The best road cycling routes around Great Clifton
4.6
(91)
4,714
riders
252
rides
Road cycling routes around Great Clifton, situated on the western edge of the Lake District National Park, offer diverse terrain for cyclists. The area features quiet country lanes, paths alongside the River Derwent, and rolling hills. Its proximity to the Lake District provides access to more challenging ascents and panoramic views of fells. This region is characterized by a mix of gentle riverside paths and routes leading towards the varied landscapes of Cumbria.
Best road cycling routes around Great Clifton
…Last updated: October 13, 2026
37
riders
50.5km
02:38
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
35
riders
43.6km
02:19
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
17
riders
33.2km
01:34
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
12
riders
25.5km
01:14
260m
270m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(1)
15
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Navvies Bridge is a modern pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Derwent in Workington, Cumbria, built in 2011 to replace an earlier bridge that was destroyed in the 2009 floods. The new bridge is designed as a twin-ribbed untied bowstring arch of steel, with a span of 84.8 metres and a deck width of 3 metres — almost double the width of the original bridge.
10
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Wordsworth House rises majestically on Main Street in Cockermouth, a charming town on the edge of the Lake District. Built around 1745, the house reflects the understated grandeur of Georgian architecture: a perfectly symmetrical façade of sand-colored bricks, tall rectangular windows with classically framed woodwork, and an ornate yet understated doorway that evokes the sense of order and proportion characteristic of this period. The poet William Wordsmouth was born here in 1770.
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The scenery surrounding this location is stunning. It feels like you're driving a few miles and seeing the same mountains, just from slightly different angles. Even the bad weather couldn't dampen my spirits.
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Isel Bridge, located near Setmurthy in the northern Lake District, is an elegant Grade II-listed bridge that spans the River Derwent. Built in 1812 to replace an older bridge dating from 1691, it consists of three segmental arches and two piers of calciferous and pink sandstone, with a solid parapet and saddleback covering. The bridge is situated in a conservation area and is a popular passage for walkers and cyclists, including as part of the Allerdale Ramble and routes to Watch Hill and Setmurthy Common. Its location offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and it's a peaceful place to stop when touring the western Lake District.
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The pre-Victorian centre of old Cockermouth, Market Place is the heart of the old town.
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The scenery around this location is brilliant. You seem to ride for a few miles and see the same mountains but from slightly different angles
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It is hard to imagine the damage done to the Main Street and surrounding area by the depth of water indicated on this plaque outside the Black Bull Public House.
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This is the place that gave the town its name, where the River Cocker joins the much larger River Derwent. With a small but well stocked garden in the summer and several seats, this is a contemplative spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Great Clifton?
There are over 280 road cycling routes around Great Clifton, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near Great Clifton?
The terrain around Great Clifton is diverse, featuring quiet country lanes and paths alongside the River Derwent for more gentle rides. For those seeking a challenge, the proximity to the Lake District National Park offers routes with significant ascents and rolling hills, providing panoramic views of the fells.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes in Great Clifton?
Yes, Great Clifton offers a good selection of easier routes. There are over 60 easy road cycling routes, many utilizing tranquil country lanes and riverside paths. An example is the View of Hundith Hill – Main Street Fisheries loop from Bridgefoot, which is rated as easy.
Where can I find challenging road cycling routes near Great Clifton?
For more challenging rides, you'll find over 30 difficult routes in the area. The wider Lake District National Park, easily accessible from Great Clifton, features legendary climbs and passes such as Honister Pass and Whinlatter Pass, which offer demanding ascents and breathtaking views.
Are there any circular road cycling routes starting from Great Clifton?
Many of the routes around Great Clifton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the Isle bridge – Wordsworth House and Garden loop from Great Clifton is a popular moderate circular route.
What scenic landmarks or viewpoints can I see while cycling around Great Clifton?
Road cycling routes in the area offer views of the Solway Firth and the River Derwent. You can also pass by historical landmarks like Wordsworth House and Garden. For stunning natural vistas, consider routes that offer glimpses of the Lake District fells, or explore nearby natural monuments such as Blake Fell Summit and Fellbarrow Summit.
Are there any long-distance cycling routes accessible from Great Clifton?
Yes, Great Clifton's location in Cumbria places it within reach of significant long-distance cycling routes. The Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route and Hadrian's Cycleway both traverse Cumbria, offering varied terrain and opportunities to explore historical sites. The Lakes & Dales Loop also provides a scenic route on quiet roads.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Great Clifton?
The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most favorable conditions for road cycling in Great Clifton, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. These seasons are ideal for enjoying the scenic country lanes and exploring the Lake District's natural beauty.
Are there family-friendly road cycling options near Great Clifton?
Yes, the region offers routes suitable for families, particularly those that follow quiet country lanes and riverside paths. These routes often have less traffic and gentler gradients, making them enjoyable for riders of all ages. Look for routes designated as 'easy' on komoot.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Great Clifton?
The road cycling routes around Great Clifton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil country lanes to challenging Lakeland-adjacent climbs, and the beautiful scenery.
Can I find routes that include natural features like rivers or ponds?
Absolutely. Many routes in the area follow the River Derwent, offering picturesque riverside cycling. The River Ellen in Maryport – Navvies Bridge loop from Great Clifton is an example of a route that leads through riverside areas. Additionally, the Siddick Ponds Nature Reserve, a Local Nature Reserve and SSSI, is a significant local attraction known for its diverse habitats.
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