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.

CONTENTS

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

Seasons

You can ride these routes at any time of year, although some are more exposed than others. Avoid heading out after a prolonged period of rain as this will affect the going in some places and rivers can rise quickly and become impassable. Paths and roads will be icy in winter and higher routes may see snow.

Centres

Ambleside, Windermere, Coniston, Keswick, Kendal, Staveley, Grizedale, Whitehaven and Penrith

Difficulty

Each route is graded. Each stage within the route is also graded using the standard MTB system. Green: off-road, relatively even ground, low gradients. Blue: challenging in parts, moderate gradients, extended exertion. Red: steep single track, obstacles. Black: physically demanding, extended exertion, highly technical or hike-a-bike (push or carry your bike). Two routes have an overall grade of Moderate, four are Hard and two are Very Hard. All routes feature considerable ascent and descent and are likely to involve some sections of hike-a-bike.

Must See

The green-lane descent from High Parkamoor; Skiddaw House and the Caldew Valley; Black Sail Pass and the YHA at Ennerdale; the Walna Scar Road; the views over the Irish Sea from Black Combe; the climb over High Street and the Straights of Riggindale; the road climbs of Hardknott and Wrynose; the exposed fell of Eskdale

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).

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.