Discover Coniston by Bike
Discover Coniston by Bike
Road cyclists and mountain bikers are spoilt for choice here in the Lake District. There are quiet country lanes, permitted cycle ways and heaps of bridleways offering some fantastic views and the Coniston Valley is no exception!
The valley is the perfect place for a break away on two wheels, no matter what your ability, there are gentle family rides, serious off-road routes and scenic lake side road rides all waiting to be discovered….
Head out from Coniston by mountain bike and discover Little Langdale and its dramatic landscape. Head out on this mostly off-road, 9.3 miles easy to follow route through the wooded Tilberthwaite valley. Cross (or ford if you’re brave) the River Brathay to rise up to Little Langdale hamlet for a pub lunch. Strenuous climbing up to the old green slate quarries at Hodge Close is then rewarded with a freewheeling descent back to the Yewdale fell side track and to the head of Coniston Water.
If you fancy a fuller day in the saddle the ultimate ride has to be a full circuit of Coniston Water. The 16.9 mile ride starts off quietly on a long off-road section passing Coniston Old Hall, before connecting with gently undulating roads. First a quiet ʻAʼ road down the west side of the lake, followed by a delightful minor road up the east side, offering numerous tantalising glimpses of the water through the trees and Wild Cat Island of Swallows and Amazons Fame. Along the way you will also pass a lonely figure looking towards Coniston Water and distant fells from a field in the Hamlet of Nibthwaite, this is a piece by acclaimed sculptor Anthony Gormley. And towards the end of this circular ride you will pass Brantwood, the home of artist, writer and thinker John Ruskin before making your way back to Coniston.
There are also several family friendly routes, including the Coniston to Torver Trail, a totally off-road 6 mile return ride. The route makes use of a section of the old Coniston to Foxfield railway line and is perfectly suited to little legs or parents with tagalongs. The route can also be easily be linked to a series of permissive routes through Waterpark and alongside the shores of Coniston Water to make a day of it depending on how much energy and time you have.
Here at The Coppermines Lakes Cottages we have a range of self-catering cottages from secluded mountain cottages for the ultimate escape, leafy lakeside retreats, to cosy village cottages designed for two. Full week, mid-week and weekend breaks are all available, so whatever your requirements are, we are sure to have something to suit your needs, perfect after a fun filled day spent exploring.
Take a look at our cycle friendly cottages below…
