Cycling in the Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful regions of the UK, with visitors travelling from all over the country to roam this stunning area of natural beauty.

And if you’re keen to explore the Lake District on two wheels, there is a wide range of cycle routes that will take you around many of the area’s hotspots. Here’s everything you need to know about the Lake District cycle routes you’ll be using.

Cycling hire in the Lake District

Before you embark on your cycling journey around the Lake District, it’s important to find a comfortable, safe pair of wheels to ride around on.

If you don’t have access to your own (or don’t have the space to transport your bike by car), there are lots of options for cycle hire in the Lake District that will get you on the road as soon as possible.

One of the most convenient options is Penrith bike hire and delivery, which will deliver a range of bikes for a small fee. You also have the option to collect your bike completely free of charge, if suitable.

If you like a little more power behind your pedal, Hawkshead bike hire provides full-day electric bike hire from £50. You’re also able to sign up for guided e-bike tours, if you’d like a more structured day of exploration.

Easy cycle routes in the Lake District for beginners

For starter cyclists, there are a number of Lake District cycle routes that won’t leave you puffing and panting before you even get started.

These include the Derwentwater and Borrowdale route, which runs for a total of just over 10 miles and features steady climbs as you explore this stunning valley. There are a number of comfortable refreshment points as you go, too, including the Grange tea rooms and High Lodore Farm.

For something a little longer, the Kendal Eight route takes you around the quieter country lanes of the Lake District on a 21-mile journey. Cyclists will likely have the pathways to themselves for the majority of this journey, as the route takes you down lesser-used roads with a potential refreshment stop-off in the town of Kendal.

Challenging cycle paths in the Lake District for expert riders

Thanks to the Lake District’s mountainous topography, there’s no shortage of challenging cycle routes that will really put your fitness skills to the test.

This includes the Three classic climbs loop: an 86-mile trek that features plenty of ups and downs to challenge even the most adept cyclist. Or if you’re after something a little shorter (but no less physically strenuous), the Fred Whitton Challenge will take riders from Grasmere to Kirkstone Pass on a 42-mile journey with plenty of elevation.

Plan your cycling holiday today

No matter where you choose to go cycling in the Lake District, you owe it to yourself to rest and relax after a long day at one of the region’s best pubs with rooms.

Start planning your trip today by taking a look at our curated list of the best pubs to stay at, or use our handy pub finder tool to browse the full collection.