Looking for the 2024 event? Head here:
We're bringing back the summer Sisters In The Wild vibe to the Lake District for our 3rd annual gathering, bigger and better than ever. Expect two days of gravel riding, skill building opportunities, killer grub, and basecamp fun, surrounded by a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
Our basecamp is on the doorstep of the lush Grizedale forest, where there'll be space to pitch your tent for the Friday and Saturday night, or you can choose to stay in one of the campsite’s basic camping pods or yurts.
Daytime will see a variety of ride options for you to go out and explore some of the finest Lake District gravel. Whether you want to go and smash out a full day epic with mates, join a beginners focused guided ride, or be introduced to new riding buddies, we try to create an option for everyone.
However you spend your day, we’ll all come together in the evening back at basecamp to campfires, and share communal dinners and stories. Expect some bikepacking focused talks and skill building opportunities thrown in as well. Want to learn how to fix a puncture or index your gears? Getting started with bikepacking and want some tips on where to start? Looking for some adventure inspiration? We’ve got you covered.
What’s included?
A place to pitch your tent for Friday and Saturday. Campervan and camping pod upgrades available.
Communal, vegan dinner on Friday and Saturday evening
Two days of off road/gravel focused ride routes via Komoot, and free Lakes Komoot map bundle
Campfires, talks, and skills building session sessions around the rides
A spot on our Saturday beginners guided ride if you want it (limited spots - grab a place when booking).
Camping gear loan if you need it (subject to availability - add when booking)
A few treats and surprises :)
Rides and bikes
Our routes are focused on getting off-road and on to gravel, so we recommend using a bike with 38mm tyres or larger. Bike hire will be available locally
“Off-road/Gravel”, in the Lake District can mean smooth cycle paths, forest roads, singletrack, rocky bridleways, muddy fields and everything in between!
With this in mind, it’s important that you have a bit of experience riding off road, know your own abilities and when it might be safest to take your bike for a walk. If you're unsure, sign up to one of our beginners guided rides.
Route options will range from 20-ish miles to 65-ish miles. Expect a decent amount of climbing in all the routes. Riding in the Lake District is rarely flat, but always worth it!
This is not a race but a social ride, so you are free to ride as much or as little as you want.
Expect short sections of hike-a-bike on the longer rougher routes. There will be gentler route options available
Riders should be self sufficient and carry their own navigation, tools, spares, first aid and snacks.
Basecamp
We're at Grizedale Campsite near Satterthwaite in the Southern Lake District. Arrival from 5pm on Friday 29th October. Depart Sunday evening by 6pm.
The closest train station is Windermere (1 hr 5 min cycle), and there’s plenty of parking available on site. We encourage lift sharing and have a Facebook group to help link people together.
Loos and showers available on site. No shop - bring what you need for the weekend.
What gear will I need?
We’ll send out a full kit list in advance, but key things will include:
A safety checked bike & helmet (bike hire options available)
Camping gear - tent, sleeping Mat, sleeping Bag, headtorch etc. We’ll have some tents, mats and sleeping bags to lend out.
Cooking stuff if you want to cook at camp
Breakfasts/snacks
Bike Lights (just in case!)
A navigation device (e.g. phone, garmin, wahoo etc). We’ll have some to loan out.
Waterproof/warm cycling and basecamp clothes
If you don't have a tent or mat, we'll have a few available to loan. You can request these as a free Add On when buying your ticket.
FAQ
What is the refund policy?
Refunds up to 30 days before the event - please request via eventbrite. You can transfer your ticket to someone else you know up to 14 days before the event. If we have a waiting list, we can help by opening it up to them. Drop us an email at hello@sistersinthewild.com for ticket transfers.
Is my bike and experience level OK?
Have a look at the notes above, but please just drop us a message if you have any questions. This is intended to be an accessible event and we have a few riding options available. But the right bike, a reasonable level of fitness and a bit of off-road confidence will stand you in good stead. If you’re a new to off-road riding, sign up to our beginners guided ride.
Is bike hire available?
Yep! We have connected with two local bike shops who are offering bike hire for the weekend for £70 including delivery/pick up from basecamp (if you want it).
Country Lane Cycles - If arriving by train and you want to cycle to basecamp, this is your best bet as it’s right next to Windermere train station. Book online for two days (Sat and Sun), and add “delivery to Sisters in the Wild Festival in Grizedale” to the notes section.
Ghyllside Cycles - Call on +44 15394 33592 to book
Do I need bikepacking gear?
Nope, all rides with start and finish at basecamp.
Can I bring a campervan/van to sleep in?
Yep, but you’ll need to buy a Campervan add on ticket for £25 along with your Weekend Ticket. Only one per van needed, not one per person.
I hate camping, are there any other options?
The campsite has some basic Camping Pods, Yurts and Shepards Huts available. You can add a camping pod directly when buying your ticket. Other options can be booked directly with the website. See the options on the website http://www.grizedale-camping.co.uk/?PODS
How do I get to basecamp?
Car sharing encouraged, we’ve set up a facebook group here for folks to share ride options.
There’ll be parking onsite. Closest train station is Windermere, around 3hrs on train from London, and then about a 1hr 5 cycle to basecamp. If getting the train, we recommend booking well in advance and making sure to reserve a place for your bike. They are limited and fill up.
Can I arrive later than 5pm on Friday?
Yep! Be aware you might miss dinner though :)
Can I buy food at basecamp?
Yep, we’ll have coffee, drinks, breakfasts and snacks available
Can I come alone?
Absolutely! One of the things we loved most about our summer event was hearing from people who came alone how many new freindships were started at the weekend. We work hard to create spaces for people to meet and ride together.
Can I stay at the campsite the night before or night after?
Yep - you can book this directly with the campsite. info@grizedale-camping.co.uk
Still got a question? Send us an email hello@sistersinthewild.com
Hope to see you there!
