3 Leader certifications, ensures you’ll receive the best guidance and coaching available. Rich’s knowledge of the area, having lived in Keswick for over two decades, means you’ll be taken on the best trails for your skill level, ensuring a fun and challenging ride.

His approach to teaching is friendly, supportive, and tailored to each individual’s needs, making the experience enjoyable for all participants. With his background in mountain rescue and first aid qualifications, you can be confident in your safety throughout the day. Rich is passionate about helping riders build their skills while enjoying the outdoors, and this day is designed to offer a balance of learning and adventure.

Coaching session to improve bike handling and skills
Half-day or full-day guided mountain biking session
Use of a Ragley hardtail bike (if hired)

Bike hire (Rent a Ragley hardtail if needed)
Food and drink
Waterproofs and warm clothing
Transport to and from the meeting point

During this experience, you will receive coaching on improving bike handling, braking, gear shifting, and balance.

These skills will boost your confidence and control, both on and off the trails. You'll also learn how to tackle different terrains with more efficiency, which will be valuable on the guided ride in the afternoon.

You can bring your own mountain bike, or if you prefer, you can hire a Ragley hardtail bike for the duration.

The hire includes the bike and helmet. If you're unsure whether your bike is suitable for the terrain, feel free to get in touch with us beforehand for advice.

The session is designed for groups of 1 to 6 people.

This ensures you get personal attention while enjoying the experience with a small group of like-minded individuals. Smaller groups allow for more tailored coaching and guidance during the experience.

You should bring warm clothing to keep comfortable throughout the day, along with waterproofs in case of rain.

Don't forget food and drink for the day as well as any personal items like sunscreen or a camera.

Yes! This experience is ideal for all skill levels, including beginners.

The coaching session is designed to build confidence and improve riding skills at your own pace. You'll then enjoy a guided ride through scenic trails suited to your ability.

The level of difficulty can be adjusted based on your fitness and skill level.

The ride can be made easier or more challenging depending on the group, with stops to catch your breath and refuel. The goal is to make it enjoyable while pushing your limits just enough.

Based in Keswick, this experienced MTB guide offers expert-led mountain bike coaching and guiding in the heart of the Lake District. With over 20 years of riding and route knowledge in the area - and a background in both road cycling and mountain rescue - Rich brings a calm, supportive, and highly capable presence to every ride. He holds multiple British Cycling qualifications, including Level 3 Leadership and Level 2 Coaching, and works with riders of all abilities to build confidence, improve technique, and explore some of the best trails in the UK. Whether you're new to mountain biking or looking to take your skills to the next level, Rich’s deep local knowledge and practical coaching approach make him a trusted guide for individuals and small groups alike.