Cycling

The Lake District was made for cycling, with challenging off road mountain biking routes to gentle country lanes. And the Northern Lakes are no different. You can enjoy the man-made off-road trails at Whinlatter and Dodd wood, or try a classic MTB route up and around Skiddaw—if you’re up for the challenge.

If road cycling is more your cup of tea, Kestrel Lodge is on local cycle route 38, and I’ve developed one or two routes of my own. From the short, easy routes that get the blood pumping before breakfast, to the “Are Ya’ Mad?” routes that will take you through some of the most stunning countryside and challenging climbs in the Lake District.

Skidda’ Round with Optional Extra’s

The Skidda loop is a great circuit at 15 miles from the tent flap and gets you to a point at the halfway where you can choose to add three miles to the top of Skidda’ or not.

Back o’Skidda’

The beauty of this route lies not only in the gorgeous scenery, but also that you can go whichever way round you like.

Kestrel Lodge to Skiddaw Summit

13 and a half miles doesn’t sound that big a ride to some people, but when you add in the climb to the summit of the 4th highest mountain in the Lake District at 931m...it bloomin’ well is!

Kestrel Lodge To Whinlatter Forest

Whinlatter forest is THE place to go when it comes to MTB. 790m above sea level they put the mountain into mountain biking.

Tour of the Northern Fells

This 30 mile challenging route is a great little road bike tour.

Are Ya’ Mad?

There are a lot of options for long routes from Kestrel Lodge, heading North of us we’ve got the Northern Lakes Tours and the Skiddaw routes covered, but heading South, if you’ve got the miles in your legs, there is some of the most stunning road cycling in the country with Honister, Newlands, and Whinlatter passes being just the other side of Bassenthwaite lake.