Once considered just mountain biking for road cyclists, gravel cycling is now a fully-fledged discipline in its own right. The Lake District has plenty of gravel cycling options, from old coach roads and muddy back lanes to sweeping forest tracks.
A perfect little blast post-arrival at Fellpack Skiddaw, this is a straight-up, straight-down route.
Head up via the Forestry Commission car park and join the fire road past the Osprey viewpoint. The track opens out to reveal expansive views over Keswick and Derwentwater to the Helvellyn ridge beyond, before turning back towards the brooding hulk of Skiddaw. Only the most fit and technically adept will make it to Dodd summit, so if you don’t fancy pushing, either head back the same way once you get to the stile onto the fell or carry on and back down to the car park via a steeper but shorter track.
England’s only mountain forest, Whinlatter never disappoints. Whether there’s mist moving across the trees on a rainy day, or the scent of scattered pine needles in summer, this outdoor playground has something to offer all year-round. Join together the various fire road sections (all waymarked) for a non-technical adventure amongst the trees.
From Swirls car park at the foot of Helvellyn, head into Wythburn wood. Continue along the fire road up above Thirlmere reservoir and either return the same way, or do the full loop of Thirlmere (the western side is a single-lane tarmac road) and back to Swirls across the dam and the main road to Grasmere.
Whether you’re chasing steep mountain roads, weaving through forest trails or simply taking the long way around the lake, there’s no better way to explore the Lakes than on two wheels.
Let us know what kind of ride you’re after and we’ll help you plan your perfect cycling adventure.