Whether you are fan of mountain biking or not a cycling holiday is something that all the family can enjoy. It is relaxing, good for your health but also exhilarating at the same; take it easy and enjoy the sun (if you’re lucky!) or really challenge yourself to climb the bigger mountains and enjoy the rough downhill run.
Whether you like cross country, downhill or single-track rides you’ll find a bit of something for everyone in the Lake District. At night get back to your B&B, enjoy a few drinks, a good sleep and wake up with a gorgeous full English breakfast before starting the day all over again. In this article I’ll outline a few of the best locations for different types of rides.
Grizedale Forest, Lake District, UK
Grizedale Forest
Grizedale Forest is situated between Lake Windermere and Lake Coniston meaning you can easily base yourself in the Windermere area and then travel there for the day should you wish, it is around 12 miles away and a 25 minute drive. Once there you will see why it is such a great place for mountain biking, there are brand new facilities from cafes to toilets and picnic areas in the visitors centre area and even a bike hire shop. The shop caters for all abilities so if you are a little more experienced and would like a Scott bike you can hire this or you can just go for a standard unbranded one (safety gear and maps are included as well). There are three different routes you can choose around Grizedale Forest and these are graded between the easiest and hardest, a lot of the time you can choose easier and tougher sections though because they tend to overlap each other. The easier routes go through the forest and over more fire road but the tougher routes are based around the ‘North Shore’ wooden style with a few jumps and fast corners thrown in for fun. It makes for a brilliant day of riding, they also have a ‘Go Ape’ rope course in the forest right next to the bike hire shop which you can have a go at if you wish to break your day up.
Lakeland Fringes, Kendal
This ride is perfect if you prefer riding more on roads with the occasional off road section, there are a lot of descents in it so it is great fun to ride plus you can tailor the length of it to what you feel like doing. There is a 10 mile, 7 mile and 6.5 mile version of the same ride; you can park at the start point in the Staveley Mill Yard or stay in the nearby village. The ride starts around 6 miles east of Windermere and you cycle towards it throughout the first half of the ride allowing you to stop for a bite to eat when you are half way before turning back and heading down a slightly different route further south. This is more of a family ride rather than one for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Duddon Valley, Lake District, England, UK
Duddon Valley
This is definitely not a route for the faint hearted and is made for cross country/downhill mountain bikers, you will find some very tough, prolonged climbs over rocky ground in particular on Walna Scar Road but you will be rewarded for your efforts with spectacular views over the Irish Sea. The route is just under 13 miles and you are well away from civilisation for the majority of it so make sure you come prepared with GPS, puncture repairs kits, first aid kit and plenty of food and water. It would also be advisable to take out bike insurance before you go to cover any accidents or breakages you make incur to yourself, your bike or other people. Cycle claims can be a godsend when you snap the rear suspension on your brand new £3000 Commencal bike.
