The best cycling routes around South Lakeland

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle route that circles Coniston Water, offering a diverse cycling experience. You will cover 18.2 miles (29.3 km) with an elevation gain of 1028 feet (313 metres), typically taking around 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete. The trail combines dedicated cycle paths, quiet minor roads, and some off-road sections, ensuring varied terrain. As you ride, you will catch glimpses of the lake through the trees, framed by the dramatic fells and Coniston Old Man in the distance. This journey provides a rewarding perspective of the Lake District's natural beauty.

Coniston village serves as an ideal starting point for your adventure, offering convenient parking options. Before or after your ride, you can find food shops, cafes, and pubs in the village for refreshments. While much of the route uses quiet roads and cycle paths, be mindful that certain sections on the A593 can be narrow and have faster-moving traffic. Always exercise caution when sharing the road with vehicles.

This circumnavigation offers more than just scenic views; it also passes significant local landmarks. You will cycle past Brantwood House and Gardens, the former residence of the influential writer and artist John Ruskin. Additionally, the route provides views of Wild Cat Island, a location famously featured in Arthur Ransome's

Start your touring cycling journey on the Windermere, Elterwater & Grasmere loop, a moderate route that guides you through the central Lake District. This 23.8-mile (38.2 km) ride involves 1428 feet (435 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. You will cycle past the expansive waters of Lake Windermere, enjoying the varied landscape of wooded sections and open fells. The trail combines traffic-free lakeshore paths with quiet country lanes, offering a diverse cycling experience. Expect to encounter surfaces ranging from paved roads to smooth stone tracks throughout your ride.

Planning your visit, you will find numerous opportunities for refreshment stops in the charming villages along the way. Consider starting early to make the most of the daylight and avoid busier times, especially in popular areas like Ambleside and Grasmere. The route's varied terrain includes undulating stretches and notable climbs, such as the ascent over Red Bank from Grasmere, so be prepared for some effort. While some sections are gentle, the full loop requires a steady pace and good fitness.

This route offers a comprehensive tour of the central Lake District National Park, allowing you to experience its unique character. You will pass through charming villages like Ambleside and Grasmere, which are perfect for a break. The trail also provides views of Rydal Water and Grasmere Lake, complementing the panoramic vistas of Lake Windermere. Look out for historic sites like Wray Castle as you cycle, adding a cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure.

Embark on the Kentmere and Sadgill loop, a moderate touring bicycle ride spanning 21.9 miles (35.3 km) with an elevation gain of 1220 feet (372 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 23 minutes. This route takes you through the tranquil Kentmere Valley, where you'll cycle along quiet, undulating roads and a lovely back lane parallel to the River Kent. Expect picturesque views of high fells, traditional dry stone walls, and diverse terrain including paved surfaces and a fun stretch of gravel between Kentmere and Sadgill.

Starting from Kendal, this touring bicycle loop requires good fitness due to its moderate difficulty and varied terrain. Be prepared for some unpaved sections, especially between Kentmere and Sadgill, where you might need to push your bike for short stretches. The route combines paved roads with cycleways and singletrack, offering a diverse riding experience. Plan for a ride duration of around 2 hours and 23 minutes.

What sets the Kentmere and Sadgill loop apart is its peaceful atmosphere, offering a serene touring bicycle experience away from the Lake District's more frequented paths. Unlike busier trails, you'll find fewer tourists here, even during peak season. This makes it an excellent choice if you're seeking quiet roads and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the fells and river valleys. The route provides a varied and engaging ride for those looking for both challenge and natural beauty.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle adventure with the River Sprint & Kentmere loop from Kendal. This 21.3 miles (34.3 km) route, taking about 2 hours and 14 minutes, offers 1152 feet (351 metres) of elevation gain through the picturesque Kentmere Valley. You will follow the River Sprint, known for its spectacular waterfalls, and experience a mix of paved roads and some unpaved or gravel tracks, especially between Kentmere and Sadgill. The initial section often uses National Cycle Network 6, providing pleasant riverside cycleways along the River Kent, before heading into the fells.

Starting from the easily accessible town of Kendal, this loop provides an excellent way to explore the Lake District National Park. The trail is generally rated as moderate, requiring good fitness to tackle the undulating hills and some steep ascents. While mostly on paved surfaces, be prepared for some unpaved segments, particularly the fun stretch of gravel between Kentmere and Sadgill. Consider making a stop in Staveley, a popular village along the way, to refresh yourself.

This route stands out as a community favorite, offering touring cyclists a unique blend of road and off-road experiences within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will cycle through diverse landscapes, from rocky woodland to open fell land, and witness the deep Kentmere valley surrounded by high fells. The combination of stunning natural beauty, including the River Sprint's waterfalls, and varied terrain makes this loop a highly-rated option for exploring the Lake District.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle ride through the stunning Lake District National Park with the Elterwater loop on the Coniston cycleways. This route takes you past the tranquil Elter Water lake, through the scenic Langdale Valley, and offers views of the dramatic Langdale Pikes. You will experience varied terrain, including smooth gravel paths, quiet country lanes, and some unpaved segments, all while enjoying the natural beauty of emerald fells, forests, and rivers. Covering 14.5 miles (23.3 km) with an elevation gain of 1186 feet (361 metres), this loop typically takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete.

This moderate route is popular among local touring cyclists and requires good fitness due to its varied surfaces and undulating sections. While parts of the Elterwater Cycle Path are smooth, be prepared for some unpaved segments. The area is well-regarded for its permitted cycleways and quiet country lanes, making it an excellent choice for a day out. Consider starting your ride in the morning to make the most of the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful light.

