Lake District Road Cycling Routes

  • LAKE DISTRICT ROAD CYCLING

    Epic rides in the mountains of Lakeland

LAKE DISTRICT ROAD CYCLING ROUTES .

High passes & legendary climbs

The English Lake District is home to legendary road cycling climbs and passes, such as Honister Pass, The Struggle near Ambleside, and Whinlatter Pass. The cycling routes here are varied and hard, providing amazing views across the beautiful landscape, so why not take a cycling holiday in the Lake District and ride these amazing road routes.


Our map below shows you exactly where the routes are. Simply pan in and click on a bike and a link will take you to the web page, or click the panels as you read through our great selection of rides. We’ve also partnered with Booking.com to bring you the best accommodation options in the Lake District, to make your cycling holiday extra special.

BORROWDALE – EASY 10.2 MILES


This ride twists and turns around the valley, with spectacular views of the fells and Derwentwater.

KENDAL EIGHT  – EASY 21 MILES


A ride taking in quieter lanes on the edge of the Lake District, with easy rolling climbs and great views.

NEWLANDS & HONISTER – HARD 17.5 MILES


One of the classic routes in the National Park, taking in both Honister Pass and Newlands Pass.

KIRKSTONE – HARD 53 MILES


A tough ride up Kirkstone Pass. None of the Lakeland passes can be described as anything other than tough.

WINDERMERE LOOP – MEDIUM 38.5 MILES


Excellent rolling route that takes you around this picturesque area of Lakeland. Add a few miles and take yourself over to Coniston.

RUSLAND VALLEY – MEDIUM 20.5 MILES


A charming tour of the Rusland Valley, better known to mountain bikers heading for the Grizedale centre, returning via the quiet side of Coniston.

COLD FELL – MEDIUM 38 MILES


A grand circuit of Cumbria’s western seabord. Hope for views of the Isle of Man from Cold Fell as well as mysterious signs of our ancient ancestors.

HAWKSHEAD HILL – MEDIUM 16 MILES


Albeit short in distance, don’t underestimate this route. It climbs quite quickly, with only a short opportunity to warm into it. Dropping into Coniston at speed on twisting lanes, care should be taken.

TARN HOWS – MEDIUM 11 MILES


A great afternoon or evening ride to the spectacular Tarn Hows, with an epic descent back down.

BLEA TARN – MEDIUM 18.8 MILES


In the pantheon of Lakeland passes, Blea Tarn will never be spoken of in the hushed tones reserved for its mighty neighbours, Wrynose and Hardknott. Nevertheless, it makes for a pleasant short loop from the Ambleside area.

THE STRUGGLE – HARD 38 MILES


This is a tough climb, no questions – but extremely worthwhile, and with epic lanes to ride afterwards as you head home smiling.

LAKELAND LOOP WEST – HARD 65 MILES


a thrilling tour de force round the western half of Lakeland, with spectacular scenery, surprising variety and a peek into some of Cumbria’s less-frequented corners.

AMBLESIDE & SOUTH LAKES – HARD 32 MILES


Simply amazing ride in and around the south lakes, with great climbs, descents and twisting lanes all the way.

RELATED CONTENT