Any child friendly cycle routes in the Lake District?

[JQ]

We're camping around Ambleside (top of Windermere) this weekend and are contemplating taking the bikes as the kids absolutely love bike rides. The problem is they are 5 and 7 on bikes with no gears. Slight inclines can create issues and whilst they're happy to get off and walk we try to keep our routes flat and traffic free.

Last time we were there we went to Grizedale and did one of the routes from Moor stop, which was great and manageable. They loved it but it was quite short, they'll happily do 15 miles, so just wondered what else was available?

Does anyone know of any other off road routes that may be suitable, perhaps round a tarn or lake? Cheers.

[ewenm]

There's a good route down the western side of Windermere and you can loop up into Claife Heights / Grizedale from there, or get the ferry across to Bowness. Or you could ride up the Langdale valley via Elterwater - there's a permissive path for most of it.

[Kermit power]

I don't have any personal experience up there, but have you had a look at the Forestry Commission cycling pages?

I've taken my eldest two (12 and 9) round the red routes at a couple of their Southern locations and they've loved those. For yours, I would've thought anywhere with blue routes would be spot on.

[anonymous-user]

This might offer some tips ?

http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo...

Family-friendly cycle fun

Cross to the western shore on the Windermere car ferry and cycle by the lake shore track to Wray Castle (opens in new window). Suitable for young children.

Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater. Follow the track through the woods and past Elterwater to the village. Suitable for young children.

Went to Wray Castle (National Trust) a couple of years ago and it was pretty child friendly

[ewenm]

Those are the two routes I suggested - great minds etc etc

[JQ]

Cheers for the links and tips.

On the basis Wray Castle is where we're staying, that one looks ideal. Having done Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge a few times before I'm keen to avoid that one as a trip to Chesters is always very painful with Mrs JQ in tow - who knew you could spend £50 on a few pots of jam and chutney!

[ewenm]

If you look at an OS map, the "Wray Castle to the ferry landing opposite Bowness" lakeside route is obvious and relatively flat. There are lots of options to climb up into Claife Heights from there depending on the enthusiasm of the kids. Grizedale is still there of course and if you want to make a day of it, you could drive up to Whinlatter (near Keswick) for another trail centre choice.

[anonymous-user]

ewenm said:

Those are the two routes I suggested - great minds etc etc

If he was a proper dad he'd have them cycling over 'Hard Knot' to "build their spirit"

Just remembered "Tarn Hows" is nice and flat for walking round on a track it may be cycleable, worth checking as it's close to where you are.

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 10th June 09:37

[BoRED S2upid]

There's a website called miles without styles (I think) not sure if it's walking specific or features some cycle friendly routes but worth a search.

[wizzard67]

Note that it's the Great North Swim in Windermere this weekend so things may be a little busier than normal (there have been road signs up all week warning of possible delays).

[Roger Irrelevant]

It's not off-road, but the road up Longsleddale is very quiet, has great views and is as flat a ten miles (five each way) as you'll get in the Lakes.

[julianm]

The western lakeside of Windermere is lovely but shady - if you do happen to be on it in the wet, watch out for the wooden surface of 3 or 4 little bridges - very very slippy - as I discovered! http://www.golakes.co.uk/travel/WindermereWestShor...
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle/visito...
Cafe at Wray castle & dressing up for the kids. Kids like the ferry as well. Have fun!