Romney Footbridge

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.

The Bay Cycle Way: Kendal Loop offers a demanding touring bicycle adventure, stretching 46.9 miles (75.5 km) with a significant 2496 feet (761 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this difficult route in about 4 hours and 48 minutes, cycling through a diverse landscape that blends sweeping maritime views with lush countryside. As you pedal, you will encounter expansive vistas across Morecambe Bay, catch glimpses of the distant Lake District fells, and pass the impressive Arnside Railway Viaduct.

This route is rated difficult, so you should plan your visit accordingly and be prepared for a challenging ride. Kendal is well-connected to the main Bay Cycle Way, making it a convenient starting point for your journey. Along the way, you will find various amenities, including cafes and pubs, ensuring you have opportunities for refreshments and breaks.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Bay Cycle Way: Kendal Loop takes you through the beautiful Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will traverse ancient farmland and marshy nature reserves, experiencing the unique ecosystem of the Silverdale Coast. This loop provides a rewarding experience for cyclists seeking a longer, more demanding ride through a scenic and historically rich area.