Cycling in the North Pennines & Cumbria

North Pennines

Our cyclist guests at Cranmore House and Camellia Cottage find that the North Pennines offers exhilarating rides, with the high, twisty roads, off road moor tracks or quiet remote roads with spectacular views. Both offer secure/dry cycle storage, just ask.

Both cottages are located on the A689, which is on the famous C2C (or Sea to Sea) cycling route that stretches from Sunderland to Workington, Cumbria, splits England in two and joins the Irish sea to the North Sea. The most popular route is west to east, so starting in Cumbria. As tradition goes, riders dip their back wheel in the Irish sea and their front wheel in the North Sea when completed! We are also close to the Pennines Cycleway and the Walney to Wear & Whitby route.

In September 2021, our cottages gained a front seat to the Tour of Britain when just in front of our front doors, having just climbed the King of the Mountains ascent at Hartside (15 minutes away) , and heading towards another King of the Mountains ascent at Killhope Cross just 4 minutes away from us! Being located on the highest route in England means that cyclists here are rewarded with magical vistas resplendent of the natural beauty that the North Pennines AONB has to offer. We are so lucky to be situated in this magnificent area and we are thrilled that we can share it with some of you.

Some suggestions for other cycling routes:

North Pennines Packhorse Trail (starts in Nenthead Mines car park, just a short walk from our cottages)

Western Lake District

St Bees to Low Moresby: Coastal Routes with Stunning Views

For cyclists who love coastal scenery, the route from St Bees along the coast in either direction offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, combined with undulating terrain that’s perfect for those looking for an enjoyable, moderately challenging ride. Starting from the charming village of St Bees, known for its historic priory and stunning cliffs, the route hugs the coastline, providing panoramic sea views.

Cyclists can explore quiet country lanes, passing through quaint villages like Sandwith and Parton. Alternatively heading South, through Egremont and Beckermet. This route is perfect for cyclists seeking a mix of coastal beauty and rolling countryside, with opportunities to stop at local cafes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Western Lake District.

Ennerdale: The Hidden Gem for Off-Road Cycling

For cyclists who crave adventure and love off-road trails, Ennerdale is an absolute must. This remote and unspoiled valley offers some of the best cycling routes in the Lake District. Ennerdale Water, the most westerly lake, is surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, making it ideal for mountain biking and gravel riding.

The Ennerdale Forest provides a network of well-maintained trails, perfect for off-road cycling. The Ennerdale Cycle Trail, which follows the forest tracks around the valley, is a fantastic option for cyclists looking for a peaceful ride through stunning wilderness. The loop around Ennerdale Water offers spectacular views of the lake and nearby peaks like Great Gable and Pillar. It’s a truly immersive experience for those wanting to connect with nature while tackling challenging, varied terrain.

The Coast to Coast (C2C) Route

If you're seeking a larger adventure, the Coast to Coast (C2C) cycling route starts at St Bees and stretches all the way to the east coast of England, making it one of the UK's most iconic cycling challenges. The Western Lake District marks the beginning of this incredible journey, and cyclists can enjoy the stunning start as they ride through quiet coastal villages before heading inland into the heart of the Lake District National Park. The climb out of Ennerdale and into the central fells provides a satisfying challenge for experienced cyclists, with rewarding views at every turn. This route actually goes straight past one of our cottages, Dixons Cottage.

One of my own favourites in the area is Cogra Moss just a short drive away, Cleator Moor to Rowrah Cycle Route (the next village on), the roads along Crummock water, Loweswater, Grizedale Forest and the Maryport to Allonby cycle route that takes you along the coast either starting at Allonby or Maryport promenade.