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
Itinerary
- 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.
- 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 Calebreck, 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.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.
We’ll start today’s ride heading west, towards High Lorton. We’ll warm up our legs with a ride through Whinlatter before heading north to Cockermouth, where we’ll pass by Cockermouth Castle and Wordsworth House.
We’ll then wind our way east via Wythop Woods, to meet Bassenthwaite on its western edge halfway down the lake. This is the only official “lake” in the Lake District and we’ll have a great view as we meander along its shoreline.
We’ll then make our way back to our accommodation for an evening meal at Derwent Bank.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 950 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 to the north west bank 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.
Following a short detour to Bowder Stone we’ll cycle through the postcard village of Grange, at the entrance to the “Jaws of Borrowdale.” We cycle 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 in Portinscale.
Show Profile- 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.
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.
Gallery
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 departures, 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.
Leisure Cycling Grade
Aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 trips
Suitable for those looking for some cycle friendly routes
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?
Trips that are graded as a 2-3, will have aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 rides. 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.
Dates & Prices
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a $375 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.
Whats Included
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) Train station collections / drop-offs on scheduled arrival and departure days
H) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
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
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.
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Reviews
Celia, UKThe service was excellent, the cycle trip fantastic!The service was excellent, the cycle trip fantastic! Both days very different, partly because of the terrain and partly because of the weather. All fun, some bits more challenging than others – happy with that. Tour Leader was fantastic – we would follow her anywhere! Want to do more destinations in the future – I’ve only just started.
Catherine, South Yorkshire, UKOne happy bunch of cyclists.The whole weekend was amazing the group & the leaders really came together and enjoyed themselves. Australians, Electric Bikes, Southerners and Northerners and an engagement?...one happy bunch of cyclists.
Peter, UKThe scenery in the Lakes is stunning!Excellent 2 day trip. It was a very friendly group and was a very enjoyable two days with a very good and experienced guide. Skedaddle organise very good cycle holidays and this two trip was no exception. They made a real effort to be COVID compliant.
Nick, London, UKA special weekend...My favourite day was the first day of cycling – a real challenge but an absolute pleasure with such a brilliant group and amazing guides. I can’t emphasize enough how amazing the guides were – they are an incredible asset to your company and made what was already a special weekend for me and my partner into something we’ll never forget.
Ben, West YorkshireAbsolutely outstanding tour leaders!I will absolutely ride with Skeddale again. The Derwent Water was a perfect taster which left me wishing it was longer! Stunning views, brilliant guides and amazing people! A thoroughly well-organised break where all you have to do is turn up and spin!
Alastair, Scottish BordersEnjoyed the variety of every dayMy first but definitely not last Skedaddle adventure. Many thanks for such a great experience.
Caroline, UKMy first cycling holiday and I loved it!My first cycling holiday and I loved it! Great service. Communication at all times especially during travel issues with train companies. Derwent Bank is a beautiful hotel in a great location. Lots of lovely single rooms with great views over the lake. Tour Leader was amazing. Friendly and reassuring. Nothing was too much trouble. Made me feel very confident and safe.