Cycling Routes, Peaks and Climbs in the Lake District

Even the most casual cyclist can find somewhere to ride in the Lake District. Routes like The Lakes & Dales Loop, a 196-mile circular, cover some of the most beautiful parts of the landscape, and it’s as easy as picking a bite-sized section to get going (you can see our overview of cycling in the Lake District here).

But, for every family-friendly ride, there are ten challenging routes up and around the fells.

With some inclines reaching a tear-jerking 33% and elevations up to 426m, there are road sections of the Lake District reserved for only the hardiest lycra warriors. The likes of the Honister Pass, Home to the Tour of Britain in years past, and The Struggle set the gauntlet for road-cyclists.

For their offroad cousins, the MTB trails of Whinlatter — England’s only true mountain forest — bring their own challenges. Moderate to difficult level routes run from Cyclewise, the well-provisioned mountain bike centre in the thick of the forest. Experienced cyclists can attack the Altura trail, with tough single track sections, jumps, table tops and other features expected of a red grade route.