Where to ride
Keswick’s position in the heart of the Northern Lakes means there is a lot within reach of a bike — country lanes, off-road tracks, a flat former railway line and a forest full of graded trails.
Family friendly cycling
The Keswick to Threlkeld trail on the former railway line is a 10km out-and-back off-road route with gentle gradients, suitable for all the family.
End the ride in Fitz Park, where there is a playground and a BMX track. Fitz Park is also a good place to learn to ride, with a path running all the way round the perimeter.
Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. Cyclewise Whinlatter — bike hire and shop — is based there, which makes it the easiest place to start from if you have not brought a bike.
The Whinlatter trails
- Altura — built for experienced riders with good off-road skills and a higher level of fitness and stamina.
- Gorse — a waymarked 10km route, mostly on well-surfaced forest roads, taking you to the best parts of the forest.
- Quercus — flowing single track with gentle berms, rolling jumps and wide gradual climbs, with technical features for the adventurous.
- Mountain bike orienteering — an orienteering challenge exploring the forest on a mix of forest roads and parts of the Quercus trail.
Five do-in-a-day rides
KTA’s guide, Biking around Keswick, sets out five do-in-a-day rides on country lanes and off-road tracks. It is published as a set of downloadable route sections, which are being brought across.
In the meantime, the walking routes include the railway path and several valley routes that ride well, and the transport and parking page has the C2C — the 137-mile coast to coast route, which passes through Keswick.
Hire, repairs and somewhere to put the bike
Cyclewise Whinlatter, in the forest, does hire and repairs and also hires electric bikes. For guided rides, Ultimate Cycling Adventures build bespoke tours of the North Lakes for all ages, abilities and riding preferences.
There is bike-friendly accommodation across the area. Look for the Cyclists Welcome logo on the places to stay listings.
Start your trip here
Plan your perfect escape with our Keswick guide. From places to stay and things to do, where to eat, explore and unwind.