The best traffic-free bike rides around Shap
4.5
(7)
164
riders
10
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Shap are set within the scenic Eden Valley in Cumbria, offering diverse landscapes for road cyclists. The region is characterized by rolling fells, open moorland, and quiet country lanes, providing varied terrain for cycling. Cyclists can expect routes with significant elevation changes, ranging from gentle ascents to challenging climbs. The area features natural landmarks such as Haweswater and views of the Pennines, making it suitable for road cyclists seeking quiet paths and scenic vistas.
…Last updated: October 10, 2026
5.0
(1)
29
riders
32.8km
01:47
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
22
riders
39.0km
01:49
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
24.5km
01:12
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(1)
12
riders
20.7km
01:00
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(3)
13
riders
63.9km
03:55
1,170m
1,170m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Excellent surface pretty much all the way up the climb, just a bit of sheep poop to worry about!
1
0
No much of a view on the day I visited but when it's clear you can see for miles.
0
0
What a climb. Englands highest continuous climb. It’s difficult to set back off a the gate half way up but rest your back wheel on it for a push off
0
0
This is the view of Rough Crag on the way up to High Street. A classic Lake District ridge. Its rugged spine rises sharply above Haweswater.
0
0
Conservation is a big part of the area. RSPB and United Waters have joined forces to offers a good habitat to peregrine falcons, redstarts, and ring ouzels as a few examples of the bird-species and ensuring that the forest offers a good nesting and foraging ground for red squirrels. A donation cairn, to support the RSPB’s work at Wild Haweswater, is situated in the car park. They suggest a donation of £2, but any amount large or small is gratefully received. Please note that only cash donations can be made in the cairn as the lack of mobile phone reception means they are unable to take card payments. However, if you wish to send an online donation to support their work, you can do so here. There is also a Mountain Rescue cairn in the car park, you are kindly encourage you to support their life-saving work if you feel able to.
0
0
A good way to get up to the A6 but surface is poor in places, take care!
0
1
Great Dun Fell is a great hill to do, and at 848 metres high, it is a UK designated Nuttall. Coming up from Milburn is a great hike, but a tad boggy in places. It also gives you a stiff hike with around 700 metres of height gain. It is all worth it, however, as the views out over the North Pennines are super expansive from out over the eastern side of the hill, a virtual moonscape of moorland. On the western side, you have distant views of the Lake District. There is a cairn on the top, but the true summit sits within the communications compound, which has restricted access.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Shap?
Komoot offers 11 carefully curated no-traffic road cycling routes around Shap. These routes are designed to provide peaceful rides away from busy roads, utilizing quiet country lanes and dedicated cycle paths.
What is the general difficulty level of no-traffic road cycling routes in Shap?
The routes around Shap cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 2 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, 6 moderate routes offering a good balance of challenge and enjoyment, and 3 difficult routes for experienced cyclists seeking a more demanding adventure.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic road cycling routes in Shap?
Yes, for those looking for a gentler ride, the Chippy Chippy loop from Shap is an excellent easy option. It covers 24.3 km with a manageable elevation gain of 281 meters, making it suitable for families or beginners. Another easy route is the Naddle Bridge – Flat Approach to Shap loop from Shap, which is just over 20 km.
What kind of views can I expect on these no-traffic road cycling routes?
Shap's no-traffic routes offer stunning scenic diversity. You'll enjoy fantastic views of the Pennines, the Howgills, Shap fells, and the Eastern Lake District fells. Many routes also feature dramatic backdrops of Haweswater and picturesque views of Sunbiggin Tarn.
Are there any challenging no-traffic road cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Absolutely. For cyclists seeking a significant challenge, the Great Dun Fell Radar Station – Great Dun Fell Climb loop from Shap is a difficult route spanning over 63 km with an impressive 1142 meters of elevation gain. This route demands very good fitness but rewards with incredible views.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the no-traffic road cycling routes?
Many routes pass by or offer views of notable natural features and landmarks. You might encounter the dramatic Haweswater Dam, the tranquil Haweswater Reservoir, or historic sites like Mardale Head. The region is also known for its secluded valleys like Swindale, which features waterfalls and meadows.
What do other cyclists say about the no-traffic road cycling in Shap?
The no-traffic road cycling routes around Shap are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the quiet country lanes, the stunning views of the fells, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the no-traffic routes around Shap are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Haweswater Dam – Mardale Head loop from Shap and the Fab's Fabulous Milk – Chippy Chippy loop from Shap, providing convenient options for your ride.
What is the best time of year to enjoy no-traffic road cycling in Shap?
The Eden Valley, where Shap is located, offers beautiful cycling conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and summer generally provide the most pleasant weather for cycling, with longer daylight hours. However, the scenic landscapes are beautiful in autumn too, with vibrant foliage.
Where can I find more information about the Shap area for planning my trip?
For additional information about the Shap area, including local attractions and services, you can visit the official Eden Valley tourism website: visiteden.co.uk.
Are there any historical sites to see while cycling near Shap?
Yes, the area around Shap is rich in history. You can find sites like The Cockpit Stone Circle, an ancient monument, and the ruins of Shap Abbey, which add a cultural dimension to your cycling experience.
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