Family-Friendly Cycling Rotes in the South Lakes

The Lake District is one of the most popular destinations in the world for those who love to take cycling holidays. Heading out on your bike is simply the best way to explore the region, including one of the most exciting parts, the South Lake district which covers Windermere, Ambleside, Hawkshead and Coniston.

While there are some flat routes in the area, the one thing you need to be aware of when planning a cycling route for all the family is that it can be quite hilly and challenging. If you’ve got a kid that can go great guns on a flat road, you may need to think about how they’ll handle a more challenging route. The great news is many of the routes can be completed by even the youngest cycling enthusiast.

Cycling Holidays in a Lake District Cottage

The best thing about booking a Lake District Cottage with the Coppermines for your family cycling holiday is that you have all the space you need to relax after your rides. Having a self-catering cottage means you can have meals at times that suit you and there will be lots of space to store your bikes!

Here is a quick list of some great family friendly cycling routes near to our Coniston Cottages:

Windermere Western Shore

Lake Windermere is probably one of the most iconic locations in the Lake District and there are some amazing cycling routes for all the family. The region’s council in recent years has put a lot of work into creating different trails.

The Western Shore routes cover around 9 miles and is suitable for trail and mountain bikers who want a bit of a challenge. There’s a ferry called the Windermere Bike Boat that carries cyclists from the Eastern Shore and should add to the adventure for the kids. There are various routes to enjoy without any traffic, including one that takes you close to the historic Wray Castle.

Grizedale Forest

If you are looking for one place that has all the cycling routes you can think of, Grizedale Forest is your best bet. Situated to the east of Coniston Water is has many different trails that range from just a mile or so up to about 10.

Some routes are much harder than others so, if you have kids in tow, it’s a good idea to check out the terrain beforehand as a few of the routes run along the edge of fairly precipitous fells. All in all, however, Grizedale Forest is one of the most popular cycling places for kids of all ages and some of the views are absolutely stunning.

Kirkstone Pass

If you have older children and want something a lot more challenging, Kirkstone Pass may well be on your list when you visit the Lake District. Situated a few miles northeast of Ambleside it runs for a staggering 53 miles including through the South Lakes District. With some high climbs, it’s not for the faint-hearted but there are some amazing views and adventurous teenagers will undoubtedly enjoy it.

Kentmere Valley

Situated to the East of Lake Windermere, this 12.5-mile route is ideal for introducing kids to riding on the road. It’s fairly quiet and the road undulates with some slightly challenging climbs but nothing the kids can’t handle.

The only really steep part is the road in Kentmere Village which rises fairly quickly towards High Lane. The route is suitable for standard road bikes as well as trail bikes and has some beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and countryside.

As you might expect, the Lake District, especially in and around the southern district, has hundreds of different trails and cycle routes to suit all the family. It’s a brilliant way to not only get out and get some exercise but discover all that the region has to offer.