Cycle path riding in the Lake District ?

[Arjimlad]

My family & I are off to our beloved Patterdale, on Ullswater, in March, and as my daughter aged 2 is a tad heavy for my aged backbones, we thought we'd take our bikes so she can be on the bike seat rather than the backpack.

My boys are 9 and 12 y/o and as a family we can ride 12-15 flattish miles in a day quite happily.

Our bikes are hybrid/leisure MTB style, and we like family rides on quiet roads or cycle paths. Not really up for serious/muddy off-roading but we could do some gravel paths.

Any hints from CC'ers as to where we might all enjoy riding, would be very gratefully received. Happy to drive the bikes somewhere then cycle off for the day as well..

 

[threebikesmcginty]

There's a member called southlakes who post pictures of cakes in the gallery section, they do a lot of offroad stuff but I bet they know where the family friendly tracks are too.

 

[Arjimlad]

Thank you, that's a great idea, I have sent him a message.

 

[Globalti]

Here y'are: http://www.mountain-bike-cumbria.co.uk/trails.php?id=keswickDismantledRailway

 

[Arjimlad]

Fab - that's a definite - will review the rest on that site too ! Thank you !

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Scroll down, and you'll find a dedicated Ullswater leaflet. some of the other might be of interest too

http://www.golakes.co.uk/adventure-capital/cycling-guides-download.aspx

 

[Southlakes]

I think your first port call is look at off-road route guide at this link http://www.southlakesgroup.org/routes/index.html If you want any more information phone me.

 

[Crackle]

Here y'are: http://www.mountain-bike-cumbria.co.uk/trails.php?id=keswickDismantledRailway

I've done that with bike seats on. Threlkeld has a few pubs for a nice stop.

Don't discount the forest tracks in Grizedale and Whinlatter. If done slowly, they're fine for child seats and both have nice visitor centres with cafes and bike shops........ hmmmm, bike shops.

 

[gavgav]

Grizedale is an absolute must. A few uphill bits, but you can take it bit at a time and stop for a picnic, etc.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

The path along the western shore of Windermere between Wray Castle and the ferry has recently been resurfaced to a bike friendly standard. It's about 4 miles each way.

Also, Wray Castle is now open to the public for the first time that I can remember, if you like that sort of thing. It's currently unrestored while the NT work out what they plan to do with it so is a bit different to most of their properties.

 

[Arjimlad]

Fantastic ideas all, thank you very much. We had a walk around Dodd Wood to see the Ospreys last year and wondered about biking. Walked round Whinlatter the year before too. Love the sound of Windermere shore too.. Really excited about this trip now !

 

[Sandra6]

Everything's up in Dodd wood! It's not idea for cycling as there are too many people in the way!
If you go across the road to Mirehouse it's flat and the path leads down to the lake, but I'm not sure whether cycling is allowed, tbh I've never asked.
Whinlatter is excellent, lots to do for a family other than cycling too, as is Grizedale.
Just be aware that most of the routes linked to will end up on road at some point - the old railway is probably the most family friendly.

 

[Black Sheep]

Grizedale is an absolute must. A few uphill bits, but you can take it bit at a time and stop for a picnic, etc.

Grizedale is brilliant, there are some narrow rough routes, however there are also lots of fire roads and access routes (normally closed to vehicles but large enough for small lorries to pass) which I think would be suitable from the description you say. The trail centre (at the visitor centre) has maps that show different signed routes around these, but by following the map you can go where you want with some beautiful views of Coniston water.

I would also recommend dropping down to Coniston (the town is across the lake from grizedale) by the bridal way / fire road that joins the 'east of lake road' opposite the town. (do take care, it's a bit steep in some places) Near there is Bank Ground B&B which has a fantastic tea-room open in summer, you take what you want as many visits to the table as you like and pay what you think is fair for how much you've eaten.

the roads are fairly quiet for riding round to the town itself, although Coniston is just a small rural town, not really touristy but a good starting point for hiking and climbing.

 

[Moon bunny]

The path along the western shore of Windermere between Wray Castle and the ferry has recently been resurfaced to a bike friendly standard. It's about 4 miles each way.

Also, Wray Castle is now open to the public for the first time that I can remember, if you like that sort of thing. It's currently unrestored while the NT work out what they plan to do with it so is a bit different to most of their properties.

Partly by me as a volunteer under the "Windermere Reflections" scheme.

 

[gavgav]

Grizedale is brilliant, there are some narrow rough routes, however there are also lots of fire roads and access routes (normally closed to vehicles but large enough for small lorries to pass) which I think would be suitable from the description you say. The trail centre (at the visitor centre) has maps that show different signed routes around these, but by following the map you can go where you want with some beautiful views of Coniston water.

I would also recommend dropping down to Coniston (the town is across the lake from grizedale) by the bridal way / fire road that joins the 'east of lake road' opposite the town. (do take care, it's a bit steep in some places) Near there is Bank Ground B&B which has a fantastic tea-room open in summer, you take what you want as many visits to the table as you like and pay what you think is fair for how much you've eaten.

the roads are fairly quiet for riding round to the town itself, although Coniston is just a small rural town, not really touristy but a good starting point for hiking and climbing.

Coniston is my second home, spend many a week up there as a base for cycling and walking. And having the Black Bull with it's AMAZING beer just tops it off