The best cycling routes around St. Bees

St. Bees offers a selection of over 15 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy coastal paths to more challenging long-distance rides that venture towards the Lake District National Park.

The touring cycling routes in St. Bees cover a range of difficulties. You'll find 2 easy routes, 11 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes. This variety ensures there are options for both casual riders and those seeking a more strenuous challenge.

Yes, St. Bees has easy touring cycling routes suitable for families. For instance, the St Bega Statue – View of Sellafield Site loop from St Bees is an easy 10.7-mile (17.3 km) trail that takes about an hour to complete, offering a pleasant ride through coastal areas.

Many of the touring cycling routes in St. Bees are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Ennerdale Bridge and Egremont loop from St Bees and the longer Seascale Beach – Ravenglass Viaduct loop from St Bees.

While touring cycling in St. Bees, you'll encounter dramatic coastal landscapes, including the iconic red sandstone bluffs of St. Bees Head, a designated Heritage Coast and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Routes often provide stunning views of the Irish Sea and, on clear days, the Isle of Man. You can also explore the mile-long sandy beach and tidal rock pools. Notable attractions include the historic St. Bees Priory and the RSPB nature reserve on St. Bees Head, home to England's only cliff-nesting seabird colony. Some routes may also offer views of Ennerdale Water or Seascale Beach.

The best time for touring cycling in St. Bees is generally during the warmer, drier months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This period offers more predictable weather, allowing you to fully enjoy the coastal views and diverse landscapes. However, the dramatic scenery can be appreciated year-round, with appropriate gear for cooler or wetter conditions.

Yes, St. Bees is famously the traditional starting point for the Coast to Coast (C2C) cycling routes, offering a significant long-distance adventure across England. Sections of Hadrian's Cycleway (72) also pass through St. Bees, providing pleasant cycling with sea views for those looking for extended rides.

St. Bees village offers various parking options, including designated car parks, particularly near the beach and the village center. These are generally well-placed for accessing the start points of many touring cycling routes. It's advisable to check local signage for any parking restrictions or fees.

The touring cycling routes in St. Bees are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic coastal landscapes, the variety of terrain, and the stunning views of the Irish Sea and the Lake District foothills.

Yes, several touring cycling routes from St. Bees provide glimpses or direct views of the Lake District landscapes. St. Bees is situated on the edge of the Lake District National Park, making it an ideal base. For example, the Ennerdale Bridge and Egremont loop from St Bees explores serene Lake District scenery in addition to coastal views.

The terrain on St. Bees touring cycling routes is varied. You can expect a mix of mostly paved surfaces, especially on coastal roads and village links. However, some routes may include unpaved sections or require good fitness for climbs, particularly on routes that venture towards the Lake District foothills. The region is characterized by coastal paths, rolling hills, and some more challenging ascents.

St. Bees is served by a railway station on the Cumbrian Coast Line, which connects to Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness. This provides a public transport option for reaching the village and accessing the start points of many touring cycling routes. Always check train operator policies regarding carrying bicycles.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Loweswater – Whinlatter Pass loop from St Bees offer significant elevation gain and longer distances. This particular route covers over 62 miles (100 km) with more than 1500 meters of ascent, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience through varied landscapes.