The best gravel rides around Tarn Hows

There are over 40 gravel bike trails in the Tarn Hows area, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and more challenging routes to explore.

Yes, Tarn Hows offers several easy gravel bike trails perfect for beginners or families. These routes typically feature well-maintained tracks and moderate elevation changes. An excellent option is the High Cross – View of Coniston loop from High Cross, which is an easy 7.9 km ride.

Many of the gravel routes around Tarn Hows are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For a scenic circular ride, consider the Grizedale Forest gravel tracks – View of Coniston Water loop from High Cross, which offers varied forest tracks and views of Coniston Water.

Designated parking areas are available at key access points around Tarn Hows and the wider Grizedale Forest area. Popular starting points like High Cross often have parking facilities. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, as spaces can fill up quickly.

Public transport options to the Tarn Hows area are limited but possible. Buses serve nearby villages like Hawkshead and Coniston, from which you might be able to cycle to trailheads. However, for direct access to many gravel routes, personal transport is often more convenient.

The gravel bike routes around Tarn Hows offer stunning views of the surrounding Lake District fells, including glimpses of Coniston Water and distant views towards the Langdales. You might also encounter unique features like the Sandstone Fox Sculpture, which is passed on the High Cross – Sandstone Fox Sculpture loop from High Cross.

The best time for gravel biking in Tarn Hows is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the trails are typically drier. Autumn offers particularly beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Winter riding is possible but can involve colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy conditions on some tracks.

Yes, there are several cafes and pubs in the villages surrounding Tarn Hows, such as Hawkshead and Coniston, where you can refuel. The The Drunken Duck Inn – View of the Langdales loop from High Cross route, for example, passes by a well-known inn, offering a convenient stop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the stunning natural beauty of the woodlands and tarns, and the well-maintained gravel tracks that make for an enjoyable riding experience.

Yes, for more experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, there are routes with greater elevation gain and longer distances. An example is the View of Lake Windermere – Windermere Ferry loop from Hawkshead, which is a more difficult 33.2 km ride with significant climbing, offering expansive views.

For a gravel biking trip in Tarn Hows, it's advisable to pack essentials such as a repair kit (spare tube, pump, multi-tool), sufficient water and snacks, appropriate layers of clothing for changeable weather, a helmet, and a fully charged phone. Waterproofs are recommended due to the unpredictable Lake District weather.