The best road cycling routes around Brothers Water

Road cycling around Brothers Water offers a range of difficulties. You'll find everything from easier loops, such as the Kirkstone Pass – Kirkstone Pass Inn loop from Caudale Moor, to challenging, long-distance climbs like the Ullswater Lakeshore Road – View of Ullswater loop from Patterdale, which includes significant elevation gain. In total, there are 10 easy, 15 moderate, and 9 difficult routes available.

Yes, there are several easier routes suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. The View of Angle Tarn – Patterdale Village loop from Caudale Moor is an easy option, covering about 13.7 km with minimal elevation change. Another gentle choice is the Patterdale Village – Glenridding Village loop from Patterdale, which is around 13.3 km long.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling around Brothers Water, with cooler temperatures and often clearer skies. Summer can be popular but may bring more traffic. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures, potential ice, and shorter daylight hours, especially on higher passes like Kirkstone.

Yes, many of the routes around Brothers Water are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Kirkstone Pass – Kirkstone Pass Inn loop from Caudale Moor and the longer View of Ullswater – Ullswater Lakeshore Road loop from Brothers Water, which circles much of Ullswater.

Parking is available in several villages and designated car parks around the Brothers Water and Patterdale valley area. Patterdale and Glenridding, both easily accessible from Brothers Water, offer public car parks that serve as good starting points for many routes. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

The routes offer diverse and stunning views. You'll experience picturesque views of Brothers Water itself, the larger Ullswater, and the surrounding fells of the eastern Lake District. Routes often pass through the scenic Hartsop and Patterdale valleys, providing vistas of rolling countryside and dramatic mountain landscapes. The iconic Kirkstone Pass offers panoramic views from its summit.

Yes, the villages in the Patterdale valley, such as Patterdale and Glenridding, offer cafes, pubs, and shops where you can stop for refreshments. The Kirkstone Pass Inn, located at the summit of Kirkstone Pass, is also a well-known stop for cyclists. Along the shores of Ullswater, there are additional options in villages like Pooley Bridge.

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and elevation. Shorter, easier loops like the Kirkstone Pass – Kirkstone Pass Inn loop from Caudale Moor can be completed in under an hour. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Ullswater Lakeshore Road – View of Ullswater loop from Patterdale, can take over 5 hours, depending on your pace and stops.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, from challenging mountain passes to scenic lake shorelines and rolling country roads. The stunning views of Brothers Water, Ullswater, and the fells are also consistently highlighted as a major draw.

Road cycling here is defined by its location within the Hartsop valley, offering a mix of undulating country roads, fells, and lakes. Key features include the challenging Kirkstone Pass with gradients up to 24%, and more rolling paths through the Patterdale valley, providing picturesque views of Brothers Water and the nearby Ullswater shoreline.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the region offers difficult routes with significant climbs. The Ullswater Lakeshore Road – View of Ullswater loop from Patterdale is a prime example, covering over 109 km with substantial elevation gain, often taking nearly 6 hours to complete. The Kirkstone Pass itself presents a formidable ascent for those looking to test their climbing abilities.