Cycle routes around Ullswater

The off-road cycle routes around Ullswater are medium to hard difficulty. You'll come across steep climbs in places, but be rewarded with unrivalled views. Our location is perfect for cycling holidays, with the Eden Valley and the Lakes and Dales loop on our doorstep.

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque hamlets. Criss-crossing this quiet corner of the Lake District is a network of lanes and fell roads. This tour takes in all the best corners and provides, at every turn, fascinating and far reaching views. Amongst the many highlights are a full side view of the mighty Blencathra with its distinct ridges and gills, and the flashing glimpse of Ullswater as you free wheel down the A5091 from Dockray.

The long ridge of the High Street range of fells terminates in an expansive moorland shoulder known as Moor Divock. It separates Ullswater and Pooley Bridge from Askham and the River Lowther. On the Ullswater side it has a classically Lakeland feel with steep sided hills, whilst on the Askham side, it has a more gently rolling feel typical of the Pennines. Moor Divock has long been an important link.  Criss-crossing it is an extensive network of bridleways and tracks and many of the routes over it are perfect for mountain biking, particularly if you are new to the sport, as they are not overly technical. Although there are some hills they are moderately angled and are not very hilly. Starting at Pooley Bridge a pleasant figure of eight route is the best option, as this gives the longest downhill runs and the shortest climbs.

East of Ullswater is the massive Helvellyn range, which presents a formidable wall of high peaks. The first feasible breach in its defences is on the flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end. At this point, an old coaching road links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding is a combination of moderate technical challenges with some fantastic descents and a pleasant return via minor roads and cycle tracks that give wide ranging views of both Skiddaw and Blencathra.

The modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell are set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater. They are surrounded by quiet lanes that loop them at a relatively high level. This cycle ride follows these lanes, circumnavigating Little Mell Fell and nipping in the gap between Great Mell Fell, allowing wonderful views of them both and also opening up vistas to all the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Tucked away behind Place Fell, the Boredale bridleway is a well established classic mountain bike descent. The normal way of doing it is as a brief loop around Place Fell, but by using the Ullswater Steamers as a link, a neat route can be worked out from either Pooley Bridge or Glenridding that takes in the Boredale descent. There is a steep ascent to Boredale Hause at the start of the ride and there are a couple of brief technical passages, so this ride falls squarely into the experienced riders remit. But if you have ridden the rough stuff before and have bags of enthusiasm, then this is the route for you.