The best road cycling routes around Eden

This difficult racebike route, the Blencathra, Castlerigg & Ullswater loop from Penrith, takes you on a comprehensive journey through the northern Lake District. You will cover 56.0 miles (90.1 km) with a significant elevation gain of 3786 feet (1154 metres), typically completed in 4 hours and 25 minutes. Expect diverse landscapes, from rolling fells and deep valleys to the serene shores of Ullswater. As you ride along quiet lanes and fell roads, you'll enjoy extensive views of Ullswater and a full side view of the imposing Blencathra mountain. This challenging ride demands very good fitness.

Starting from Penrith, this route serves as an excellent base for exploring the Lake District National Park. Before you set off, make sure you have arranged suitable parking in Penrith. This hard road ride is best suited for well-prepared cyclists who are ready for a demanding day in the saddle. Consider starting early to make the most of the daylight and enjoy the quieter roads.

Beyond the natural beauty, this loop offers a glimpse into ancient history with the Castlerigg Stone Circle. This prehistoric monument provides 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding fells, making it a unique stop on your ride. The route is notable for combining the dramatic presence of Blencathra with the tranquil expanse of Ullswater, offering a varied experience of the region's iconic features.

Embark on a difficult 68.8-mile (110.6 km) racebike loop through the North Pennines, a journey that will take you about 5 hours and 17 minutes. You'll climb 4383 feet (1336 metres) as you traverse wild fells and picturesque valleys, experiencing the dramatic landscapes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark. The route offers diverse terrain, from well-paved roads to the unique challenge of cobbles in Alston. Prepare for significant climbs, including the ascent of Chapel Fell, known as England's highest paved pass, and Killhope Cross, the highest A road, showcasing remote beauty and serene views of Teesdale and the Eden Valley.

This challenging road ride requires very good fitness due to its substantial elevation gain and numerous steep climbs. Before you set out, ensure your racebike is well-suited for both smooth tarmac and the uneven cobbled sections you will encounter in Alston. Given the remote nature of some fells, it is wise to carry adequate supplies and be prepared for varying weather conditions. Always check local conditions before starting your ride, especially if you plan to tackle this demanding loop.

This route stands out as a demanding yet rewarding experience for experienced road cyclists, recognized as the most popular road cycling route around Warcop. It is notable for its iconic climbs, including Chapel Fell and Killhope Cross, which are significant geographical features in England. The diverse landscape, transitioning from rugged fells to the calmer Eden Valley, provides a comprehensive tour of the region. The inclusion of cobbled sections in Alston adds a unique, historically authentic element, setting it apart from purely tarmac-based routes.

This difficult racebike loop covers 56.0 miles (90.1 km) and features a substantial 3902 feet (1189 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 4 hours and 23 minutes to complete. You will experience the varied terrain of the Lake District, cycling past the serene waters of Ullswater before heading towards the more secluded Haweswater reservoir. The route includes a demanding ascent over Kirkstone Pass, known for its challenging gradients and expansive views. As you continue, you will encounter the distinct moorland scenery surrounding Shap Summit. This ride offers a true test of endurance for experienced cyclists, combining significant climbs with picturesque Lakeland vistas.

To begin this challenging loop, consider starting near Pooley Bridge, where parking is generally available. The route primarily follows paved roads, but be prepared for some unpaved sections that might require you to dismount and push your bike. Kirkstone Pass, a key feature of this ride, presents brutal gradients reaching 20-25%, so ensure you have very good fitness before attempting this section. Plan your start time to allow ample daylight, especially given the route's duration and difficulty.

This route stands out for its comprehensive tour of two major Lake District bodies of water, Ullswater and Haweswater. It uniquely combines the scenic beauty of England's 'most beautiful lake' with the remote, dramatic landscapes surrounding the Haweswater reservoir. The inclusion of Kirkstone Pass, one of the region's most notorious ascents, and the high moorland around Shap Summit, makes this loop a quintessential Lake District cycling adventure. It offers a deep immersion into the diverse natural character of the national park.

This difficult 65.0-mile (104.6 km) road cycling loop from Penrith challenges you with significant climbs and stunning Lake District scenery. Expect to spend around 5 hours and 6 minutes on the route, tackling an elevation gain of 4228 feet (1288 metres). You will spin along the beautiful Ullswater shore, admiring its mirrored surface and dramatic rock faces before heading into the fells. The trail primarily features well-paved surfaces, guiding you through little villages, rolling hills, and farmland on your return to Penrith.

Planning your ride, be aware that this loop is considered a hard road ride, requiring a very good level of fitness. The route begins and ends in Penrith, an eclectic town with 18th-century cottages and Georgian townhouses. While the research does not specify parking or public transport details, Penrith is a common starting point for Lake District adventures. Always check local conditions before you set out, especially for such a demanding ride.

This loop is a top choice for experienced road cyclists, renowned for its challenging ascents like Kirkstone Pass and Shap Summit. Kirkstone Pass is a formidable climb from the Penrith side, known as the highest pass in the Lake District accessible to road bikes. Shap Summit, though often overlooked, offers a long and arduous ascent followed by a magnificent descent. Along the way, you might consider a stop at "More! The Artisan Bakery," which is considered one of the Lake District's best bakeries and an excellent spot for refreshments.

This difficult 62.8-mile road cycling route in Yorkshire Dales National Park features 5964 feet of climbing and scenic views.

This moderate road cycling loop from Mungrisdale offers a rewarding ride through the stunning northern fells of the Lake District. You will cover 30.7 miles (49.5 km) with an elevation gain of 1794 feet (547 metres), typically completing the route in about 2 hours and 31 minutes. The trail features mostly well-paved surfaces, but expect varied terrain with both gentle slopes and more rugged, hilly sections. As you cycle, you'll experience picturesque valleys like the tranquil Caldew Valley and enjoy views of the River Glenderamackin. Keep an eye out for dramatic backdrops provided by fells such as Blencathra and Carrock Fell. You will also descend into flat valley floors with Blencathra rearing up ahead. This route requires good fitness. This loop is generally considered a moderate road ride. While mainly paved, some segments might be unpaved and potentially difficult to ride. The route is suitable for road bikes. The area around Mungrisdale, Greystoke, and Hesket Newmarket is known for its dramatic fells, tranquil valleys, and diverse terrain, making it a prime location for road cycling adventures. This particular loop is highly regarded within the cycling community. It consistently ranks as the most popular road cycling route in the Mungrisdale area according to Komoot users. The route boasts an impressive average rating of 4.76 stars from over 150 reviews, with more than 6,000 road cyclists having explored its varied terrain. Its popularity stems from its combination of manageable difficulty, mostly good road surfaces, and the stunning Lake District landscapes it traverses.

This difficult 53.3-mile road cycling loop in the Lake District features the challenging Great Dun Fell climb and scenic Haweswater reservoi