The best cycling routes around Little Strickland

There are over 120 touring cycling routes around Little Strickland, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes explore the scenic Eden Valley and the fringes of the Lake District National Park.

The area around Little Strickland offers varied terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find leisurely road cycling routes through quaint villages, particularly in the quiet and peaceful Eden Valley. There are also more adventurous options with off-road sections, and routes that provide access to the country lanes, dedicated cycleways, and bridleways of the Lake District National Park.

Yes, Little Strickland offers several easier touring cycling routes suitable for families. The peaceful Eden Valley provides gentle terrain. A good option to consider is the Chippy Chippy – Naddle Bridge loop from Shap, an 11-mile (17.8 km) moderate trail that leads through the tranquil Eden Valley.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Little Strickland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Lowther Castle – The Strickland Arms loop from Little Strickland is a moderate 28.9 km circular ride starting directly from the village.

Touring cycling routes often pass by significant landmarks and natural features. You can explore historic sites like Lowther Castle and Brougham Castle. Routes also offer views of majestic fells such as Pikeawassa (Steel Knotts summit) and Loadpot Hill, providing stunning vistas of Ullswater and the High Street range. The village of Pooley Bridge, with its new bridge and pleasant surroundings, is also a popular stop.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes with significant elevation gain are available. The Lowther Castle – Pooley Bridge (2020) loop from Lowther is a difficult 38.3 km trail featuring considerable ascents and passing by historic landmarks, taking around 2 hours 27 minutes to complete.

The touring cycling routes around Little Strickland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country lanes, the stunning views of the Lake District fells, and the picturesque routes through the Eden Valley.

Yes, Little Strickland and nearby villages offer various parking options. Many routes start from locations with available parking, such as Lowther or Shap, making it convenient to access the trails. It's always advisable to check specific starting points for parking details.

While Little Strickland is a small village, the wider region has some public transport links. For accessing touring routes, it's often more practical to drive to a starting point in a larger nearby town like Penrith, which has better public transport connections, and then cycle from there. Some local bus services might connect to villages along certain routes, but options can be limited.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the Little Strickland area are designed to pass through charming villages where you can find cafes and pubs. Pooley Bridge, for instance, is a popular stop with pubs and shops. The Strickland Arms in Little Strickland is also a known base for cycling holidays, and other villages like Morland offer refreshment opportunities.

The best time for touring cycling around Little Strickland is generally from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable, and the landscapes are vibrant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, though it can be busier. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in Cumbria.

Yes, several routes incorporate views of historic castles. The View of Brougham Castle – Lowther Castle loop from Shap is a moderate 36.5 km path that specifically offers views of both Brougham Castle and Lowther Castle, traversing the rolling countryside between these significant sites.