by Alf Alderson
As one of the UK’s most beautiful regions it’s no surprise that the Lake Districtis so popular amongst cyclists.
It also has a fearsome reputation — climbs such as Honister Pass and Whinlatter Pass are challenging enough to have featured in the Tour of Britain, whilst the grueling combination of Hardknott and Wrynose Passes between Little Langdale and Eskdale offers some of the toughest cycling in the country, with 33 per cent gradients in some places.
But the Lake District is not all super-steep hills, fortunately! There are plenty of easy lakeside cycle paths and quiet country lanes, along with the mountain bike centres at Whinlatter and Grizedale, where even the youngest cycling enthusiast can get to know this beautiful landscape.
So with a little effort, anyone can access some truly magnificent Cumbrian scenery on their bike
by Jon Sparks The second in a series of themed cycle guides to the Lake District, Off-Road Rides outlines a series of cycle rides filling the often-overlooked gap between easy forest roads and hardcore mountain biking. The routes seek out enjoyable tracks and trails, linked by quiet lanes. They include café and picnic stops, plus points of interest along the way.
by Alf Alderson As one of the UK’s most beautiful regions it’s no surprise that the Lake Districtis so popular amongst cyclists. It also has a fearsome reputation — climbs such as Honister Pass and Whinlatter Pass are challenging enough to have featured in the Tour of Britain, whilst the grueling combination of Hardknott and Wrynose Passes between Little Langdale and Eskdale offers some of the toughest cycling in the country, with 33 per cent gradients in some places. But the Lake District is not all super-steep hills, fortunately! There are plenty of easy lakeside cycle paths and quiet country lanes, along with the mountain bike centres at Whinlatter and Grizedale, where even the youngest cycling enthusiast can get to know this beautiful landscape. So with a little effort, anyone can access some truly magnificent Cumbrian scenery on their bike