Cycling routes in the Lake District
Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a relative novice, there are plenty of cycling routes in the Lake District to suit all ages and abilities. There is no better place in England to cycle, and the rugged landscapes, woodland trails and scenic routes offer cyclists an incredible ride.
Some of the best cycling routes in the Lake District are situated at Grizedale Forest, the Solway Coast, Lune Valley and Eden, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the freedom of taking to two wheels without the traffic.
Favourite cycling routes in the Lake District include many which start and finish in Grizedale Forest. To reach Grizedale Forest from the north, take the A591 to Ambleside, leave Ambleside A593 to Langdale/Coniston. First left B5286 to Hawkshead. Bypass Hawkshead follow B5286 south then first right at tourist sign "Theatre in the Forest", follow to Grizedale approx 2 miles. From the South and all coaches: M6 junction 36 take A591 first exit A590, Barrow follow A590 past Newby Bridge Havethwaite Crossroads, right turn, tourist sign "Grizedale Forest Park", follow signs for Satterthwaite/Grizedale north.By Rail: Grange over sands to the south and then bus or taxi. Windermere to the east then bus or taxi.
If you are staying in a hotel in Windermere or Bowness, take the ferry from Bowness to Grizedale, near Hawkshead, and enjoy one of the following cycling trails:
Goosey Foot Tarn Cycle Route can be started from Moor Top Car Park in Grizedale Forest Park. From the visitor centre, head north towards Hawkshead, before leaving the forest and dropping down into Hawkshead. The car park is signposted to the west. The route is approximately 2 miles long and should take you around 30-40 minutes, and difficulty level is moderate.
Grizedale Tarn Cycle Trail can be started from Bogle Crag in Grizedale Forest Park. Start at Bogle Crag car park, black waymarker. The route is approximately 4.5 miles long and takes 1 hour, 30 minutes to complete. Difficulty level is moderate.
Moor Top starts at the Grizedale Visitor Centre, following the purple waymarker and is quite hilly. Although this route of 7 miles is classed as being of moderate difficulty, it is quite challenging, and unless you are fit, don´t attempt it. The route takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Hawkshead Moor starts again, at the visitor centre, from the green waymarker, and is 10.5 miles in length, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. This scenic mountain trail takes in much of the forest of the western side of the valley, and overlooks Coniston Water. Offering incredible views of the heart of the Lake District over Coniston and the Langdales.
The North Face Mountain Bike Trail is a punishing ride, consisting of 9 sections of single-track trail on the west side of Grizedale Forest. The trail offers adrenalising sections of single track descent with lung burning uphills, winding through oak woodlands and conifer forest. Also including tricky boardwalk sections through meadows, this trail is not for beginners, and covers a gruelling 9.7 miles. For mountain bike enthusiasts, the North Face Mountain Bike Trail is a highlight of cycling in the Lake District.
The Windermere Trail is an easy cycle ride of 5 miles along the shores of Windermere, and off road through the forest of Claife. Taking your time to enjoy the surrounding views and countryside, this ride usually takes around 2 hours. If you want to make a day of it, pick up the Cross Lakes Shuttle at Bowness, Coniston or Hawkshead to Ferry House on Windermere, and use the bus and boat back.
The Coniston to Brantwood Trail involves 4 miles of cycling, taking up to 2 hours, plus a 35 minute boat ride. This easy ride is all the more enjoyable as it is combined with a boat trip to Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin. You can pick up the Cross Lakes Shuttle at Coniston to Brantwood, enjoy your cycle ride, then catch the bus and boat back from Coniston. Refreshments are available at Coniston Pier, Brantwood and Coniston.
The Silurian Way Cycle Trail covers 14 miles, and takes in many sculptures and places of interest, plus a few miles of public road to ride. Starting from Grizedale Visitor Centre, the trail normally takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes and is very demanding!
Other facilities at Grizedale include: Mountain bike hire, a full family events calendar, Go Ape, which is the most incredible adventure playground in Cumbria, with zip wires and rope ladders suspended high above the forest canopy. If you prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery, stop off at the Café in the Forest which serves delicious food, snacks and home made pastries.
