Cycling in the Lake District (eBook)

Richard Barrett spent his working life as a professional marketer, but still found time for climbing, winter mountaineering and sea kayaking. These days he lives in North Harris where he fills an active pre-retirement with writing and photography.

Map key

Overview maps

Route summary table



Introduction

Lake District National Park

Geology and landscape

Plants and wildlife

History and culture

Getting there

Weather and when to ride

Where to stay

What type of bike?

Preparing your bike

Preparing yourself

What to pack

How to pack

Riding comfortably

Fuelling your ride

Riding as a group

Cycle touring

The Fred Whitton Challenge

Day rides

Maps and itineraries

Using this guide



A tour of the Lake District

The Eastern and Far Eastern Fells

Stage 1A Ambleside to Troutbeck over the Kirkstone Pass

Stage 1B Ambleside to Troutbeck via Shap

The Northern Fells

Stage 2A Troutbeck to Keswick via Threlkeld

Stage 2B Troutbeck to Keswick via Hesket Newmarket

The North Western Fells

Stage 3A Keswick to Cockermouth over the passes

Stage 3B Keswick to Cockermouth via Lorton

The Western Fells

Stage 4A Cockermouth to Eskdale Green via Ennerdale Green

Stage 4B Cockermouth to Eskdale Green via Egremont

The Southern and Central Fells

Stage 5A Eskdale Green to Ambleside over the passes

Stage 5B Eskdale Green to Ambleside via Coniston and Hawkshead



Day rides

Ambleside and the Central Lakes

Route 1 Over the Wrynose and Hardknott passes from Ambleside

Route 2 Around the Central Fells

Route 3 A circuit of the Eastern Fells from Ambleside

Penrith and the North East

Route 4 Haweswater and Ullswater from Shap

Route 5 Lowther Park and Ullswater from Penrith

Route 6 Around Inglewood Forest

Keswick and the North West

Route 7 Loop around the Back o' Skiddaw

Route 8 Whinlatter and Honister passes from Keswick

Route 9 Across Allerdale

The South West

Route 10 Back o' Sellafield and Wasdale Head

Route 11 The Far South West from Ravenglass

Route 12 Around the Furness Fells from Broughton

The South East

Route 13 Around Grizedale Forest

Route 14 Across Windermere from Cartmel

Route 15 A circuit around Whitbarrow



Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Accommodation

Appendix C What to take

Appendix D Further reading