Where can I cycle?
There are lots of options for cycling in the Lake District and relevant apps and websites are full of inspiration, including OS Maps.
Check out of collection of easy rides here (we’re working on some more so watch this space!).
Find the perfect route
We have a list of fantastic tried and tested routes to enjoy. Filter by difficulty, duration, scenery and facilities to suit your needs and ability. Know where you’re visiting? Use the map to see where the routes start. You can also find our popular Miles Without Stiles cycling routes below.
Miles Without Stiles routes 'for all'
Our ‘for all’ Miles without Stiles routes are suitable for everyone. The routes are low gradient, have smoother surfaces and wider passing places. Here are some cycle-friendly accessible routes:
- Route 16, Monk Coniston: This scenic short ride takes you between the lakeshore at Monk Coniston and Coniston village (3.5 km distance).
- Route 18, Broughton Railway: Broughton on Furness cycle route starts in the picturesque town, then follows the old railway line which originally went to Coniston (4.5 km distance).
Miles Without Stiles routes 'for many'
Our ‘for many’ routes have low gradients but with some slightly steeper built gradients. The path surface will be rougher stone of 4 cm diameter or less.
- Route 6, Windermere Western Shore: A tarmac road and smooth stone track lead you up the quiet west shore, from the bustle of Bowness and Windermere (9 km distance).
- Route 11, Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge: A stunning linear cycle route taking in lakeside meadows, an iconic new bridge, roaring waterfall and great food (2 km each way)
- Route 17, Coniston to Torver: A ride along the shoreline of Coniston Water, with the option of returning on the Coniston Launches from Torver jetty (3.5 km each way)
- Route 23, Ennerdale Views: A loop ‘for all’ (2 km) and a longer (4.2 km) ride along Ennerdale Water’s western shore with fantastic views of the wild Ennerdale fells.
Miles Without Stiles routes 'for some'
Our ‘for some’ routes have slightly tougher terrain with some sloped gradients. The route surface may have some low steps or breaks up to 10cm in height and made of stone material up to 10 cm in diameter.
- Route 3, Kentmere: A linear bike ride into one of eastern Lakeland’s most beautiful valleys (4.5 km distance).
- Route 15, Yewdale Bridleway: This undulating linear route goes under rocky ramparts of Yewdale fell side, through Yewdale Woods (2.5 km each way).
- Route 19, Dalegarth: Loop route with two spur path options, it links Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Station to Boot (2.5 km distance).
Eskdale TRail
The Eskdale TRail is a fun day out for the whole family to explore this western Lake District valley. You can catch the La’al Ratty from Ravenglass to Dalegarth and follow the new metal fingerposts that are unique to the Eskdale TRail. If cycling is your thing, head up with your bike on a converted carriage on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway (that’s why we called it TRail!). Then ride from the foot of the Scafell range via riverside pastures, meadows and historic oak woods of the Eskdale Valley down to Ravenglass on the Irish Sea.
Forest trails
For singletrack mountain biking and gravel routes Whinlatter and Grizedale Forests have routes at many different levels of difficulty, along with cafes and activities for all the family.
National Cycle Network
Routes on the National Cycle Network travel around, into and through the Lake District, including the famous Coast to Coast route, 140 miles from Whitehaven, through the Lake District to the North Pennines and the North Sea.
Details for National Cycle Network routes are on the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust website.
Keep the Lake District beautiful for the next cyclists
Top tips for your cycling adventure
From little legs to experienced cyclist, there is a route for everyone. Whilst your planning where to go, here are some tips for staying safe and making the most of your day out.
There are lots of resources and videos on safe cycling, including some handy maintenance and repair instructions on the Cycling UK video guide.
Choose a route suitable for you and your group’s ability, the Lake District is famous for its hills so you won’t be able to go as far or as fast as you would on flatter land!
Make sure your bike is in good working order and you’re wearing suitable visible clothes. We advise you wear a cycle helmet.
Carry suitable equipment with you including items for emergency repairs, route details, snacks and water.
Our main roads can be busy, especially at peak visitor times. Plan you route to avoid these or if you have the choice go at quieter times. If on the road stay alert and follow the highway code and ride confidently but considerately.
If on public bridleways or multiuser trails remember you are sharing the space with people walking, using wheelchairs or on horseback, we all need to be kind and look after each other.
And finally, enjoy your ride!
Hire electric and mountain bikes
Bike hire is available from many businesses and locations across the National Park. A quick online search will direct you to the closest hire. Make sure to plan ahead, as booking is popular and some hire is seasonal.
Hawkshead Information Centre bike hire
Available to hire from our Hawkshead Information Centre are mountain bikes and on-and-off road electric bikes (ebikes) in different sizes. Hire a bike for a half, full or multiple days. Our friendly staff can help you with route suggestions along quieter tracks and off-road routes so you can enjoy spectacular views!
Frequently asked hire questions
Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
We do not offer any cycles with stabilisers.
You must be 16 or older to ride our pedal assist electric bikes.
We have maps available at the cycle hire centres.
All cycles have to be returned to the centre they were hired from by the allotted time.
Hire includes a helmet, spare tube, tyre levers, pump and bike lock.
Tour De France Grand Départ
The Tour de France Grand Départ is coming to the Lake District National Park in July 2027!
Supported by hosting from UK Sport, the famous race will start its journey in Scotland and make its way down into England and through the Lake District, before heading on to Liverpool. The final leg will commence in Wales, where it will also finish.
Spectators do not need to purchase a ticket and can enjoy watching participants riding through the Lake District National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site for free. Coming to spectate? Find transport options on our getting to and around the Lake District page and start to plan your visit.
