The best cycling routes around Great Strickland

There are over 200 touring cycling routes in the Great Strickland area, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with over 2,400 touring cyclists using komoot to discover the region's diverse terrain.

The terrain around Great Strickland is quite varied. You'll find tranquil river valleys, rolling hills, and routes that venture towards the Cumbrian Mountains (Lake District) to the west and the Pennines to the east. This means you can choose from gentler valley paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes, catering to both leisurely rides and more demanding adventures.

Yes, Great Strickland offers several routes suitable for beginners. There are 26 easy routes available, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed ride through the scenic Eden Valley. These routes typically feature less challenging terrain and elevation.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Great Strickland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Lowther Castle – The Strickland Arms loop from Little Strickland is a moderate 28.9-mile (46.5 km) route that offers a great circular experience.

The routes often pass by significant landmarks and natural features. You can cycle near the dramatic ruins and gardens of Lowther Castle, or visit the rebuilt village of Pooley Bridge. For history enthusiasts, the impressive Bronze Age Cockpit Stone Circle is also accessible via some routes. Further afield, you might catch glimpses of Arthur's Pike summit offering stunning vistas.

Lowther Castle & Gardens is noted as an excellent starting point for bike rides, offering a large, free car park. This makes it a convenient location to park your vehicle before heading out on your cycling adventure.

While Great Strickland itself is a small village, its strategic location in the Eden Valley means that nearby larger towns may offer public transport connections. However, specific public transport options for cyclists directly to and from trailheads in Great Strickland are limited and may require prior research for bus or train services that accommodate bicycles.

The Eden Valley, where Great Strickland is located, is known for its tranquil beauty. Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear due to colder temperatures and potential for adverse weather conditions.

While specific 'easy' routes are available, the region's diverse terrain means some routes might be more challenging. For family-friendly options, look for routes described as 'easy' or those that stick to flatter valley paths, avoiding significant elevation changes. Lowther Castle also offers cycling trails within its grounds which could be suitable for families.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Great Strickland, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil beauty of the Eden Valley, the diverse landscapes ranging from river valleys to rolling hills, and the accessibility to both the Lake District and the Pennines, offering varied and rewarding rides.

Yes, several routes pass through or near villages where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Morland Village – Orton Scar Café loop from Cliburn explicitly mentions a café, and the Lowther Castle – The Strickland Arms loop from Little Strickland suggests a pub stop. Pooley Bridge is also a popular village with amenities.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Morland Village – View of Shap Countryside loop from Cliburn are classified as difficult. This 38.7-mile (62.2 km) route features significant climbs and expansive views, requiring good fitness. Another difficult option is the Lowther Castle – Pooley Bridge (2020) loop from Lowther, which covers 23.8 miles (38.3 km) with notable elevation changes.