The best cycling routes around Ainstable

There are over 70 touring cycling routes around Ainstable, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes nearly 400 times.

The terrain around Ainstable is diverse, ranging from the tranquil, undulating countryside of the Eden Valley with its quiet roads and country lanes, to the more rugged and challenging moorland tracks of the North Pennines AONB. You'll encounter broad valleys, red sandstone villages, woodlands, meadows, and areas with significant elevation changes, such as the climb towards Hartside Summit.

Yes, Ainstable offers several challenging routes, particularly those venturing into the North Pennines AONB. For instance, the Hartside Summit Viewpoint – South Tyne Trail loop from Lazonby and Kirkoswald is a difficult 45.4-mile route with significant elevation gain, leading towards the demanding Hartside Summit. Another difficult option is the Blencarn Lake – Eden Bridge loop from Lazonby and Kirkoswald, covering 47.1 miles through the Eden Valley.

Absolutely. A popular moderate option is the Station Climb, Armathwaite – Eden Valley loop from Armathwaite. This 16.7-mile route explores the scenic Eden Valley, featuring a moderate climb and varied countryside, making it ideal for a day trip. Another moderate choice is the Lazonby – Strawberry Hill Climb loop from Lazonby and Kirkoswald, which is 17.7 miles long.

Cycling routes around Ainstable offer views of the North Pennines and distant Lakeland fells, as well as the River Eden. You can also incorporate visits to historical and natural landmarks. Notable attractions include the ancient Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle and the impressive Lambley Viaduct. The area also features beautiful lakes like Talkin Tarn Lake and Castle Carrock Reservoir.

While many routes in the Eden Valley offer quiet country lanes, specific family-friendly touring routes are generally shorter and have less elevation. The area has 10 easy routes, which are typically more suitable for families. For a gentler experience, consider routes that stick to the flatter sections of the Eden Valley, such as the Langwathby Bridge – Langwathby Bridge loop from Lazonby and Kirkoswald, a moderate 12.5-mile ride with less elevation.

The Eden Valley and North Pennines are beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery, with fewer crowds. Summer provides longer daylight hours, ideal for longer tours. However, be prepared for changeable weather conditions typical of Cumbria, regardless of the season.

The picturesque villages scattered throughout the Eden Valley, such as Dufton, Morland, and Kirkoswald, often provide convenient refreshment stops. Many of these villages have local pubs or cafes where cyclists can take a break and refuel. Planning your route to pass through these villages will ensure access to amenities.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the tranquil Eden Valley, the dramatic landscapes of the North Pennines, and the network of quiet country roads and moorland tracks that offer diverse riding experiences for all ability levels.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Ainstable are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Hartside Summit Viewpoint – South Tyne Trail loop from Lazonby and Kirkoswald and the Station Climb, Armathwaite – Eden Valley loop from Armathwaite. These circular routes are excellent for exploring the region without needing to retrace your steps.

Ainstable serves as a strategic base for accessing several well-known long-distance cycling routes. The C2C (Sea to Sea) Cycle Route passes through the Eden Valley and North Pennines, as does the Walney to Wear and Whitby (W2W) Cycle Route. The Pennine Cycleway is also accessible via a spur from Penrith, offering extensive touring opportunities.