The best cycling routes around Grange / Howard

There are over 130 touring cycling routes available in the Grange / Howard region. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options to explore the diverse landscapes.

The region offers a wide variety of terrain. In Grange-over-Sands, you'll find coastal paths and quiet country lanes, often with views across Morecambe Bay. The Cartmel Peninsula features a mix of ascents and descents. In the Howardian Hills, expect undulating countryside with well-wooded ridges, plateaus, and valleys, characteristic of its designation as a National Landscape.

Yes, the region offers numerous easy and family-friendly options. For a leisurely ride, the Morecambe Bay Promenade Loop in Grange-over-Sands is a flat, well-maintained path with scenic coastal views. There are 47 easy routes in total, many suitable for beginners or families looking for a relaxed cycling experience.

For more challenging rides, the Howardian Hills offer routes with significant elevation changes through its undulating countryside. The Cartmel Peninsula also features routes with notable ascents and descents. Overall, there are 17 difficult routes available, such as the Whitelee Windfarm gravel loop from Kilmarnock, which includes over 650 meters of elevation gain.

Many routes in the region are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular moderate option is the Cartmel Village and Peninsula Circuit, which winds through quiet country lanes. Another is the Dean Castle Country Park loop From Kilmarnock, an easy circular route.

The region is rich in attractions. In Grange-over-Sands, you can cycle along the promenade with views of Morecambe Bay, visit Cartmel Village, or explore Holker Hall and Gardens. In the Howardian Hills, you can cycle past magnificent country houses like Castle Howard, Nunnington Hall, and the tranquil ruins of Kirkham Priory. You might also encounter historic sites such as Eglinton Castle Tower or Dean Castle.

Yes, both Grange-over-Sands and the Howardian Hills offer charming villages and towns with cafes, pubs, and local shops. Cartmel Village, near Grange, is famous for its sticky toffee pudding. In the Howardian Hills, villages like Hovingham and Malton provide excellent opportunities for café stops. Castle Howard also has facilities for refreshments.

Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for touring cycling. In spring, the woodlands in the Howardian Hills are adorned with bluebells, and autumn brings vibrant colors to the diverse tree cover. The weather is generally milder during these seasons, making for pleasant riding conditions. Summer is also popular, especially for coastal rides, but can be busier.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from the scenic coastal views of Morecambe Bay to the quiet, undulating country lanes of the Howardian Hills. The variety of routes catering to all abilities and the charming villages for refreshment stops are also highly appreciated.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, the Howardian Hills also offer mountain biking opportunities. Routes can be found starting from the grounds of Castle Howard, and nearby Sutton Bank and Dalby Forest provide extensive bike trails, including technical 'red' and 'black' routes for more experienced mountain bikers.

Grange-over-Sands serves as an excellent base for combining coastal rides with more strenuous routes. While not directly within the Lake District National Park, it's just a short drive away, providing access to its challenging fells and diverse terrain, such as loops around Windermere and Coniston Water.