N2S Itinerary Title
The Cycling - Introduction
Make the most out of your time in the Lake District national park, with this unique route, which takes in the many kilometres of cycleway and small back roads, linking the main market towns, river valleys, low mountain passes and coastal paths; this tour has them all.
Highlights
• Experience many of the Lake District’s attractions
• Ride at your own pace
• Logistics planned for you, so you can focus on the cycling
• Cycle through the beautiful Lake District national park
• Train accessible, so no need for a car
The Lake District cycling distance and route elevation
Total distance
Total height gain:
145 miles or 233 km
10426ft or 3178m
Ride Description
Ride Description
Day 1 - Arrival in Penrith
Sunday Afternoon
This tour starts in the market town of Penrith, which is known as the gateway to the Lake District, due to its great transport links. Located on the M6 motorway, along with the main train line from London Euston or Manchester Airport, accessing Penrith could not be easier. You are free to check into your accommodation mid-afternoon, (15:00 onwards), with a couple of impressive castles within cycling distance if you choose to explore the local area. There is ample parking available in the town if you choose to leave your car for the duration of the tour.
Meals Included: None
Cycling: 12 miles, 19km
Ascent: 691ft, 211m
Day 2 - Penrith to Derwent water (Keswick)
Monday
After a hearty English breakfast, today you are set to pedal westward towards Keswick, in the shadow of Blencathra a mountain known for its saddleback profile. Utilising various cycle routes, you head through small villages such as Greystoke and Threkeld, both having great tea rooms for a mid-morning coffee.
Following the course of the river Greta, you soon arrive in the thriving town of Keswick, where you can explore the town, sampling one of the great cafés for lunch before you head out on your lap of Derwent water. This stunningly beautiful lake is in the Borrowdale valley and has plenty of sights to take in, such as Lodore Falls, The Bowder stone, along with epic views of Skiddaw towering 931 meters above Keswick.
After checking into your accommodation, don’t forget to sample a few of the locally brewed beers in one of the many pubs.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling: 30 miles , 48km
Ascent: 1746ft, 532m
Day 3 - Keswick to Ambleside, The Three Lakes
Tuesday
After a short warm up on Keswick’s disused railway, you soon climb up to the bronze age, Castlerigg Stone Circle and its panoramic north lakes views. Turning south into St John’s in the Vale, you now head towards Thirlmere reservoir’s dam, its peaceful lakeside road and then up over Dunmail Raise, into the South lakes.
The home of the 18th-century poet, William Wordsworth, Grasmere, is next on the cards, with its many coffee shops and world-famous gingerbread.
The journey then takes you into Great Langdale, which is the heart of the mountaineering community in the Lakes and it’s two iconic pubs (Old and new Dungeon Ghyll). Many an adventure has been planned from theses locations and a pint of the local brew is well deserved. Gravel cycleways and quiet backroads then take you into Ambleside, where you are spending a few nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling: 29 miles, 47km
Ascent: 2497ft, 761m
Day 4 - Ambleside – Coniston – Hawkshead – Ambleside
Wednesday
As you are staying another night in Ambleside there are options for today, along with a possible day off the bike consisting of a late breakfast, Spa therapies, ferry rides and a movie! Ambleside has it all. A ride to Hawkshead is a great half-day option, with its traffic-free cycleway making the return pedal a true pleasure.
Choose a week in May and you may be treated to the bluebell extravaganza of Pull Woods, on the shores of Lake Windermere. If your legs are feeling strong then a lap of Coniston water is in order, taking in many a cycleway along with the history of Donald Campbell’s water speed record attempt.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Short Route
Cycling: 12 miles, 18km
Descent: 885ft, 270m
Long Route
Cycling: 35 miles, 56km
Ascent: 2564ft, 781m
Day 5 - Ambleside to Grange Over Sands to Kendal
Thursday
Today’s day on the bike takes you south along the length of Lake Windermere and onwards to the coast at Grange-Over-Sands, before turning inland towards the old market town of Kendal. Utilising further traffic-free cycleway and quiet back roads, the 18km’s of the longest lake in England, Windermere, is a pleasure and if you are after a shorter pedal then you can use the ferry mid-way down the west shore.
Looking out over the sand flats of Morecambe Bay is a perfect time to sample the locally baked pies, before following the course of the river Kent into Kendal. Kendal with its thriving Brewery Arts Centre is a great place to spend your final night in the Lake District, reminiscing on the truly stunning journey which you have just carried out.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Short Route
Cycling: 20 miles, 32km
Descent: 1292ft, 394m
Long Route
Cycling: 39 miles, 63km
Ascent: 2454ft, 748m
Day 6 - Onward Travel
Friday
After checking out of your accommodation you can explore the ruins of Kendal castle along with its busy town centre, featuring many independent shops/café.
You can choose to start your onward journey via the train from Oxenholme station, or opt for the return train tickets back north to Penrith.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling: 0 miles, 0km