The best road cycling routes around Killington Reservoir

The road cycling routes around Killington Reservoir offer a range of difficulties. You'll find approximately 50 easy routes, over 160 moderate routes, and around 55 difficult routes, catering to various fitness levels and preferences.

Yes, there are numerous options suitable for beginners. An excellent choice is the Sedgwick and Holme loop from Oxenholme – Lake District National Park, which is 26.5 miles (42.7 km) long with a moderate elevation gain of 298 meters, typically completed in under two hours.

Elevation gain varies significantly across the region. Easier routes, like the Stone Bridge Near Staveley – Kentmere Valley Road loop from Oxenholme Lake District, feature around 254 meters of ascent over 37 km. More challenging routes, such as the Ribblehead Viaduct – Devil's Bridge loop from Lune Access - Killington Newbridge, can involve over 860 meters of climbing.

Many of the road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the popular Arnside Pier – Silverdale Wood loop from New Hutton is a 34.4-mile (55.4 km) circular route offering coastal views.

The region is generally pleasant for road cycling from spring through autumn. While specific weather conditions can vary, these seasons typically offer milder temperatures and more stable weather for enjoying the open countryside and quiet lanes.

Route lengths vary widely, from shorter rides of around 25-30 miles (40-50 km) taking a couple of hours, to longer excursions exceeding 50 miles (80 km) that can take four hours or more. For instance, the Quiet Back Lanes to Staveley – Stone Bridge Near Staveley loop from Oxenholme Lake District is 52.3 km and takes about 2 hours 45 minutes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Road cyclists often praise the network of quiet country lanes, the varied terrain from gentle gradients to challenging ascents, and the scenic views of the reservoir, agricultural land, and distant Lake District fells.

While many routes involve quiet country lanes, some sections may have moderate traffic or elevation. For family-friendly rides, look for routes explicitly marked as 'easy' with minimal elevation gain, such as the Sedgwick and Holme loop, which offers a gentler experience through rural villages.

Parking options are typically available in nearby towns and villages that serve as common starting points for routes, such as New Hutton or Oxenholme. Specific parking details can often be found in the route descriptions on komoot or by checking local council websites for public car parks.

Many routes pass through or near small villages and towns where you can find local cafes, pubs, or shops for refreshments. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops along the way, ensuring you can refuel during your ride.

You can expect diverse scenery, including views of Killington Reservoir itself, rolling hills, open countryside, and agricultural land. Some routes also offer glimpses of the southern Lake District fells and pass through charming rural villages. The Arnside Pier – Silverdale Wood loop, for example, combines coastal views with woodland sections.

There are over 270 road cycling routes available around Killington Reservoir, offering a wide variety of distances, difficulties, and scenic experiences for cyclists.