Lake District cycling

Road cyclists and mountain bikers are spoilt for choice in the Lake District National Park. There are a range of country lanes, permitted cycleways and bridleways to suit all experience levels, and you can be sure of fantastic views along the way!

If you are looking for mountain biking routes, Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale Forest are criss-crossed with routes. These are suitable for beginners through to more challenging mountain bike routes for those with more experience. Mountain biking in the Lake District gives great routes in a small place, letting you get the most out of your visit.

Lowther Castle has cycle trails and you can hire bikes and e-bikes at Lowther. See some great  cycling around Windermere, including an off-road lake side trail. The Eskdale Trail is an off road signed route from Ravenglass through the Eskdale valley.

Flood damage on the Keswick to Threlkeld multi user trail from December 2020 has now been fully repaired and is open for you to enjoy with the whole family.

The Lake District is a popular choice for people booking cycling holidays and a wide range of hotels and accommodation cater for those travelling light during a cycling tour of the area. Even if you want to stay in the same place, there are numerous different cycling routes throughout the Lake District, so you can easily find a different route for every day.

Brockhole visitor centre

A perfect place to start a family adventure. Hire bikes at Brockhole and take the bike boat across the lake to discover the western shore of Windermere. Visit Brockhole

Coniston Boating Centre

From lake views to spotting wildlife in woodlands, there's always something for everyone at Coniston.

Visit Coniston

Need inspiration?

Our Easy Cycling in the Central Lakes guide shows a network of cycle trails suitable for family and leisure cyclists. The trails link quiet minor roads with improved off-road routes and they start right from the main visitor centres including Ambleside, Bowness, Hawkshead and Coniston.

Bike hire

You can hire bikes across the Lake District. For bikes, electric bikes, tagalongs and bike trailers try Bike hire at Coniston Boating Centre 

Or why not hire a bike at Brockhole on the shores of Windermere and take advantage of the routes available on the Windermere Lake Cruises bike boat.

Guided Cycle Rides

Lake District National Park run guided cycle rides throughout the national park. Visit our events pages and search cycling for more details.

Bikes on buses and boats

You can carry your bike on:

Windermere Ferry between Ferry Nab and Ferry House

The Windermere Bike Boat between Brockhole and Bark Barn

Bus 599 which runs up to 3 times an hour between Bowness, Windermere, Brockhole, Ambleside and Grasmere carries two bikes.

Rail services to and within the Lake District carry bikes, see rail operating company websites for details of capacity and booking arrangements.

Cycling links

• Cumbria and Lake District cycling routes from Go Lakes

Need holiday accommodation?

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We've cosy holiday cottages, quirky boutique hotels, friendly bed and breakfasts and luxury hotels.

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