Highlight • Castle
Cycling
5.0
(130)
Hiking
4.9
(85)
Road cycling
5.0
(14)
Mountain biking
4.6
(12)
Gravel riding
5.0
(3)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
October 18, 2018
Cycling
August 19, 2019
Cycling
July 12, 2021
Cycling

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Nearby routes
Best routes near Wray Castle

4.7
(13)
95
riders
38.2km
02:40
440m
440m
Start your touring cycling journey on the Windermere, Elterwater & Grasmere loop, a moderate route that guides you through the central Lake District. This 23.8-mile (38.2 km) ride involves 1428 feet (435 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. You will cycle past the expansive waters of Lake Windermere, enjoying the varied landscape of wooded sections and open fells. The trail combines traffic-free lakeshore paths with quiet country lanes, offering a diverse cycling experience. Expect to encounter surfaces ranging from paved roads to smooth stone tracks throughout your ride.
Planning your visit, you will find numerous opportunities for refreshment stops in the charming villages along the way. Consider starting early to make the most of the daylight and avoid busier times, especially in popular areas like Ambleside and Grasmere. The route's varied terrain includes undulating stretches and notable climbs, such as the ascent over Red Bank from Grasmere, so be prepared for some effort. While some sections are gentle, the full loop requires a steady pace and good fitness.
This route offers a comprehensive tour of the central Lake District National Park, allowing you to experience its unique character. You will pass through charming villages like Ambleside and Grasmere, which are perfect for a break. The trail also provides views of Rydal Water and Grasmere Lake, complementing the panoramic vistas of Lake Windermere. Look out for historic sites like Wray Castle as you cycle, adding a cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure.

4.7
(3)
36
riders
66.9km
04:33
980m
980m
Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure through the Lake District National Park, covering 41.6 miles (66.9 km) with a significant 3217 feet (980 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging loop, which typically takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes, offers a diverse landscape of rocky woodland, open fell land, and picturesque valleys. You will experience stunning views of Lake Windermere, especially from spots like Fell Foot Park, and pass through woodlands rich in wildlife, with elevated perspectives from Gummer's How.
Starting from Kendal, this route demands good fitness due to its undulating roads and steep climbs, some reaching gradients as high as 22%. While mostly paved, be ready for varied terrain, including some unpaved sections where you might need to dismount and push your bike. A useful traffic-free link near Newby Bridge helps you avoid the busy A590, making for a more enjoyable ride.
This loop provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the iconic natural beauty of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will cross the historic Newby Bridge, marked by its distinguished five-arched stone bridge built in 1651 and a curved weir controlling water flow from Lake Windermere. Kendal itself is a well-regarded cycling hub, and this route is part of a network popular with local cycling clubs, highlighting a strong cycling community in the area.

16
riders
36.9km
02:46
590m
580m
Embark on the Bowness on Windemere to Little Langdale loop, a difficult touring bicycle route designed for experienced riders. This challenging 22.9-mile (36.9 km) journey takes you through the heart of the Lake District, offering 1926 feet (587 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. You will cycle through tranquil woodlands and past historic slate quarries, with the highlight being the panoramic views from Claife Viewing Station overlooking Windermere.
Planning your ride requires attention to detail. The route features diverse surfaces, including both paved and unpaved sections, and some rocky parts where you might need to dismount and push your bike. A unique ferry crossing is part of the experience, so be sure to factor its schedule into your timing. Parking is generally available in Bowness on Windermere, but always check local signs for current regulations.
This loop immerses you in the iconic landscapes of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you descend into Little Langdale, you can admire the stunning reflections of towering peaks in Elterwater, a truly memorable sight. The constant presence of the region's natural beauty and its rich geological history makes this a standout ride for those seeking a demanding yet rewarding adventure.
Details
Informations
Elevation 70 m
Weather
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Thursday 11 June
18°C
12°C
35 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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