road cycling...

Cumbria is one of the quietest, most rural counties in England. It has the Lake District National Park , the rolling hills of the Eden Valley, quiet coastlines to the West and hidden villages galore - all perfect for exploration by bike. In short, it is possibly Britain's best and most varied road cycling destination.  Many routes can be explored in a day-ride.

The Eden Valley

This wide, quiet valley cuts right through the County, from Brampton in the North through Penrith in the centre and on to Kirkby Stephen in the south. It covers a vast area of rolling hills and traditional farmland, separating the ridge of the Pennines from the peaks of The Lake District. There are many quiet lanes cutting between villages and hamlets, making it possible to put together a whole variety of routes for all ability levels.
routes and guides

The Lake District

With hills and mountains galore it is always going to be a scenic day out when you cycle in The Lake District. Expect to encounter some hills, from smaller climbs through to major passes that will test even the toughest legs. The Lakes has a huge network of lanes to explore but at busy times (eg. bank holiday weekends) it pays to plan routes carefully and avoid the major connecting roads, which can get quite busy.
routes and guides

The Solway Coast

The Solway Coast is a seldom-explored region, tucked away to the north west of the county. It provides some beautiful, remote cycling and access to beaches and coastal villages which add variety to any cycle ride. As you travel south around the Cumbrian coastline there are many other places worth cycling to, many now linked by National Cycle Network routes.
routes and guides

Hadrian's Wall

There is cycling here for all levels of fitness, ability and willingness. The 174-mile Hadrian's Cycleway goes through the entire World Heritage Site. It is a new cycleway that combines existing shorter cycle routes, quiet roads and off-road tracks. Clearly signposted, the Cycleway takes cyclists near many major Roman sites, and other attractions are just a short distance from the main route.

There are also plenty of shorter options already planned out in our four-part series of do-in-a-day cycle rides that cover the whole region. Some are circular, others are linear and all give visitors a completely different perspective on the landscape and its heritage.
routes and guides