Cycling
From iconic mountain passes, to muddy forest trails, the Lakes is a cyclist’s playground
With an abundance of trails and tracks for the mountain bikers, and plenty of thigh burning passes for the tarmac lovers, you won’t be disappointed with the cycling options from Elterwater. As with hikes and walks, our staff are well placed to point you in the direction of a good route to match your ability and local conditions. In addition, Pedal North have a good selection of Lake District routes, with three recommendations (complete with GPX files to download) right from our front door.
The hostel also offers a secure lockable bike shed and bike washing facilities.
For longer, multi day hikes and cycles, The Sherpa Van will transport your bags from place to place at a very good price, freeing you up to carry just what you need for your day in on the trail!
For those without their own, bikes can be hired from Coniston Bike Hire, Grizedale Mountain Bikes, or Ghyllside bike hire (who also offer electric bikes).
Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge
2.5km each way, gentle
A fairly flat walk or ride, on a well-surfaced bridleway, from the carpark, following Great Langdale Beck. Popular all year around, but on a clear summer’s evening if you catch the light correctly you will see the Langdale Pikes clearly reflected in Elter Water. Cross the bridge at the end to stay on the bridleway, or walk the last few hundred metres to view Skelwith Force and maybe visit Chester’s café.
Grasmere, Rydal Water & the Old Golf Course
17kms, hilly
A hilly route, mainly off-road, that takes in Grasmere lake shore, Rydal Water shore, possible detour to Rydal Caves, skirts Ambleside (possible cake detour) then returns via the Old Golf Course and Loughrigg Tarn. Predominantly off road or quiet back roads
The Coniston Round
60kms, hilly
From Elterwater to Coniston followed by lap of Coniston Water. There are many variations which allows a solely road route or with a variety of alternatives for off-road or gravel bikes. Peppered with cafés including Herdwick’s in Coniston which offers 10% discount for those on bikes. Spot the Anthony Gormley statue if you can?
Claife, Grizedale
Various
Too many possibilities to describe but ride (or drive) to High Cross car park (free). You can follow routes through Grizedale (green is a good one, 16 km round, moderate hills) or mix it up with the numerous bridleways through Hawkshead, Blelham Tarn or Far Sawrey and along Windermere lake shore. Claife Viewing Station is worth a visit with its Aeolian Harp and Joey’s at Claife and Wray Castle are excellent purveyors of cake.
The ultimate Lakes tour (Fred Whitton route)
285kms, very hilly
The ultimate road cycling route. An epic undertaking or a strenuous mulit-day trip taking in Kirkstone Pass (highest point), Honister, Newlands, and Whinlatter passes, Swarth and Cold Fell, and finishing with Hardknott and Wrynose passes and the final 25% gradient to Blea Tarn
