The best traffic-free bike rides around Piel Island

There are over 30 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes available in the area surrounding Piel Island. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 8 easy, 21 moderate, and 3 difficult options to explore.

Yes, there are several easy, traffic-free road cycling routes. A great option for beginners or families is the Watch Tower loop from Roose, which is approximately 16.5 km long and offers a gentle ride.

The road cycling routes in the Furness Peninsula offer stunning coastal views, often including Piel Island itself. You can also enjoy vistas stretching towards Barrow-in-Furness, the distant Lake District fells like the Old Man of Coniston, and along the Fylde coastline towards Blackpool Tower on clear days.

Piel Island is a small island, and its terrain and size are not suitable for road cycling. Cyclists typically leave their bikes on the mainland and access the island as foot passengers via the passenger ferry from Roa Island during the summer season. Once on the island, you can explore its paths and beaches on foot.

Many routes offer proximity to interesting landmarks. For example, the View of Gleaston Castle Ruins – Urswick Tarn loop from Roose passes by the historic Gleaston Castle Ruins. From the mainland, you can also see Piel Castle on Piel Island, a 14th-century motte-and-bailey castle managed by English Heritage. For more information on Piel Island and its attractions, you can visit visitbarrow.org.uk.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience around Piel Island, with an average score of 4.79 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet roads, scenic coastal views, and the variety of routes that cater to different fitness levels.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, offering circular journeys. Examples include the Cumbrian Cow – Bow Bridge loop from Roose and the Ulverston – Urswick Tarn loop from Roose, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Many of the routes start from Roose, which is a common access point for cycling in the area. Parking facilities are generally available in towns and villages along the Furness Peninsula, including Barrow-in-Furness and near Roa Island, where you can access the ferry to Piel Island.

The Furness Peninsula offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. However, the summer months generally provide the most pleasant weather for coastal rides and accessing Piel Island via ferry. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially for coastal areas.

While Piel Island itself hosts the historic Ship Inn, which is accessible by ferry, the mainland routes pass through or near various towns and villages like Ulverston and Dalton-in-Furness, where you can find pubs, cafes, and other amenities to refuel during your ride.

One of the longest moderate routes is the Dalton-in-Furness loop from Roose, covering approximately 33.5 km with a moderate difficulty grade, offering a good challenge without being overly strenuous.