The UKCE Fell Beast Sportive is now in its second year, and has been tailored to be the most spectacular course we have ever designed.
With almost 7,000ft of Cumbrian climbing to tackle over the Epic route, the Beast will test you on some tough climbs yet reward you with a series of scintillating descents mixed with gentle drops that allow you to take in some of the most impressive views in the country.
Heading out from Carlisle Racecourse, the route heads south immediately and to our first climb of the day to the top of Warnell Fell. Shortly after the climb you are rewarded with the first panoramic views of the day, looking out over the Lake District National Park. Here, the Short route continues south to Caldbeck, while Standard and Epic riders bear west to Aspatria before bearing south again towards the National Park.
After crossing the River Derwent, we reach Bassenthwaite Lake – at which the course splits for the final time as Standard riders move east and Epic riders continue south for a big reward.
The first of which is Lorton Vale, with grand fells and crags to your left and views over Crummock Water to your right. After passing Buttermere Lake, we reach our goal for the ride – Honister Pass – with crags looming either side of the road. A tough climb to the top ensues while the peaks of the slate mine area offer views out over the Borrowdale Fells.
We now descend in to Borrowdale and skirt the edge of Derwent Water before cutting through Keswick to rejoin the Standard loop at the top of Bassenthwaite Lake. From here we rejoin the Short route and hug the edge of the National Park before heading north to the finish line, where a finisher’s medal and t-shirt wait for you.
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This round-up sponsored by Sram.
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