The best gravel rides around Lorton

There are over 15 gravel bike routes available around Lorton, offering a variety of experiences through the Lake District National Park. The komoot community has explored these trails over 300 times.

Gravel biking around Lorton features the varied terrain of the Lake District, including fells, valleys, and lake-side paths. You'll encounter a mix of challenging ascents, rolling hills, forest tracks, and open fellside paths, with sections often running alongside bodies of water like Bassenthwaite Lake.

Yes, Lorton is well-suited for experienced gravel bikers seeking challenging terrain. The majority of routes, 11 out of 16, are classified as difficult, featuring significant climbs and varied gradients. An example is Bassenthwaite Lake – Skiddaw House Hostel loop from Papcastle, which covers over 65 km with substantial elevation gain.

While Lorton's gravel routes are predominantly moderate to difficult, there are options that can be adapted for those newer to gravel biking. It's recommended to start with shorter sections of the moderate trails and assess your comfort level. Always check the route details for elevation and surface type before heading out.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Lake District. You can find highlights such as the View from Walla Crag overlooking Derwent Water or explore areas like Buttermere Lake. The region is rich with natural beauty and points of interest.

Beyond the trails, the Lorton area offers various points of interest. You can visit the town of Keswick, or discover unique spots like Holme Wood Bothy and the beach at Loweswater. The region is dotted with bothies and hostels, such as YHA Black Sail Hostel, which can be interesting stops.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Lorton are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Whinlatter Pass – Cyclewise Whinlatter Bike Shop loop from Graystones and the scenic Views from Hundith Hill Road – View Towards Buttermere loop from Cockermouth.

The Lake District offers gravel biking opportunities year-round, but spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions with cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be busy, while winter rides require appropriate gear for potentially wet and cold weather. Always check local forecasts before you go.

Parking is generally available in and around the main towns and villages that serve as starting points for many routes, such as Keswick or Cockermouth. For specific trailheads, look for designated car parks, often managed by the National Trust or local authorities. Always check for parking restrictions and fees.

While specific pub stops aren't detailed for every route, the Lake District is known for its traditional pubs. Many routes pass through or near villages where you can find refreshments. Planning your route to include a stop in a village like Keswick or Cockermouth is a good way to incorporate a pub break.

The gravel biking experience in Lorton is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from forest tracks to open fellside, and the expansive views across the fells and lakes. The challenging nature of many routes is also a significant draw for experienced riders.

The duration of gravel bike trails in Lorton varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. For example, a difficult route like The Skiddaw Roll from Keswick, which is over 42 km, typically takes around 3 hours 36 minutes. Shorter, difficult loops like Whinlatter Pass – Cyclewise Whinlatter Bike Shop loop from Graystones (21 km) can be completed in about 2 hours 30 minutes.