Family-friendly cycling routes in the Lake District

By Cycling UK
A family of two parents and two children is riding on a trail through woods
Off-road cycling is fun for all the family
The Lake District is an excellent choice for some scenic cycling. However, its mountainous nature might put off those with children. We identify six routes suitable for younger riders and their families

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of England, the Lake District also offers some stunning cycling. However, it might not be the first place you think of for family cycling – all those climbs!

But you’d be missing out. Whether you’re visiting the area on holiday or you live locally, there is a huge variety of cycle routes for all ages and abilities, from balance-bike friendly to more challenging rides for older children.

Some tips for planning:

  • The nature of the terrain means that these routes will have some climbing. Keep in mind the effect this will have on a child’s ability to cover distance. Just because they can ride 10 miles on the flat doesn’t mean they can do the same in the Lake District.
  • What goes up must come down. Descending at speed, either on or off road, requires skill. Start easy and build up distance and difficulty slowly.
  • The weather is changeable, so be prepared for rain, cold weather and low cloud. It rains at least 200 days a year and is the wettest place in England. Never to set out without a waterproof – if you’re lucky you won’t need it!
  • Consider your children’s ages and abilities and choose routes that match their experience and stamina.
  • Traffic-free options are generally safer and more enjoyable for young children.
  • Check for cafés, picnic spots and toilets along the route. Entertainment off the bike might also be appreciated – playgrounds, sculpture trails, water to paddle in and so on will give children something else to enjoy
  • Hiring bikes is a good option if you don’t have your own or if travelling with them is too much hassle.

1. Grizedale Forest trails

Distance: various, starting from 3.5km
Start/finish: various, the easiest route starts and ends at Moor Top car park
Facilities: parking, toilets, café, picnic area, visitor centre, shop, bike hire
More information: Forestry England

A family is riding on a trail through woods, with a boy at the front, girl behind him and then mum at the rear
The trails at Grizedale Forest are family friendly

There is a variety of trails here, ranging from short, flattish and easy, to hilly, very long and challenging – so make sure you choose the right one for your family. Younger, less experienced riders will find the climbs of the 17km Hawshead Moor trail too much, while teenagers will get bored of the much easier Goosey Foot Tarn trail.

Goosey Foot Tarn, at just 3.5km with a few small hills, is the best place to start with youngsters. It takes in two of Grizedale’s attractive manmade tarns – small mountain lakes – as well as sculptures to look out for.

2. Windermere’s Western Shore

Distance: 9km
Start/finish: Ferry House (turning point at Red Nab)
Facilities: parking, toilets, picnic areas, places to eat in Bowness
More information: Lake District National Park

You can drive to the start point, but for a real adventure, take the ferry from Ferry Nab in Bowness on the eastern shore of Windermere, then cycle through woodland and open meadow, with gorgeous views across the lake. The first 400m or so is on a quiet road, you then take a right onto a tarmac path.

Just after this turning is Claife courtyard where you’ll find Joey’s Café and a trail up to the 18th-century viewing platform. After about 1km, the tarmac path becomes a level stone track.

A large lake with lots of sailing boats on it. The back shore of the lake is lined with pine trees and beyond them are mountains. The sky is blue and is reflected in the surface of the lake
Lake Windermere offers up some stunning views

The second half of the ride, after Strawberry Gardens, has some steeper climbs which some riders might find challenging. At Red Nab, you can either turn around and go back or join the 5km route to Wray Castle, where you’ll find toilets and a café. This route also has some more difficult climbs.

3. Eskdale Trail

Distance: 14km
Start/finish: Dalegarth/Ravenglass
Facilities: parking and train station at Ravenglass, cafés and toilets at start and end points
More information: Lake District National Park

Take the steam train from Ravenglass to Dalegarth to cycle back through the riverside pastures, meadows and historic oak woods of the Eskdale Valley.

The trail offers a mix of country lanes, stony and earthy tracks and grass fields. It can be wet and muddy in places after rain and there are several gates to open. It’s mostly downhill, but there is a steep climb up Chapel Hill.

An information pack can be bought from either station and includes paper and crayons that can be used to collect brass rubbings on each of the 22 fingerposts. These were designed and fabricated by local artist Chris Brammal and his team.

A small boy wearing T-shire and jeans and a cycling helmet is riding on a paved path through a line of trees
The loop at Crowther Castle is suitable for even those on the smallest of bikes. Photo: Julie Skelton

4. Lowther Church Loop

Distance: 3.7km
Start/finish: Lowther Castle
Facilities: parking, café, picnic spots, toilets, adventure playground, bike hire
More information: Lowther Castle

Lowther Castle has more than 30km of trails of varying difficulty and distances. This short loop is ideal for younger children – it’s even suitable for balance bikes.

The route takes in the castle’s beautiful gardens and woodland. The going is mainly on private concrete roads and gravel tracks. There are a couple of small hills to negotiate, but nothing too challenging.

You can make a day of it by exploring the castle, grounds and adventure playground. You’ll need to buy a ticket for this, but you can get a discount if you hire bikes.

5. Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail

Distance: 10km
Start/finish: leisure centre car park, Keswick (turning point at Threlkeld)
Facilities: parking, café and toilets at start/end point, café and pubs in Threlkeld, picnic areas, viewing points
More information: Lake District National Park

Two people on bikes are standing on the shore of a lake with mountains in the background. A hand holding an ice cream is inset on the left of the photo
Treat yourself to an ice cream on the way to Keswick. Main photo: Rashid Yaman

This trail was reopened in 2020, five years after devastating storms made the path unusable. Improvements included ensure the trail is accessible to all users. It is smooth surfaced with tarmac along its entire length and gradients are very low.

It runs along the old Keswick to Penrith railway, which was constructed in the 1860s, through the beautiful tree-clad Greta Gorge. Information panels along the route tell of local nature and wildlife, the history of the railway and bobbin mill, and the impact of Storm Desmond on the trail and local area.

6. Coniston to Torver

Distance: 10km
Start/finish: Lake Road car park, Coniston (turning point Torver)
Facilities: café, parking, toilets and bike hire at Coniston Boating Centre, pubs and cafés in Coniston and Torver
More information: Lake District National Park

Another former railway line, this easy cycle ride is on a mix of tarmac paths and gravel tracks; there are some gentle climbs. You’ll head through woodland and pasture and along the shores of Coniston Water.

Look out for wildlife along the way. You’ll also pass the 16th-century Coniston Hall, with its distinctive chimneys. The hall isn’t open to visitors, but there is a small shop on the campsite there where you can buy cold drinks and ice creams.

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Further reading