Cycling
Road cyclists and mountain bikers are spoilt for choice in the Lake District National Park. There are country lanes, permitted cycleways and bridleways with some fantastic views!
For mountain bikers, Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale Forest (open in new window) are criss-crossed with routes ranging from those suitable for beginners to more challenging levels.
And if you want to go on a touring holiday, an increasing number of hotels and B and Bs are catering for those travelling light. Check out Go Lakes (opens in new window).
Hire bikes, electric bikes, tagalongs and bike trailers
Need inspiration?
Our Great Walking and Cycling Made Easy routes give some ideas. There's also our Walking and cycling Keswick Railway Path (PDF)
The Cumbria Cycling Map page 1 (low-quality PDF) and Cumbria Cycling Map page 2 (low-quality PDF) shows family-friendly traffic free routes,suggested rides on quieter roads, the National Cycle Network and the best areas for mountain biking including Forestry Commission woodlands. There are also details of bike shop and hire facilities, and cycle publications.
If you're heading for Gatesgarth Pass, check out the information on the Gatesgarth Pass - Green Road Driving page.
Cycling links
- Introduction to Cycling in the Lake District - Go Lakes
- Bike Hub
- Bike hire at Coniston Boating Centre
- Country Lanes Cycling Holidays
- CTC - the UK's National Cyclists' Organisation
- Cumbria and Lake District cycling routes from Go Lakes
- GPS Cycle Routes - Cumbria
- Grizedale Mountain Bikes
- Keswick Mountain Bikes
- Mountain bike hire in Coniston
- RiverDeepMountainHigh - including guided off-road riding and outdoor activity trips
- Rough-Stuff Fellowship - the oldest off-road cycling touring club in the UK
- Spinnoff guided mountain biking
- Sustrans - co-ordinator of National Cycle Network
- The Bike List
- TrailKings - mountain bike courses
- Wheelbase Cycling Shop in Staveley
- WildBike - mountain bike holidays
Cyclo cross videos at Brockhole
The Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre (opens in new window) has hosted two major cyclo cross events. Check out the mud, snow and sunshine!:
- 5 December 2010: North of England Cyclocross Championships on British Cycling website (opens in new window)
- 15 October 2011: Team Wiggle at Rapha Super Cross (opens in new window)
Shop online to help your National Park
From maps to books, all things Wainwright, outdoor equipment and GPS - our online shop has it all!
And we will receive at least 5 per cent of your order, to go towards keeping this spectacular corner of England special.
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.