Birk Side (Helvellyn) - Classic Lake District MTB descent

An absolute belter! A solid, but quick (ish) part hike a bike climb gets you to this superb, fast, rocky, steep techy descent that is all ridable. Big exposure in some places, so it'll test your strength, line choice, nerve and brakes. Best done in the dry.
Park at Wythburn car park on the A591 next to Thirlmere. Start by heading back to Grasmere on the footpath parallel to the road, then climb up Raise Beck to Grizedale Tarn. Then up Dollywagon and turn left on to Birk Side before Helvellyn. Then enjoy the descent all the way back to the car for well earned fist pump and beer.

[@matthewcunningham2026]

We did this last year, up zig zag, down birk side and then back up, then down dollywaggon. Massive day on the bike. Doing the same route next week, cant wait.

[@MTBLakes]

Blimey! Thay is a big ride out! Fingers crossed the weather's good! 🤘

[@si0054]

Did you go back up Dunmail and down Grizedale? That looks a great return from coming down birk side

[@rhettetherington1351]

Wow! That looks epic. Well ridden

[@MTBLakes]

Cheers dude, one of the best descents in the lakes.. 🤘

[@RideBikes_Walkplaces]

absolutely nuts this descent, only done it once but need to get back and clean it. sweet video buddy, how much arm pump did you get?

[@MTBLakes]

Cheers dude! It's fair to say we had a couple of rest stops! Same here, definitely would like to return and clean it.

[@RideBikes_Walkplaces]

@@MTBLakes I'm not surprised mate! It's so physical.