Summer is officially here which means our roads are once again brimming with cyclists searching for a little bit of adventure.
There is no feeling like it either, getting out on the open road in search of a mountain or view to conquer, it is often lauded as one of the great British pastimes.
It is clear to see why as well, there are some areas in the UK that are quite simply a cyclist's dream, for all ages and levels.
You're not going to be wanting to tackle the Alps every weekend, are you? No, you'll want steady variety from which you can pick as you please (and a good pub at the end if possible).
Descending Honister Pass video here https://t.co/gP99A11F8e #cycling #LakeDistrict pic.twitter.com/XhnQzhU0s2
— Lake District cyclist (@Lakes_Cyclist) June 15, 2023
Cumbria is one of those destinations in the UK, much like Snowdonia, where cyclists can really be put through their paces - but are rewarded handsomely for their efforts.
The views, nothing quite like it.
With that in mind, we've put together a small list with help from Komoot, to give you 8 of the best cycling routes to try in Cumbria this summer:
Derwentwater, Buttermere & Honister Pass loop from Keswick — Lake District National Park
Expert
Time: 02:32
Distance: 22.2 mi
Incline: 2,225 ft
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Buttermere #cycling #LakeDistrict pic.twitter.com/q2MoDbhybQ
— Lake District cyclist (@Lakes_Cyclist) June 14, 2023
Windermere, Elterwater & Grasmere loop — Lake District National Park
Intermediate
Time: 02:40
Distance: 23.8 mi
Incline: 1,425 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
Buttermere, Crummock Water & Derwent Water loop — Lake District National Park
Expert
Time: 03:11
Distance: 26.6 mi
Incline: 2,900 ft
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Cycling in the Lake District last year…beautiful scenery ❤️ #cycling #LakeDistrict #lakedistrictuk pic.twitter.com/pSYZoc80eH
— Hulkistan 🇵🇰💚🏏💚🍦 (@Hulkistan) January 7, 2022
From Ulverston to Rampside Lighthouse loop
Intermediate
Time: 04:02
Distance: 39.8 mi
Incline: 1,200 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
A circumnavigation of Coniston Water from Coniston village — Lake District National Park
Intermediate
Time: 01:53
Distance: 18.2 mi
Incline: 1,025 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Early start at Haweswater for a loop over to Kentmere and back to the car over the fells and High Street. Weather was amazing! #fellrunning pic.twitter.com/v315OmiqE8
— Adam (@AdsmcgA) May 7, 2023
River Sprint & Kentmere loop from Kendal — Lake District National Park
Intermediate
Time: 02:14
Distance: 21.3 mi
Incline: 1,150 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Wastwater & Seascale loop — Lake District National Park
Intermediate
Time: 02:22
Distance: 23.8 mi
Incline: 1,075 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
@Photoshop composite from Hardknott Pass @fred_whitton #swipeleft #hardknottpass #fredwhittonchallenge #photoshop #cyclinguphill pic.twitter.com/9wjgVNSm9v
— Steve.Fleming (@SteveFlemingM9) June 20, 2023
Hardknott & Wrynose passes loop from Dalegarth Station — Lake District National Park
Expert (steepest road in England)
Time: 03:56
Distance: 30.4 mi
Incline: 4,100 ft
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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