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Guide to eight challenging bikepacking routes, of 2–5 days, including the Lakeland 200, exploring the tracks, bridleways and iconic passes and road climbs of the Lake District. Suitable for experienced MTB and gravel-bike riders, the routes can be easily accessed by public transport and are well served for accommodation and facilities.
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Bikepacking is the off-road equivalent of cycle touring, often offering opportunities for wild camping in addition to the usual accommodation options for sleeping under a roof: it promises an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the environment as you explore the best of what the area has to offer on two wheels. This guide presents eight challenging 2–5 day rides in the Lake District, suitable for mountain bikes (some routes are also rideable on a gravel bike). All routes are accessible by public transport and many can be completed over a long weekend. They are graded from Moderate to Very Hard, although all involve considerable ascent and descent and sections where you may need to push or carry your bike – as such, they are suited to fit experienced riders.
Clear route description, mapping and elevation profiles are supplemented with a wealth of planning information, including accommodation listings, notes on facilities, and summary details (including grades) for each individual section of the route. Also included are tips on food, kit and navigation and alternative itineraries.
The routes combine roads, tracks, lanes and bridleways to take you among, around and over the Lakeland Fells, with highlights including the iconic road climbs of Hardknott, Wrynose, Whinlatter and Honister; the off-road passes of Sticks Pass, Stake Pass and Black Sail; and the highest bridleway in England over Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain. The guide also features the classic Lakeland 200, which can be ridden over 5 days or completed as an Individual Time Trial.
Overview maps
Map key
Route summary table
Introduction
What is bikepacking?
Individual time trials
Choice of bike
When to go
Mountain weather
Getting there and around
Accommodation
Fuel strategies
Kit
Cash and money
Navigation
Rights of way
The National Cycle Network
Safety and emergencies
Using this guide
The rides
Route 1 The Lakeland 200
Route 2 Furness Forests
Route 3 The Old Man of Coniston and the Irish Sea
Route 4 Way Out in the Western Fells
Route 5 Helvellyn and Back
Route 6 Dalston/Skiddaw Mega Pretzel
Route 7 Penrith/High Street Circuit
Route 8 Nine Lakes
Appendix A Lake District campsites and hostels
Appendix B Lake District bike shops
Appendix C Kit list
We do not yet have any updates available for this book
We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).
Ed Hunton grew up in North Devon on the edge of Dartmoor and cycling was his main mode of transport. The unparalleled feeling of freedom his first bike afforded him on his adventures throughout South-West inspired a lifelong passion for cycling. Tours in Italy, Spain, Benelux, France and Cuba followed, with a mixture of campsites, wild camping and pensions being his preferred accommodation. A keen member of Audax, Ed has also completed the Trans Alba (an 800-mile circuit of Scotland), taken part in Bear Bones events and ridden countless sportives.
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