Cycling

The Lake District is a great place to explore by bike. The roads are generally quiet compared with many other areas of the country. This especially relates to the outer reaches of the Lakes. Whether you are planning to ride on or off the roads ordnance survey maps probably offer the best coverage showing both road routes and bridalways and tracks for your enjoyment. 

Road Cycling

The roads around the Lake Dsitrict are generally fairly traffic free. The centres of population and central tourist areas of Windermere/Bowness, Ambleside and Keswick can be busy especially during public and school holidays. Venture further affield out around Hawkshead, Coniston, Grassmere, Langdale and over Wryno’s and Hardknott passes and you will find some beautiful routes and some of the most challenging rides un the UK. Depending on your age group and level of fitness there are routes of all distances and difficulties. One thing you can be sure of though is that there will be hills at some point along your ride!!

Mountain Biking

There are endless possibilities when it comes to mountain biking around the lakes. The bridalways, forest tracks and specialy built circuits offer variety and opportunties for any level of experience.

Around the likes of Grizedale and Winlatter forests there are the forest tracks for those who want to take it easy so to speak. The tracks are well established almost like traffic free roads which are great for familys. They are a good way to introduce younger children to mountain biking. Also within Grizedale and Winlatter there are purpose built courses for the more experienced rider. Grizedales cicuit in my opinion is probably suited to the moderately experienced and is great fun. Winlatter caters for the moderately experienced up to the very experienced and competent rider. The black routes are not for the faint hearted and will test the skills of the most experienced. Information about both Grizedale and Winlatter is located on the Forestry Commmission website www.forestry.gov.uk..