The best traffic-free bike rides around Ennerdale And Kinniside

There are over 10 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes in Ennerdale And Kinniside, offering a variety of experiences from moderate to difficult. These routes are designed to keep you away from busy roads, providing a peaceful cycling experience.

The terrain in Ennerdale and Kinniside is diverse, featuring extensive forest roads and trails, particularly within Ennerdale Forest. You'll find quiet gravel and forest tracks, offering a mix of surfaces suitable for touring bikes. While many routes are traffic-free, some segments may require good fitness due to elevation changes, and occasionally, you might need to push your bike on more challenging sections.

While many routes in Ennerdale and Kinniside are rated moderate to difficult, the extensive network of forest roads and trails, particularly around Ennerdale Water, offers quieter sections that can be enjoyed by families or beginners seeking a less strenuous experience. The area's commitment to being road-free around the lake enhances its appeal for those looking for a safe, tranquil environment.

Many of the forest roads and trails in Ennerdale and Kinniside are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions, particularly within the National Park.

Ennerdale and Kinniside generally offer a tranquil experience year-round due to its remote nature and the focus on traffic-free routes. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer offers longer daylight hours. Even in peak season, the dedicated forest roads and the road-free status of Ennerdale Water ensure a quieter ride compared to other parts of the Lake District.

Yes, there are circular routes that allow you to experience the beauty of Ennerdale and Kinniside without retracing your steps. For example, the Ennerdale Water – Ennerdale Water Lakeside Path loop from Grike offers a 26 km difficult circular tour around the lake and its surroundings, providing stunning views and a traffic-free environment.

The routes offer access to stunning natural features. You can cycle along the shores of Ennerdale Water, the Lake District's only road-free lake, and through Ennerdale Forest, which is part of a rewilding project. Notable fells like Haycock, Steeple, Pillar, Great Gable, and Kirk Fell provide a dramatic backdrop. You might also encounter highlights such as Haystacks Summit or Catbells Summit in the wider area.

Parking is available at various points around Ennerdale and Kinniside, often at the start of popular trailheads or forest access points. While specific parking areas are not detailed here, look for designated car parks near the entrances to Ennerdale Forest or around the Ennerdale Water area to access the traffic-free routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled sense of solitude, the 'wilderness vibes' of the quiet gravel and forest tracks, and the spectacular views without the usual crowds. The road-free status of Ennerdale Water is frequently highlighted as a major draw for peaceful cycling.

Yes, Ennerdale and Kinniside offer several challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists. For instance, the Loweswater – Kirkstile Inn loop from Grike is a difficult 41 km route with significant elevation gain, providing a rewarding experience away from traffic. Another option is the Loweswater – Newlands Pass loop from Grike, a very difficult 78 km tour with over 1100m of elevation.

While Ennerdale and Kinniside are known for their remote and tranquil nature, there are a few options for refreshments. The The Gather Café – Sustrans Cycleway loop from Grike route, for example, includes a stop at The Gather Café. For more options, you might need to venture slightly outside the immediate car-free zones into nearby villages.

The no traffic touring bike routes in Ennerdale and Kinniside vary significantly in distance and duration. You can find routes like the View of Ennerdale Water – 1595 Stone Archway loop from Grike, which is a moderate 27 km route taking around 1 hour 50 minutes, up to much longer and more challenging tours that can take several hours to complete.