Inspired by the Tour of Britain arriving in Cumbria this week, we asked our social media users where their favourite places are for a ride

1 Grizedale Forest

With trails for riders of all abilities, and a cycle shop and hire centre on site, Grizedale is the ultimate location for a bike ride.

The gentle Mushroom Cycle Trail is popular with young families, while the downhill route known as The Black is a test for the very best.

2 South Walney to Roanhead

Mostly a road route, it’s a great way to explore Barrow and Walney’s stunning coastline.

Forming part of the Bay Cycle Way, the ride along the side of Walney channel emerges on the main road by Cocken Tunnel, and is a designated cycle lane for the majority of the way.

3 Hodge Close

A hugely popular mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks, there are views across the Langdale Pikes and down into the depths of Hodge Close.

Though there are no major ascents, the route from Tilberthwaite car park can be a tough off-road experience at times.

4 Coniston loop

For road cyclists, this ride can consist purely of the tarmac roads around the lake - however, mountain bikers prefer to incorporate the fells of Satterthwaite Moor to the east and beyond Torver to the west.

5 Whinlatter Forest

Whinlatter is definitely the place to be for this year’s Tour of Britain with Cumbria hosting two full stages of British Cycling’s premier road cycling race in September, both of which finish at this mountain forest location.

6 Furness Coast Road

Another section of the Bay Cycle Way, many riders prefer to take a detour through the villages of Leece, Gleaston, Scales and Bardsea, calling it a day a Ulverston, Greenodd, Grange or beyond - with Sandy Gap the obvious finish point in the opposite direction.

7 Garburn Pass

A technical route for the more advanced mountain bikers, it emerges from the Troutbeck valley, descending the Garburn Pass into Kentmere. Strewn with boulders, the descent is dangerous but ultimately exhilarating.

8 Eskdale trail

Running between Eskdale and Muncaster, this fairly leisurely ride takes you from the foot of the Scafell range via riverside pastures, meadows and historic oak woods of the Eskdale Valley down to Ravenglass on the Irish Sea. You can also get the La’al Ratty back!

9 Tarn Hows

From the north end of Coniston, you can climb off-road through Grizedale Forest and on to the Sawrey Ground Plantation, where you will reach Tarn Hows. The descent takes you back into Yewdale.

10 Whicham Valley

A short ride from Millom to Haverigg and on to the foot of Black Combe, the route takes riders through the Whicham Valley, beyond Millom Park, and into The Hill for a short cycle back to Millom.