4.5
(47)
6,273
riders
67
rides
Touring cycling routes around Irton With Santon traverse a varied landscape within the Lake District National Park, characterized by fells, rivers, and woodlands. The region features significant elevation changes, from serene riverside paths along the River Irt to challenging ascents towards fells like Scafell Pike. Wast Water, a prominent lake, offers dramatic views and is a central feature for many routes. The terrain includes both paved surfaces and unpaved sections, providing diverse cycling experiences.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
3.0
(2)
1,752
riders
30.4km
01:58
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
61
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
448
riders
19.4km
01:12
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
148
riders
18.5km
01:22
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
48
riders
37.1km
02:23
450m
450m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
This part after the bridge along the railroad is not for biking, and the gate vas impossible to get theoug. We had to lift our bikes over.
0
0
A very well organised and set up campsite, which makes the perfect base for exploring the area. Lovely hot showers, a well stocked shop including local cold beers and a free phone charging service. We had a great stay
0
0
get here early during the busy season to insure you get a parking spot free parking
0
0
Hardknott Pass from Beckfoot is one of the UK's toughest road climbs, with an average gradient of 13% and brutal ramps reaching 33%. The narrow, single-track road winds through stunning Lake District scenery, with rough tarmac, gravel patches, and drainage channels adding to the challenge.
0
0
Large carpark with amazing views of the surrounding mountains but gets filled up quickly in the summer time.
0
0
Free car park at Wasdale Head. A great plce to start walks up towards Styhead, Mosedale or Scafell Pike.
0
0
Nice road with incredible views, although at times the road may be covered by small streams, go slower on those as they can be slippery
0
0
Irton With Santon offers over 70 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 16 easy routes, 31 moderate routes, and 23 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.
The region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You'll encounter dramatic fells like Scafell Pike and Broad Crag, and the serene Illgill Head overlooking Wast Water. Historic attractions such as Muncaster Castle, Hardknott Roman Fort, and St. Paul's Church with its Anglo-Saxon Irton Cross are also within reach, offering cultural stops along your journey.
Yes, the area features beautiful waterfalls. You might encounter Stanley Ghyll Force Waterfall, a notable natural attraction that adds to the scenic diversity of the routes.
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Hardknott Pass and Seathwaite loop from Ravenglass – Lake District National Park is a difficult 32-mile route with significant elevation gain through mountainous terrain. Another demanding option is the View of Wast Water – Wast Water loop from Borough of Copeland, which covers 37 km with substantial climbs.
Absolutely. Many moderate routes offer stunning vistas. The View of Wast Water – Wast Water loop from Eskdale is a popular 18.9-mile route that provides continuous views of Wast Water and the surrounding fells. Another excellent choice is the Wha House Car Park – Hardknott Pass Cairn loop from Eskdale, a 18.4 km moderate ride.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 45 reviews. Reviewers often praise the dramatic fells, the serene Wast Water, and the varied terrain that offers both challenging climbs and pleasant riverside paths.
Yes, many routes in Irton With Santon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the View of Wast Water – Wast Water loop from Eskdale and the View of Wast Water – Wast Water loop from St Michael and All Angels, both offering scenic circular journeys around Wast Water.
The terrain is quite varied, ranging from serene riverside paths along the River Irt to challenging ascents towards fells. You'll encounter both paved surfaces and unpaved sections, including fellside paths and woodland trails, providing a diverse and engaging cycling experience.
Yes, the village of Santon Bridge, with its bridge over the River Irt, serves as a focal point and potential refreshment stop. Establishments like the Woodlands Tea Room & Gift Shop in Santon Bridge provide convenient places to rest and refuel during your ride.
While some routes involve significant elevation, there are options suitable for families. The region offers easy touring loops, and routes predominantly on paved surfaces, such as the 'Santon Bridge and Gosforth loop from Seascale' mentioned in regional research, are ideal for a more relaxed family outing, though specific family-friendly routes are not detailed in the provided data.
The region is renowned for its stunning vistas. Irton Pike offers 360-degree views, including Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Wast Water. Illgill Head, known as Wastwater Screes, provides excellent viewpoints of Wasdale Head and other major peaks. Many routes around Wast Water will consistently reward you with panoramic views of the Lakeland fells.
Yes, many routes are easily accessible, with starting points like Seascale offering parking options. For example, the Wha House Car Park – Hardknott Pass Cairn loop from Eskdale indicates a parking area as its starting point.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.