Windermere on Two Wheels

6 Days & 5 Nights 4.7 Read 3 reviews

Mountain views from the shore of Lake Windermere
Delight in scenic ferry rides across the lake and a steam train to Newby Bridge
Visit the home and gardens of William Wordsworth at Rydal Mount
Stop en route for cosy pub lunches in qauint villages
Cycle to Hill Top - the former home of Beatrix Potter

Glistening Lake Windermere stretches north to south for over 10 miles and your leisurely cycle routes are focused in the very heart of this stunning region, within the Lake District National Park. Based in one lovely and very welcoming guest house, this tour offers scenic ferry rides over the lake and stream trains to many of the region’s highlights. With its lake-jewelled valleys, dramatic mountains and peaceful lakeshores, the Lake District was the inspiration for poets, artists and writers such as Wordsworth, Constable and Beatrix Potter. It is also home to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike; its deepest lake, Wastwater and its largest lake, Windermere. Your first ride takes you from the town of Windermere (your base for the next 5 nights) down quiet back lanes through tiny hamlets and past a nature reserve. After a scenic sail on a lake ferry, arrive in the village of Ambleside and begin a ride through the Vale of Rydal, a place that Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Beatrix Potter lived in the village of Near Sawrey and one of the cycles takes you through here, providing the chance to visit Hill Top, her home. Also on this route is picturesque Hawkshead which has delightful architecture and a gallery where you can see some of Beatrix Potter’s paintings. The final day of cycling takes you on a ferry to Newby Bridge, the southern most point of Lake Windermere and to Cartmel, where you will find an ancient priory. Pilgrimages have taken place here for over 800 years! Also en route is Holker Hall and Gardens, the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish and well worth a visit. A stream train takes you back to the pier at Lakeside from Haverthwaite. Your 6 day self-guided cycling tour in The Lake District includes 5 nights in a Windermere Guest House (superior rooms), 5 breakfasts, maps, route notes and a comprehensive information pack. You may hire a bike as an optional extra.

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

If you like to be based in one accommodation throughout (no unpacking!) and take leisurely loop cycle rides through some of the most iconic Lake District landscapes, with pauses to visit famous sights, such as William Wordsworth’s House, Rydal Mount, then you will love this cycle trip. One of the highlights of this tour is that you also travel to and from Windermere by ferry and steam train.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour is rated easy to moderate but there will be some elevation gains and losses, with either short and steep ascents or long gradual climbs. The exhilarating downhills make it all worthwhile. Daily rides vary from 24km-50km. The routes are mainly along quiet single track lanes and footpaths, though some sections of the route are on roads shared with traffic, so please be mindful of other road-users – especially in an around larger towns/cities.

Navigation

You will be provided with detailed route notes and maps to help you find your way. Most of the time you will be cycling on quiet back roads, however, in order to connect the various routes, you may have short cycles on main roads.

Experience & Fitness

This tour is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. It is rated easy to moderate but there will be some elevation gains and losses. Although there are a few hills, we have tried to select routes that are relatively flat, for example around lakes. Also, the mileages are fairly short, so there will be plenty of time during the day to do all the cycle loops and still have time to stop for visits and lunches in pubs, etc.

Accommodations

During this tour you will stay in a comfortable 4 star rated B&B. We will always try and accommodate you at the location detailed below, but on occasion, especially during peak season, we use an alternate accommodation of equal or higher standard.

Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists

If you're travelling with family or friends but prefer your own room, this can be arranged for asupplementary payment. This trip is also suitable for solo travellers. Prices for solo cyclists can be found on our dates and prices page.

Meals

Breakfast is included each day at your hotel and usually consists of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, granola and of course, a traditional English breakfast. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking. Lunches and dinners are not included butthere are places to stop along or you can take supplies with you. As you will be staying the heart of Windermere, there are extensive cafes and restaurants to choose from in the evening and your hosts are always happy to help with suggestions.

Included

5 Nights in a 4* guest house
5 Breakfasts
Information pack, maps and route notes
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to / from Windermere
Bike hire
Steam Train from Haverthwaite to Lakeside
Ferries on Lake Windermere
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights
Bike hire

When To Go

You can start this tour anytime between April and October.

This tour can be enjoyed in the spring, summer or autumn/fall. Spring is great as it's no too busy and the flowers will be blooming. Summer is a bit busier, but still pleasurable and autumn/fall will again be quieter. September can be beautiful! Rain can occur however at anytime of year in the Lake District so come prepared with good waterproofs! You can start on any date that suits your travel plans.

Getting to the Start

By Air and Train—The closest airport to Windermere is Manchester Airport. From Manchester Airport you can take a train to Windermere. A couple of trains per day are direct but on most services you have to make a change in Oxenholme. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2h30. Windermere is also accessible from London Euston Station , once more with a change in Oxenholme and the journey takes between 3 and 4 hours. More information on train times and schedules can be found on the National Rail website.

You can also drive and parking is available at your accommodation.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for the summer, and a daypack.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof cycling gear and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Bike Hire

Bike hire is available as an optional extra. A good quality Trek Hybrid bike is available which maybe be picked up and dropped off at the bike shop which is in the Windermere Railway Station, about one mile from your accommodation. Full details about the bike will be in your information pack. All rentals include a helmet, rear rack with pannier, pump, puncture/tool kit, spare inner tube and a lock.

Please note that if you do want to rent a bike you need to provide us with your height so that we can make sure that the bike is going to be a good fit.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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