Prices
Electric bike (e-bike)
Full day, 10am-4pm: £60
Over 16s only, riders 16 and 17 to be accompanied by an adult
Bike size guide and fleet information
We have a handful of electric hardtail mountain bikes in our fleet, in a range of sizes. The medium and small bikes are available as step through options. Sorry, we don’t have any non-electric bikes or children’s bikes. If you are between sizes, we advise choosing the smaller size.
- Large: 5’10” – 6’1″
- Medium: 5’6″ – 5’10”
- Small: 5’2″ – 5’6″
Visiting information
Hawkshead village
Hawkshead is a classic small and characterful Lake District village west of Windermere. It’s a popular place to stop when out for the day due to its local shops and cafes.
Leaving Hawkshead, there are many trails to explore for a range of abilities. There is a network of cycle routes that take you to famous locations such as Lake Windermere, Hill Top and Wray Castle. For the more experienced rider, there are fantastic routes towards Coniston and the Langdales.
Hawkshead Information Centre and bike hire opening hours
Monday to Sunday: 09:30am to 16:30pm (first hire 10:00am).
Contact information
- Email: bike.hire@lakedistrict.gov.uk
- Phone: 01539 440277 (available 09.30am to 16.30pm)
How to find us
- Address: Hawkshead Information Centre, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside LA22 0NS.
- What/Three/Words: bath.conspire.newest
Good to know
- Electric Bike Hire is for over 16s only
- Riders 16 and 17 to be accompanied by an adult
- Under 18s hire to be booked by an adult over 18
- You are responsible for bike/hire equipment
- Wear appropriate clothing: breathable, loose fit, layers and light showerproof jacket
- We don’t allow sandals/flip flops
- Please bring photo ID (driving licence/passport) on the day of hire, this is kept as a security deposit whilst you are out enjoying your bike ride
Booking form
Where to ride
Here are our recommended and most popular circular routes around the Hawkshead area.
Windermere and Esthwaite Cycle Trail
A clock-wise route from Hawkshead Information Centre along public roads and bridleways for Wray Castle, the peaceful Windermere shore trail, Claife Viewing Station and Hill Top.
- 18km/11miles.
- About a 2-3 hour ride.
- View the full route page.
- Download and print the PDF route map.
- Or save the trail on the OS Maps app.
Grizedale Forest Cycle Trail
A clock-wise loop of Grizedale Forest on forest tracks and small roads. The Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre is about halfway round. Though mostly through forest plantations, this area has a long history of iron making, farming, quarrying and woodland industries.
- 30km/18 miles.
- About a 2-3 hour ride.
- View the full route page.
- Download and print the PDF route map.
- Or save the Grizedale Cycle Trail on the OS Maps app.
Waymarked routes in Grizedale Forest
There are waymarked cycle trails in Grizedale Forest, ideal for those who would prefer to be off road away from traffic. Discover art sculptures along your way and enjoy stunning views over Coniston water.
- Download and print a PDF map and guide by Forestry England.
- View the Grizedale Forest Cycle Trails on the Forestry England website.
Routes on the OS Maps app
Here are some out and back routes mapped on the OS app:
- Hawkshead to Coniston – 7.5km one way, about a 1-2 hour ride. On the road, intermediate.
- Coniston to Hawkshead – 7.5km route one way, about a 1-2 hour ride.
- Hawkshead to Ambleside – 9.6km each way, 19km total, about a 2-3 hour ride.
Printed route maps
Prefer a printed map? Download the PDF routes above and print at home, or pick up a copy on the day. We also have a good selection of OS Maps and cycling maps in our shop to buy.
Bike tours
Did you know Guided e-Bike Tours are also available from Hawkshead Information Centre cycle hire? Leave the map behind, hop on an e-bike and explore the stunning National Park with an experienced guide.
