The best traffic-free bike rides around Lakes

The Lakes region offers a good selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails, with 12 routes currently featured in this guide. These routes are designed to provide peaceful rides away from busy roads, ranging from moderate to difficult in challenge.

The Lakes region, much like other prominent lake districts globally, is exceptional for gravel biking due to its diverse landscapes and extensive trail networks. You'll find a mix of soaring mountains (fells), deep valleys, rolling hills, and dense forests. The area boasts purpose-built gravel paths, forest roads, and bridleways, ensuring varied and scenic rides without vehicle traffic.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain. The Lakes region features dramatic fells and picturesque valleys, meaning routes often include considerable ascent and descent. Riders might encounter well-maintained gravel paths, flowing sections through woodlands like Grizedale Forest, and some technical sections with larger rocks, all while enjoying world-class scenery.

Yes, the routes cater to various skill levels. While this guide focuses on moderate to difficult trails, the broader network in the Lakes region includes paths suitable for different abilities. For example, the Elterwater Cycle Path loop from Ambleside is a moderate option, while the Elterwater Cycle Path loop from Lakes presents a more difficult challenge.

The Lakes region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Many routes offer stunning views of iconic lakes like Windermere and Coniston Water. You might also encounter dramatic fells, ancient woodlands, and deep valleys. For unique geological features, consider exploring nearby caves such as Cathedral Cavern or Rydal Cave. The region also features impressive mountain passes like Wrynose Pass.

The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty, as well as your pace. For instance, a moderate route like the View of Lake Windermere loop from Skelwith can take around 1 hour 25 minutes, while a more challenging and longer ride such as the Windermere Ferry loop from Ambleside might take over 3 hours 20 minutes.

While many routes in this guide are moderate to difficult, the Lakes region does offer options suitable for families looking for traffic-free experiences. Look for routes described as having gentle grades or well-maintained crushed limestone paths, which are often found on former rail beds or dedicated cycle paths. Always check the route's difficulty and elevation profile to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

Yes, many of the traffic-free gravel bike trails in the Lakes region are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Wray Castle – Grizedale Forest gravel tracks loop from Ambleside and the Elterwater Cycle Path loop from Lakes.

The Lakes region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning, world-class scenery, the tranquility of riding on traffic-free paths, and the diverse terrain that offers both challenging climbs and rewarding descents through picturesque valleys and ancient woodlands.

The best time to visit for gravel biking is typically from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the trails are less likely to be affected by snow or ice. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn offers spectacular foliage. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions in mountainous lake regions can change rapidly.

Absolutely! Several routes offer fantastic views of Lake Windermere. The View of Lake Windermere loop from Skelwith is a moderate option that provides scenic vistas. For a longer and more challenging ride, the Windermere Ferry loop from Ambleside also incorporates stunning lake views and even a ferry crossing.