{"id":1031,"date":"2017-08-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-08-18T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelovers.cottage-search.com\/blog\/complete-guide-lake-district-cycling-holiday\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T11:21:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T10:21:13","slug":"complete-guide-lake-district-cycling-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/complete-guide-lake-district-cycling-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to a Lake District Cycling Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"

Freewheel Your Lakes Cycling Holiday<\/h2>\n

Take to pedal power whilst on holiday in the Lake District.\u00a0Escape the crowds, get off the roads and see unspoiled\u00a0parts of this truly unique region.<\/p>\n

For biking enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, couples, and families alike \u2013 the mountain trails, country lanes and endless public cycle paths will take you on some of the very best rides in the UK.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our handy guide for enjoying cycling whilst on a Lake District cottage holiday.<\/p>\n

Mountain Biking Attitude\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s start off with what the Lake District has to offer experienced cyclists. Introducing Whinlatter and Grizedale \u2013 two of the most scenic forests in the UK.<\/p>\n

\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Altura Trail rising 1600 ft above Keswick<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
In the north, Whinlatter Forest, Keswick, is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District<\/span><\/span>
\n. Stamina, fitness and experience <\/span>
\nare needed<\/span><\/span>
\n.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Plus, rising over 1000ft above sea level it is England\u2019s only true mountain forest. It offers thrill-seekers plenty of banked bends and downside. The Altura Trail (grade Red) at Whinlatter flows <\/span>
\nperfectly<\/span><\/span>
\n. Rising 1600 ft above Keswick, offers plenty of mountain altitude with attitude.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, in the south Lake District, offers experienced mountain bikers a Black route<\/span><\/span>
\n. The Black MTB Trail is a 1 km blast of jumps, berms and steep descents. The double diamond is not for the faint hearted and follow signs, watching out for the mid-run split.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Both forests have stacks of more gentle routes as well. Plus you\u2019ll find the tree top ropes of GoApe at Grizedale and the amazing 9 part WildPlay at Whinlatter.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cycling With Small Kids<\/strong><\/h3>\n

On the other cycling spectrum, cycling is a superb way for families to escape the crowds and explore parts of the Lake District not accessible by car. Plus, you can pack so much more in when travelling on wheels rather than relying on little leg power alone. Just remember to pack water and a delicious pack lunch.<\/p>\n

Hop on the ferry with your bikes, from Bowness to Ferry House. Enjoy Windermere\u2019s quiet western shore via the Windermere Cycle Trail. Here families can ride along Windermere and take in Wray Castle. It is superb for kids as well as heading up the cycle path to the pretty car-free village of Hawkshead. Or, at Ferry House use the bike rack on the Mountain Goat shuttle bus and head straight to Hawkshead. There you can enjoy a circular cycle route around the village or pass into Grizedale Forest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You can hire bikes across the Lake District. There are easy routes from the main centres of Ambleside, Bowness, Hawkshead and Coniston as well as Windermere. Coniston Boat Hire is a particularly family friendly bike hire service. As well as bikes of all sizes, you can hire trailers for small children to be towed. From here, you can enjoy the popular Torver trail along Coniston.<\/p>\n

If you get a taste for cycling whilst in the lakes, head to the UK\u2019s largest bike shop in Stavley, Windermere \u2013 Wheelbase.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Cycle<\/p>\n

Cycle hire at Whinlatter, Keswick<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Cycling Car-Free<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Lake District\u2019s Bike Bus service, bus number 800, runs between Windermere Railway Station (Country Lanes cycle hire also based here), up to Keswick and Whinlatter Forest in the north Lakes. And when staying in Windermere, look out for the Bike Boat<\/a>, which runs between Brockhole and Windermere\u2019s quiet western shore.<\/p>\n

Many of our properties have secure bike storage if you choose to bring your own bikes.<\/p>\n

Check out our Langdale cottages<\/strong><\/a> and enjoy a cycle taking in the awe-inspiring views that this dramatic craggy valley has to offer, not to miss the infamous 30% Wrynose Pass!<\/p>\n

And, how glorious does a soak in your very own private hot tub after a day atop of a saddle sound? We are very proud of our superb collection of Lake District cottages with hot tub<\/a> <\/strong>feature. Set in tranquil gardens and looking out onto stunning Lakeland views \u2013 what more could you want from a cycling holiday.<\/p>\n

We look forward to welcoming you on a relaxing, memory filled holiday.<\/p>\n

Want to hear more about cycling? Subscribe Below:<\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n