Chocolate Log: Cut yer teeth

Map

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Cut Gate Path Map

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

Ride Details

Distance:	Around 14 miles
Grade:	Challenging Very technical rock gardens and loose rocky singletrack, with a scenic road/firetrack blast. Not overly long though, so less experienced riders can take their time.
Time taken:	3 - 6 hrs
Summary:	This route takes in the fabulous technical fest that is the Cut Gate Path, and adds some incredible views over and around the Ladybower reservoir. Trail surface is mainly peaty clumps and loose rock varying from dust to big boulder fields. Pump your tyres up rock hard or you're risking pinch-flats (I managed 7 in one day, then purchased a decent mini-track pump.). An excellent physical and technical challenge for all levels of ability and very difficult to clear north to south without dabbing. The final descent to the reservoir may have the faint-hearted walking down, but for everyone else, it's a major highlight. Blasting back north along Cut Gate and it's like riding a different trail. Much more descending and damn fast and technical in places. You can tell I like this one can't you? Holds up well in most weather, although there's always a couple of bogs to catch you out.
Pics:

Map Notes

Start at the carpark just off the A616. Be careful not to leave stuff on display as many of the area's carparks attract thieves.

Make your way through the pine forest opposite and down into the valley. Cross the little bridge and tackle the first evil climb to your left. It's a good idea to warm up a bit first as this will really test your skills!

Up here and onto Cut Gate. You can't go wrong as there's only one trail to follow all the way to Ladybower. Don't take the peaty "ponce" lines around the outside of the really rough bits though - as you're just widening the trail - get off and walk if you have to (we had to).

Down to the reservoir, have a flapjack here out of the wind (hopefully) and chill out and watch the tourists go by.

Then it's back across the reservoir and take the fireroads back towards Cut Gate. Once you've crested the killer climbs at the start, it's a fantastic rock strewn blast all the way back.

Chocolate Log

Map

Ride Details

Map Notes

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