United Kingdom

Lake District - Derwent Water

Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

5 days

Prices from

£1,045 P.P.

OPTIONAL E-BIKE DEPARTURES

We offer this holiday with an e-bike only departure as well as regular trips where you can choose a regular bike or a pedal assist e-bike hire. Our e-bike only departures allow you to experience more on two wheels whilst riding with like-minded Skedaddlers. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs and longer distances. With less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. Remember to select your e-bike hire when you book your holiday with us. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a regular trip but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.

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With its dramatic contrast between mighty mountains and still water, Derwent Water is surely the highlight of the Northern Lake District and this trip gives you the perfect opportunity to explore this stunning area by bike.
This fantastic cycling holiday will be based out of HF Derwent Bank near Keswick. You will find the perfect mix of relaxation and challenge as you tackle the rolling roads of the Lakes, before returning to comfort and views of the mountains. Here you can relax with your choice of tipple on the sun terrace or shelter from the elements in the conservatory.
Over the course of three rides, you will explore quiet country lanes, fells and pretty lakeside roads.
We are treated to a few climbs throughout the week however, so you may want to consider booking on to one of our E-bike departures if you're looking to enjoy the journey with a group of like-minded e-bikers, with a little boost up those cheeky hills! Please see our dates and prices section to see which departures are exclusively for e-bikes.
The area is also rich in heritage, from the ancient stone circle at Castlerigg to signs of the more recent small-scale mining industry. 
Come and join us and other like-minded bikers for this wonderful tour of the Lake District, all set in a friendly and social environment and led by at least two of our experienced guides.

UK Cycling Holiday - Derwent Water (Lake District) from Saddle Skedaddle on Vimeo.

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Holiday Highlights

  • Stay at Derwent Bank, Keswick – a comfortable HF Country House sitting directly on the banks of Derwent Water
  • Spin your legs gently along country lanes or challenge them as you climb up towards some Lakeland fells
  • Admire the vista across the lake to Skiddaw and Blencathra
  • Treat yourself to delicious cake pit-stops in charming local cafés
  • Let the lovely Lakeland landscapes inspire your daily cycling
  • Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle – an ancient monument built around 3000 BC

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Keswick / Portinscale
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  • Meals: Dinner

Today is set aside to allow you to arrive into Keswick at your convenience. Your accommodation at Derwent Bank is situated just a mile from town. You will meet your leader and the rest of the group, and enjoy a leisurely evening meal.

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Day 2
Surrounding Skiddaw
36 Miles / 58 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

Today we head out on a circular route taking in some of the best views of Skiddaw, Blencathra, and Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve. There are a few challenging climbs today, the first out of Bassenthwaite and especially the ascent out of the small village of Uldale. Once up at a higher elevation the views are spectacular, with only a few trees and majestic rolling hills as far as the eye can see.

After a final climb to Caldbeck, there are plenty of gentle and medium-grade descents to make up for the climbs and give your legs a rest, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful surroundings before completing the loop back to Keswick.

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Day 3
Whinlatter, Cockermouth and Bassenthwaite
30 Miles / 48 Kms Approx
Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.

We’ll start today’s ride heading west towards High Lorton, warming up our legs with a ride over Whinlatter Pass and through the forest before heading north to Cockermouth, passing by Cockermouth Castle and Wordsworth House.

From there, we wind east through Bassenthwaite village, following the shore of its namesake—the only official “lake” in the Lake District.

Finally, we return to our accommodation for an evening meal at Derwent Bank.

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Day 4
Derwent Water, Thirlmere, Castlerigg
36 Miles / 58 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 915 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 915 Metres Approx.

This morning we’ll head east along the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path. We’ll then head south down through St John’s in the Vale and down to the banks of Thirlmere Reservoir with the dramatic Helvellyn towering above to the east. We’ll then head back north to Keswick via Castlerigg Stone Circle, an ancient monument built around 3000 BC, taking some essential photos in this marvellous English Heritage site.

We then cycle south along the east side of Derwent Water stopping at Ashness Bridge, one of the Lake District’s most photographed sites. On a clear day, the viewpoint looks out over both Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance.

On a clear day, the viewpoint looks out over both Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance. We’ll continue our loop around Derwent Water, cycling through the “Jaws of Borrowdale.” We ride over the impressive double-arched bridge crossing the River Derwent, past its quaint slate cottages and tea shops. The final section of today’s sees us heading back north up the west side of Derwent Water and through Stair and Little Town back to our accommodation for our final evening together.

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Day 5
Departure Keswick / Portinscale
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  • Meals: Breakfast

Today we’ll have a leisurely breakfast together, and with plenty of miles in our legs and memories made, you’ll set off on your onward journeys home.