The Elterwater loop is notable for showcasing diverse landscapes within the Lake District, allowing you to follow the River Brathay and discover waterfalls like Skelwith Force and Colwith Force. The presence of traffic-free trails near Elterwater village and alongside Great Langdale Beck adds to its appeal, providing a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. This trail offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and charm of the Lake District.

Embark on the Kirkby Lonsdale & Dentdale loop from Sedbergh, a challenging touring bicycle route that spans 33.8 miles (54.4 km) with a significant 2623 feet (799 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult ride, estimated to take 3 hours and 38 minutes, winds through diverse landscapes, from rolling fells and deep river valleys to quiet country lanes. You will experience a demanding ascent up the magnificent Barbondale and traverse an unfenced road over the shoulder of Holme Fell, all while enjoying expansive views across the Lune Valley and the distinctive Howgill Fells. The route also takes you past the historic Devil's Bridge and Middleton Hall, offering a blend of natural beauty and historic landmarks.

This route is rated as difficult and requires very good fitness due to its substantial climbs. The terrain is primarily paved, making it suitable for touring bicycles. As you plan your visit, consider starting early to make the most of the daylight, especially given the route's duration. The loop passes through charming locations like the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, where you can find shops and cafes, and picturesque villages such as Barbon and Dent, which offer opportunities for a break. Always ensure your bicycle is in good condition and you carry enough water and snacks for this demanding journey.

The Kirkby Lonsdale & Dentdale loop is recognized as one of the most popular no-traffic touring cycling routes around Sedbergh, known for its blend of demanding climbs and stunning natural beauty. It offers fantastic views of Ingleborough and explores some of the most beautiful valleys in the Yorkshire Dales. This experience provides a taste of the longer, 196-mile Lakes & Dales Loop, making it a memorable ride for well-prepared cyclists seeking a rewarding challenge in a scenic setting.

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure through the Lake District National Park, covering 41.6 miles (66.9 km) with a significant 3217 feet (980 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging loop, which typically takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes, offers a diverse landscape of rocky woodland, open fell land, and picturesque valleys. You will experience stunning views of Lake Windermere, especially from spots like Fell Foot Park, and pass through woodlands rich in wildlife, with elevated perspectives from Gummer's How.

Starting from Kendal, this route demands good fitness due to its undulating roads and steep climbs, some reaching gradients as high as 22%. While mostly paved, be ready for varied terrain, including some unpaved sections where you might need to dismount and push your bike. A useful traffic-free link near Newby Bridge helps you avoid the busy A590, making for a more enjoyable ride.

This loop provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the iconic natural beauty of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will cross the historic Newby Bridge, marked by its distinguished five-arched stone bridge built in 1651 and a curved weir controlling water flow from Lake Windermere. Kendal itself is a well-regarded cycling hub, and this route is part of a network popular with local cycling clubs, highlighting a strong cycling community in the area.

Embark on a demanding touring cycling adventure with the Glenridding and Ambleside loop from Grasmere. This difficult route spans 36.8 miles (59.2 km) and features a substantial elevation gain of 3757 feet (1145 metres), typically requiring about 4 hours and 41 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you will navigate the rugged yet beautiful terrain of the Lake District National Park, passing through idyllic countryside with views of rolling hills and peaceful woodlands. Keep an eye out for the expansive vistas over Grasmere, a tranquil highlight that captures the essence of the area, alongside glimpses of clear lakes and surrounding mountains. The challenging nature of the ride means every effort is rewarded with stunning scenery.

Your journey starts in Grasmere, a charming village known for its welcoming atmosphere and local treats. While specific parking details for this route are not provided, Grasmere offers various parking options for visitors exploring the Lake District by bike. Be prepared for demanding terrain, as some segments may require you to dismount and push your bicycle. This route is best suited for experienced cyclists with very good fitness levels, ensuring you can comfortably tackle the challenging climbs and descents.

This loop offers a deep immersion into the natural beauty of the Lake District, showcasing its unique blend of pastoral and mountainous landscapes. The route provides a comprehensive experience of the region's diverse ecosystems, from serene lake shores to elevated viewpoints. It stands out as a significant touring cycling challenge within the National Park, connecting two well-known Lakeland villages. The varied scenery and physical demands make it a memorable ride for those seeking a true Lake District cycling test.

Embark on the Windermere and Coniston water loop from Grange-over-Sands, a truly demanding touring bicycle ride that spans 43.1 miles (69.3 km) with a significant 3375 feet (1029 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult route, which typically takes around 4 hours and 47 minutes to complete, requires very good fitness as you navigate testing and sharp climbs through rolling fells and quiet country lanes. You will experience a varied landscape, from coastal paths overlooking Morecambe Bay to the iconic shores of Coniston Water and Lake Windermere, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Old Man of Coniston mountain.

As you plan your ride, consider Coniston as a key stop along the way. This village is an excellent cycling hub, offering food shops, cafes, and pubs where you can refuel and refresh. You can also pause at places like Brantwood to enjoy a coffee with stunning views over Coniston Water, providing a perfect break from the challenging terrain. Be prepared for a mix of primarily paved surfaces, with some unpaved segments that might require you to dismount and push your bike.

This loop offers more than just a physical challenge; it provides a journey through the rich history of the Lake District. You will pass through timeless villages and by landmarks connected to famous figures such as Beatrix Potter and Donald Campbell. The route's unique blend of coastal scenery, limestone pavements, and the majestic foothills of the Lake District makes it a standout experience, reflected in its high average rating from the Komoot cycling community.