The best traffic-free bike rides around Eskdale

Eskdale offers a diverse selection of 18 touring cycling routes designed to keep you away from busy roads. These include 1 easy, 7 moderate, and 10 difficult routes, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Eskdale's no traffic routes feature a mixed and dramatic landscape. You'll encounter everything from gentle, scenic paths through woodlands and meadows, such as sections of the Eskdale Cycle Trail, to more challenging ascents like those found on the Hardknott & Wrynose passes loop. While many routes offer easy pedaling, some can be bumpy and muddy, especially after rain.

Yes, the Eskdale Cycle Trail is a great option for families. This way-marked route, approximately 8.5 to 14 kilometers long, runs from Dalegarth for Boot station to the coast at Ravenglass. It offers mostly easy pedaling with a gradual downhill gradient, traversing picturesque countryside. While generally easy, some sections can be bumpy, so it's best suited for families with some cycling experience.

Absolutely! The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, affectionately known as the 'La'al Ratty,' is a narrow-gauge steam railway that winds through the Eskdale Valley. Crucially for cyclists, it has bike carriers, allowing you to combine cycling with a unique steam train adventure. You can cycle one way and return by train, or vice versa, offering great flexibility for exploring the valley without needing to cycle both ways.

Eskdale is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along your rides, you might encounter stunning waterfalls like Tom Ghyll Waterfalls or the more prominent Stanley Ghyll Force. The valley is also home to beautiful oak woodlands and several tarns, including Eel Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn. For historical interest, the Hardknott Roman Fort offers a dramatic glimpse into the area's past. You can also explore the Borrowdale Valley or the scenic Tarn Hows.

Yes, many of Eskdale's no traffic routes are designed as circular tours. For example, the moderate View of Wast Water – Wast Water loop from Eskdale offers a scenic 30 km ride. For a more challenging option, consider the difficult Hardknott Pass Summit – Wrynose Pass loop from Eskdale, covering about 28 km with significant elevation.

The best time to cycle in Eskdale is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. While the region is beautiful year-round, winter can bring challenging conditions, including snow and ice on higher passes like Hardknott and Wrynose, making some routes impassable or very difficult.

Parking is available at various points throughout Eskdale, often near trailheads or villages. For instance, you can find parking near Dalegarth Station, which is a starting point for the Eskdale Cycle Trail and the challenging Hardknott & Wrynose passes loop. Always check local signage for parking regulations and fees.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Eskdale, with an average score of 4.1 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's dramatic and diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the no traffic routes, and the unique opportunity to combine cycling with the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. The blend of challenging mountain passes and gentle valley rides is also frequently highlighted.

Beyond the main trails, Eskdale offers numerous quiet country lanes and bridleways that provide a sense of discovery. Exploring the smaller roads leading to tarns like Eel Tarn or Stoney Tarn can reveal peaceful cycling experiences away from even the moderately trafficked areas. These often lead to stunning viewpoints and offer a true escape into the natural beauty of the Lake District.

The elevation gain varies significantly depending on the route's difficulty. Easier routes, particularly those in the valley bottom, will have minimal elevation. However, more challenging routes, such as the Elterwater Cycling Routes – Langdale Valley Scenic Route loop from Beckfoot, can feature over 1300 meters of ascent, while the Wha House Car Park – Hardknott Pass Cairn loop from Eskdale involves around 380 meters of climbing. Always check the route details for specific elevation profiles.