A Cyclist's Weekend in the Lake District
Explore The Lakes On Two Wheels
One thing we are looking forward to in 2027 is the Tour de France arriving in the Lake District for Stage 2, passing through Grasmere, Rydal Water and Windermere on its way south. The roads, however, are not reserved for professionals, and few places make a better starting point for exploring them than Linthwaite House.
Before you set off, it’s worth knowing that E-Bike Safaris delivers electric bikes directly to the property, with tailor-made routes, panniers and phone mounts included, and child seats, tag-alongs and trailers available for families. Alternatively, Windermere Canoe Kayak, supported by Total Adventure Bike Hire, offers bike rentals across multiple locations around the lake, with the added convenience of being able to return the bikes in Bowness before heading back up to Linthwaite House. Both options make the weekend accessible regardless of fitness level or experience.
Here’s how to spend two days on your bike from Linthwaite House…
Day One: The Winster Valley and Cartmel Loop
Approximately 20 miles
After breakfast at Linthwaite House, set off south from Bowness along country lanes toward Crook, a small village with views opening toward the Lyth and Winster Valleys. This route features undulating terrain with some notable climbs along the way, and is best enjoyed by those who are comfortable in the saddle and have some cycling experience behind them.
From Crook, follow small lanes south through Winster and continue to Bowland Bridge, a quiet Lakeland village with a charm that feels entirely unchanged by time. The Mason's Arms at Strawberry Bank sits a short climb above Bowland Bridge and rewards the effort with views across the Winster Valley that are among the best on the whole route, making it a great stop for a quick coffee break.
From Bowland Bridge, continue south through Cartmel Fell and into the Cartmel Valley, passing through picturesque villages with the Lake District mountains visible to the north and west on a clear day. Cartmel itself is the natural lunch stop, home to the famous sticky toffee pudding and an ancient priory that has stood for over 800 years. Browse the village square, stop for lunch and take your time before heading back north.
The return leg traces a similar line through the Lyth Valley, passing Barkbooth Lot Nature Reserve where dragonflies and the rare high brown fritillary butterfly can be spotted in the warmer months.
For those wanting a more substantial day, the full South Lakeland loop can be extended to take in Kendal and Grange-over-Sands, covering up to 40 miles with greater elevation gain through the wider valley network.
After returning and storing the bikes securely, head down to the private tarn for an hour of quiet. Row boats are available for in-house guests, and an afternoon on the still water as the light fades over the fells is as good a way as any to end a day on the bike. Dinner at Henrock by Simon Rogan MBE follows, where a seasonal menu built on the finest local and British ingredients is exactly the recovery meal a cyclist's appetite calls for.
Day Two: The Western Shore and Wray Castle Ride
Approximately 10 miles
Day two is a slower, more exploratory ride designed for families and those who want to spend as much time looking around as they do pedalling. After breakfast, make your way down to Bowness and take the Windermere Ferry from Ferry Nab across to the western shore. The crossing takes around ten minutes and bikes are welcome on board.
Once on the western shore, the route follows a tarmac cycle path north through woodland and open meadow, with views back across Windermere that make it worth stopping regularly. After around half a mile the path becomes a level stone track, and the riding is peaceful and almost entirely traffic-free. This is where the route earns its reputation as one of the finest family cycling experiences in the Lake District.
Just after the ferry landing, Claife Courtyard is home to Joey's Café, a welcoming stop for coffee and cake before the ride north. Continue along the western shore path toward Wray Castle, a National Trust property where younger children can explore the grounds, visit the café and enjoy one of the most characterful castle settings in the Lake District. The grounds are free to access and the castle itself is open for exploration, making it an excellent mid-ride stop for families with children of all ages.
From Wray Castle, loop back south along the western shore and take the ferry back to Bowness. It is worth noting that the road from Bowness back up to Linthwaite House is a steep climb, so those who hired bikes from Windermere Canoe Kayak may find it more practical to return the bikes in Bowness before making their way back to the property on foot or by taxi. Change out of cycling gear and head to The Bar and Conservatory for a traditional afternoon tea, the most appropriate end to a morning on the bike that we can think of. Afterwards, book into the treatment cabin for a spa experience to ease the muscles, before retreating to the comfort of your room or suite to round off a weekend well spent.
What to Know Before You Go
Linthwaite House has a secure bike room for guests bringing their own bikes. The Windermere ferry accepts bikes and runs regularly throughout the day, though it is worth checking the timetable in advance. The Lake District weather changes quickly at any time of year, so layers and a waterproof jacket are always worth packing regardless of the season. Most café stops along both routes are accustomed to cyclists and the welcome is warm. The Linthwaite House Guest Liaison Team is happy to help plan your cycling itinerary in advance, including route recommendations, hire bookings and dining reservations for both evenings.
FAQs
What are the best cycling routes in the Lake District for beginners?
The western shore of Windermere from Ferry Nab to Wray Castle is the premier route for families and beginners, featuring a flat, completely traffic-free path. For a hassle-free experience, hire bikes from Windermere Canoe Kayak (Total Adventure Bike Hire) right at the ferry terminal to avoid any uphill pedalling at the end of the day.
While beautiful, the Winster Valley and Cartmel loop features steep, undulating terrain and requires a moderate level of cycling fitness rather than a beginner background.
Is secure bike storage available at Linthwaite House?
Linthwaite House has a secure bike room for guests bringing their own bikes. The guest liaison team can confirm storage arrangements ahead of your arrival.
When is the best time of year to cycle in Cumbria?
Spring and autumn are both excellent times to cycle in the Lake District. Spring brings the Lyth Valley's damson orchards into blossom and the wildflowers onto the lower paths. Autumn delivers spectacular colour across the fells and valleys. Summer offers the longest days but the roads can be busier in August. Winter riding is possible but requires preparation for wet and cold conditions.
Are there family-friendly cycling routes near Linthwaite House?
Yes. The western shore ride from the Bowness ferry to Wray Castle is ideal for families, with a largely traffic-free path and a National Trust castle as the destination. The Winster Valley lanes are also well suited to families with older children who are comfortable on quiet country roads.
Are e-bikes available near Linthwaite House?
Yes, electric bikes are readily available through two excellent local services. For maximum convenience, E-Bike Safaris delivers premium electric bikes directly to Linthwaite House. Alternatively, if you are tackling the car-free western shore path, we highly recommend renting from Windermere Canoe Kayak. Collecting your bikes from their Bowness hub at Ferry Nab allows you to return them right at the shoreline, saving you from a nuphill pedal back to the hotel at the end of your day.
Please note that all hire services, ferry timetables and café stops are subject to change. We recommend confirming availability and details directly before your visit.
