The best traffic-free bike rides around Bigland Woods

There are over 50 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Bigland Woods. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy to difficult.

Bigland Woods offers a good mix of routes for all abilities. You'll find 19 easy routes, 26 moderate routes, and 7 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Nearly 4,000 road cyclists have explored the varied terrain, often praising the scenic country roads, gentle slopes, and the peaceful atmosphere of the mixed woodlands and open fields.

Yes, Bigland Woods has several easy, traffic-free options. For a pleasant ride, consider the Fairy Brow Climb from Rusland – Haverthwaite Station Tearoom loop from Haverthwaite, which is about 20.6 km long. Another good choice is the Backbarrow Stone Bridge – Fairy Brow Climb from Rusland loop from Haverthwaite, covering approximately 19 km.

You can expect diverse landscapes, including gentle slopes, mixed woodlands, and open fields. The routes often feature picturesque country roads, providing a varied and scenic backdrop for your ride. While mostly well-paved, some routes might include short unpaved segments that add to the adventure.

Certainly. For a moderate circular route, the Oxen Park – Tottlebank Lanes loop from Haverthwaite is a great option, covering about 26.6 km. Another excellent choice is the Cartmel Village and Stream – Bigland Hill Climb loop from Haverthwaite, which is approximately 28.5 km long.

While cycling, you'll be close to natural features like Bigland Tarn and Bigland Barrow, which offer tranquil settings and scenic viewpoints. The area is also known for its ancient semi-natural woodlands, contributing to a rich natural environment for exploration.

Yes, some routes feature notable climbs. For example, the Fairy Brow Climb from Rusland loop from Haverthwaite includes a significant ascent, offering a good challenge and rewarding views. This route covers approximately 26.1 km with over 385 meters of elevation gain.

The diverse terrain of Bigland Woods makes it enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as some routes might have unpaved sections that can be affected by rain.

While the routes listed in this guide focus on no-traffic options directly around Bigland Woods, the wider South Lakeland region offers more extensive and challenging rides. These can include loops like the Grasmere Lake – Coniston Village loop, which is a demanding 90.5 km trail, or the Windermere Ferry Crossing – Coniston Village loop, a moderate 59.9 km path.