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Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

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The Cycling

Terrain

The Lake District is renowned for its rugged beauty, but also its hills! Most of the routes around Keswick are fairly undulating, so there are some inevitable climbs, but these are well worth it for the spectacular views over the surrounding lakes and hills.

You will be riding on a mixture of quiet country lanes and purpose-built tarmac cycle paths, with a short section along a gravel track, therefore hybrid bikes are recommended.

We have e-bikes available on both departures, with one being an e-bike exclusive departure, so there’s always the option of a cheeky boost if you need it! Please note, if opting for an e-bike on the standard departure, the pace of the riding will be set by those on hybrid bikes. If you are interested in riding an electric bike on this holiday please click here for more information.

Derwent Water uses a part of the National Cycle Network, a route from the charity, Sustrans, who are working to make it easier for everyone to cycle in the UK. Skedaddle will donate to Sustrans for every mile that you and others ride on this route with us. If you fancy donating more to Sustrans, you can choose to make your own donation for the development of the National Cycle Network when you make a booking with us.

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2-3: Gentle/Moderate

Aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 holidays

Suitable for those looking for some cycle friendly routes

Features some modest climbs

Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc).

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Holidays that are graded as a 2-3, will have aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 holidays. These tours are still suitable for those perhaps who have recently got into cycling, and offer an array of accessible, cycle friendly routes, cycle paths and quiet roads, however there will be some days / sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb and perhaps some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Suitable for those with a decent level of physical fitness, looking for some leisurely rides with occasional (achievable!) challenges along the way.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 30 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

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Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
* 14/07/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
18/07/2025
Duration
5 days
Price
£1,045.00
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Start Date
22/09/2025 E-Bike Departure
Return Date
26/09/2025
Duration
5 days
Price
£1,045.00
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*

Late Availability

We want you to know which holidays are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.

Whats Included Tick

A) Shared twin (or double) room (single room may be available on request, for a supplement)

B) Full tour service including guides and a back-up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike

C) At least one leader qualified in First Aid

D) Full-board including picnic lunch and en route refreshments

E) GPX files available on request

F) Secure bike storage and bike wash facilities

G) Group train station collections / drop-offs on scheduled arrival and departure days

H) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike and helmet rental (available if required)

B) Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres

I) Other optional activities

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

Your destination is Derwent Bank in Portinscale. If you intend to drive we will provide directions. Parking is available at the accommodation where vehicles can be left at the owner’s risk.

If you prefer to travel by train the most convenient station is Penrith. Group train station transfers are included in the holiday price and there will be a Skedaddle transfer at 16.00 from Penrith train station to Portinscale.

On the departure day there will be a Skedaddle transfer from HF Derwent Bank to Penrith train station at 09.30. Please do not book any return trains from Penrith prior to 10.30.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers and logistics.

Please note If you make alternative travel arrangements, which fall outside of the planned train station transfers, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

If you are travelling to the UK from overseas and are not a British or Irish national, you will need to apply for either an ETA or a visa depending on your nationality. Please check the relevant state department or foreign office guidance for your country or you can find more information here

Accommodation

On this holiday, you will be based at an HF Country House. HF Holidays run a number of Country Houses around the UK, which are all within National Parks or National Landscapes, and which offer the perfect comfortable environment to return to after a day out on two wheels.

With one of best waterfronts of any hotel on Derwent Water, your accommodation provides splendid views of the surrounding fells, and a lovely location to explore the Lake District.

At Derwent Bank there is a large, comfortable lounge, an attractive dining room and a welcoming bar stocking local beer. The house sits in extensive gardens with a sloping lawn down to the lake jetty, perfect for a post-ride leg stretch wander!

Bike Hire

If you would like to rent a bike we have both hybrid and electric bikes available.

On our standard departures, you will have the choice between a hybrid bike (generally Giant Roam (male frame) or Liv Rove (female frame) with a wide gear range suitable for the route and terrain, semi-slick tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and a relaxed riding position), or an electric bike (generally Giant E+ pedal assist bikes with batteries suitable for the daily distances and hydraulic disc brakes). E-bikes come with step through frames as standard but some cross bar frames may be available if preferred. Please let us know if you have a preference.

If booking onto one of our e-bike departures, only e-bikes will be available.

If you choose to bring your own e-bike, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.

A rack and two panniers, and one bottle cage are provided with all our rental bikes, along with an emergency repair kit in a seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multi-tool, a spare innertube and a bike pump.

We are also able to provide helmets, if you’d like one to be provided, please request this at the time of booking.

You are welcome to bring along your own saddles, or own pedals if renting a hybrid bike, but please let us know if advance if you plan to do so.

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News, Reviews & Stories

E-bikes - everything you need to know

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7

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