The best cycling routes around Loweswater

Loweswater offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 200 options available. These range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging climbs over fells and mountain passes.

The terrain around Loweswater is diverse, featuring quiet country roads, gentle lakeside paths, and more challenging ascents into the fells. You'll find rolling hills, mixed woodlands, and sections that connect to other lakes like Crummock Water and Buttermere, offering varied landscapes for touring cyclists.

Yes, Loweswater has options suitable for families. The mostly flat lakeside path from Maggie's Bridge is ideal for a short, leisurely ride. Generally, routes with lower elevation gain, such as some of the 28 easy routes available, would be best for families.

Free parking is available at several points around Loweswater, with Maggie's Bridge being a common and convenient starting point for many rides. This allows easy access to the lakeside paths and other routes in the area.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes incorporating mountain passes are excellent choices. Consider the Newlands Pass – Buttermere and Crummock Water loop from Buttermere, which features significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Keswick – Whinlatter Pass loop from Pardshaw Hall, which includes the iconic Whinlatter Pass.

Yes, many routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Buttermere Lake – Crummock Water loop from Loweswater, which takes you through scenic lake valleys. The overall lake circuit for walkers is about 4 miles, with a quiet road on the north-east side and a path on the south-west, which can be incorporated into longer cycling loops.

While cycling around Loweswater, you can enjoy views of the lake itself, the surrounding fells like Mellbreak, and Holme Wood. Within Holme Wood, you might discover Holme Force, a beautiful waterfall. The area is also close to significant mountain passes like Whinlatter, Honister, and Newlands. Nearby attractions include summits like Catbells Summit and Grisedale Pike, and the scenic Borrowdale Valley.

Yes, the area provides amenities for cyclists. The Kirkstile Inn, which has its own brewery, is a well-known establishment that has offered food and shelter for centuries, making it a good stop for refreshments during your ride.

Loweswater offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, but the best time for touring cycling generally depends on weather preferences. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes, while summer offers longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as the Lake District weather can be unpredictable.

The touring cycling routes in Loweswater are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 190 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil, less-trafficked nature of the area, the continuous beautiful scenery of the valley, and the diverse range of routes from peaceful lakeside rides to challenging fell climbs.

Absolutely. Loweswater is closely linked to Crummock Water and Buttermere. Many routes are designed to incorporate these stunning bodies of water, providing varied scenery and additional exploration opportunities. For example, the Crummock Water – Buttermere and Crummock Water loop from Crummock Water allows you to experience multiple lakes in one ride.

Yes, for those looking for off-road experiences, there are bridleways available. Options like the bridleways on the far side of Loweswater provide fun off-road sections. The higher terrace bridleway above Holme Wood also offers great views, though it involves some tough climbing.