Ullswater, Grasmere & Thirlmere loop from Pooley Bridge — Lake District National Park

Bike touring routes & trails

Ullswater, Grasmere & Thirlmere loop from Pooley Bridge — Lake District National Park

Hard

riders

Ullswater, Grasmere & Thirlmere loop from Pooley Bridge — Lake District National Park

05:28

73.7km

1,270m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 5, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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213 m

Verey Books Café & Bookshop

Highlight • Cafe

Lovely bookshop/cafe with bike friendly seating. Great coffee & cake and friendly staff. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

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23.7 km

The Struggle Climb from Ambleside

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A long and steep climb, often featured in professional road races in the area, such as the Tour of Britain and the Fred Whitton Sportive. At 2.8 miles long it averages 8%, peaking a few times at around 20%. It is a climb that just keeps hitting you, even Bradley Wiggins climbed off and ran during the Tour of Britain (think it was a joke). You'll need to be fairly fit to get up it. Here's a link to a video of it

Once at the top, turning left past the Kirstone Pass Inn you can enjoy a descent with magnificent views towards Patterdale. Turning right will take you down Kirkstone Pass, back past Troutbeck Tongue and towards Windermere, also a nice descent.

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40.6 km

Thirlmere Gravel Path and Waterfall

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Lovely double track gravel. Steep in places, AMAZING views.

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69.2 km

View of Ullswater

Highlight • Viewpoint

This section of the road offers fabulous views of Ullswater.

Ullswater is the second largest lake in England and stretches approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) in length.

The lake's shape is often compared to the letter "Z."

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