The most famous cycle route is the C2C or coast to coast. The route travels through the northern Lake District close to Bawd Hall and over the Pennines. C2C is not a clearly marked cycle route but employs roads, old railways, and bridle paths combined with unspoilt hills and countryside to provide a truly exhilarating cycling experience.

For those who prefer good summer’s day rides as a way to see the Lake District, then:

• the Derwent Water and Crummock Water routes provide an excellent way to view the lakes and provide perfect picnic days;
• Cockermouth to Bassenthwaite is an unspoilt and secluded route and provides great views of Bassenthwaite lake.

For keen road cyclists, the most famous local bike ride is the Fred Whitton Challenge. This takes place in May each year and is a gruelling 113 mile sportive challenge ride for charity around the Lake District, run in memory of Fred Whitton. It starts & finishes at Grasmere Sports Field, and the route includes the climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott & Wrynose passes. The route (or parts of it) can be followed at any time either at your own speed or as a timed self-led challenge ride, but please take care and read the description and warnings here.

There are three specially-constructed mountain bike trails at Whinlatter Forest, a “moderate” one and a “difficult” one.

• the Mountain Bike Route (Altura Trail) puts the mountain back into biking and has been built for experienced riders with good off road skills and a higher level of fitness and stamina. The trail is a 19 kilometre red grade mountain bike route which includes 15 kilometres of single track;
• the Quercus Trail is 7.5km long with a shorter 3.5 km option. It is a gem waiting to be discovered: expect flowing single track with gentle berms, rolling jumps, wide gradual climbs with technical features for the adventurous riders.
• the Gorse Trail opened in 1st March 2019. The new waymarked 10km route, sticking mostly to well-surfaced forest roads, takes you to the best parts of the forest and explores the quieter corners of Whinlatter at Noble Knott. With stunning vistas across the Lake District, it’s one not to be missed.