- DISTANCE: 26.6 miles
- ASCENT: 1,549 feet
- GRADE: Moderate
This pleasant loop is a great introduction to cycling in the Lake District.
It takes in a full circuit of Windermere, with opportunity to enjoy some fantastic scenery along the way.
Some of the roads on the route can be busy, and the ride is recommended for confident cyclists.
The route
Start in Ambleside, and take the A591 south along the lake's eastern shore towards Windermere.
This is a busy road, so keep your wits about you.
At the roundabout turn right towards Bowness. It's worth a stop at the viewpoint to take in the views towards the Langdale Pikes.
Continue into the village. Be careful here as there's usually loads of traffic and pedestrians.
From bowness, follow the A592 along the lake shore. This is a quieter road but cars still come past at speed. There are a couple of tough little climbs on this this rolling section.
Emerge at the roundabout at Newby Bridge, turn right and then go right again towards Lakeside.
This is the best part of the ride, as narrow and very quiet roads lead you to Hawkshead. There are more steep little climbs and descents along this road.
From Hawkshead, follow the B5286 back towards your start point at Ambleside.
- Send your routes, Strava links, videos and photos to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk
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