Bikepacking in the Lake District

Bikepacking in the Lake District means tackling the iconic road climbs of Hardknott, Wrynose and Honister, high off-road passes, camping beneath the fells and spending days immersed in a landscape that mountain bikers rarely experience at this depth. For experienced riders looking for a multi-day adventure in one of England's finest national parks, the possibilities are extensive.

Edward Hunton's Cicerone guidebook covers eight challenging bikepacking routes of 2 to 5 days across the Lake District, including the classic Lakeland 200. Graded from moderate to very hard and suitable for experienced mountain bike and gravel bike riders, all routes are accessible by public transport and well served with accommodation and facilities.

The eight routes range in duration from a long weekend to 5 days and include the Lakeland 200, Furness Forests, the Old Man of Coniston and the Irish Sea, Way Out in the Western Fells, Helvellyn and Back, the Dalston/Skiddaw Mega Pretzel, the Penrith/High Street Circuit and Nine Lakes
Highlights include the road climbs of Hardknott, Wrynose, Whinlatter and Honister; the off-road passes of Sticks Pass, Stake Pass and Black Sail; the highest bridleway in England over Helvellyn; and the views over the Irish Sea from Black Combe
Routes are graded overall as moderate, hard or very hard, with individual stages also graded using the standard MTB system of green, blue, red and black; all routes feature considerable ascent and descent and are likely to involve some sections of hike-a-bike
Clear route descriptions, mapping and elevation profiles are supported by detailed planning information, including accommodation listings, facility notes and summary details for each stage, alongside tips on kit, food and navigation
The Lakeland 200 can also be ridden as an Individual Time Trial, with guidance on how to approach it in this format; appendices cover campsites and hostels, bike shops and a full kit list


The Lake District's network of bridleways, passes and fell roads gives experienced bikepackers an extraordinary range of multi-day possibilities. This guide covers eight of the best.

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