Lakes & Dales Loop

196 mile circular cycle route in Cumbria, through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales & Eden Valley

 

Lakes & Dales Loop

Choose from a selection of tours and challenge rides

 

Lakes & Dales Loop

A range of Accommodation, Food & Drink, Bike Shops and Bike Hire

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The Lakes & Dales Loop cycle route allows people to get up close to Cumbria’s spectacular landscapes. Using quiet country lanes, the route takes in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Eden Valley, Morecambe Bay, and West Cumbria.

CycleActive

196
Miles in Length
6
Tour Options to Choose from
2
National Parks
5
Metres of Elevation

6 Day Tour

Penrith – Cockermouth – Eskdale Green – Cartmel – Kirkby Lonsdale – Orton – Penrith.

Between 27 and 38 miles a day is a suitable tour for new cyclists and families. Read More…

5 Day Tour

Penrith – Cockermouth – Broughton – Kirkby Lonsdale – Orton – Penrith.

Between 30 and 45 miles a day is an achievable target for cyclists who want a more social ride. Read More…

4 Day Tour

Penrith – Cockermouth – Broughton – Sedbergh – Penrith.

Between 40 to 60 miles a day makes this a more relaxing ride for regular cyclists. Read More…

3 Day Tour

Penrith – Gosforth – Kirkby Lonsdale – Penrith.

Approximately 60 miles a day is testing tour for regular cyclists. Read More…

2 Day Challenge Ride

Penrith – Newby Bridge – Penrith.

95 miles a day for two days will appeal to the serious sportive cyclist. Read More…

1 Day Challenge Ride

Penrith – Penrith.

A 196 mile circular tour over 24 hours is the ultimate challenge for the most dedicated cyclist. Read More…

accommodation

Book your accommodation

Choose from a range of providers

terrain

Quiet Country Lanes

Find out more about the terrain

see_do

Lots to See and Do

Take a day off from cycling and go sightseeing

Tweet, post videos on Facebook, upload images to the website and email a review … we want to see and read about your experience of the Lakes & Dales Loop

Accommodation

Find bike-friendly accommodation providers along the Lakes and Dales Loop.

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Food & Drink

There are lots of places to relax and refuel on tea and cake.

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Bike Shops

Bike problems? See the nearest bike shops on or near to the Lakes & Dales Loop.

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Bike Hire

There are bike hire options along, or near to this circular route.

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The Lakes and Dales loop is a wonderful bike route - on a par with any of the coast to coast routes .The variety of scenery is superb- coast, valleys, mountains, lakes etc and also lovely little villages where there is often a nice cafe. One of the pluses for me on this Loop was the fact that there were no return transport costs as there are on linear routes.You can join the route anywhere that suits you too. We completed the ride in 5 days enjoying some great B and B s on the way . I would thoroughly recommend the Lakes and Dales loop.

Claire BlackKendal, UK

The Lakes and Dales Loop is a well-conceived route, on quiet roads, avoiding the severe climbs, but showing some of the best scenery in the Lake District and Western Dales. Some of the less well-known sections, such as Little Asby Common and Mosedale Moss at the foot of Carrock Fell are a real delight. The Loop takes in charming small towns, such as Appleby and Cockermouth, often missed by the tourist. The Loop can be taken at a leisurely pace, or ridden as a challenge. All types of cyclists will enjoy the Lakes and Dales Loop.

Chris StevensHaverthwaite, UK

Just got back from taking 3 days on the L & D Loop. Enjoyed the best cycling I've ever done! The scenery and weather were both stunning. Quiet lanes meant that the cycling was very relaxing. Having said that, if you're doing the ride in 3 days or less, don't think it will be a doddle. There are some fairly humpty climbs which require quite a bit of I.F., but the views at the top are worth it. We were lucky enough to engage the services of Andy Bruce at Yellow Jersey Cycling Holidays. Andy took away all the logistical worries, in terms of transporting the luggage, providing us with detailed turn-by-turn cards for each day, and most importantly, provided tea and goodies at regular intervals! Having Andy's fantastic support meant we could concentrate on the enjoyable task of cycling. Would thoroughly recommend this route to all but absolute beginners.

Susan Whitehead

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