The best road cycling routes around Blindcrake

There are over 220 road cycling routes around Blindcrake, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has highly rated these routes, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Road cycling around Blindcrake features a diverse landscape. You'll find quiet country lanes traversing rolling hills, the picturesque Derwent Valley, and routes along the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water. The terrain varies from gentle gradients in the valleys to more challenging climbs towards the Lakeland passes, offering extensive views of fells like Skiddaw and Buttermere.

Yes, Blindcrake offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the The Lakes Distillery – Bassenthwaite Lake loop from Setmurthy is an easy 12.5-mile (20 km) route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed ride. Another easy option is the 4Play Cycles – Main Street Fisheries loop from Embleton, covering about 11 miles (17.6 km).

While specific routes from Blindcrake directly to the most iconic passes are not listed, the broader Lake District region, easily accessible from Blindcrake, is renowned for challenging climbs. Cyclists can experience iconic Lakeland passes such as Honister Pass, Newlands Pass, and Whinlatter Pass, which offer significant elevation gains and breathtaking views. The area around Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell also provides quiet lanes with varied terrain.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Blindcrake are designed as loops. A popular moderate circular route is the View of Derwent Water – Jasper's Café loop from Bewaldeth and Snittlegarth, which is 36 miles (57.9 km) long and offers stunning views of Derwent Water. Another excellent loop is the Main Street Fisheries – View of Hundith Hill loop from Slatefell, a moderate 25.4-mile (40.9 km) path with scenic views.

Road cycling routes around Blindcrake offer extensive views of prominent fells like Skiddaw and Buttermere. You can also enjoy vistas of Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water. Specific highlights include views of Skiddaw Summit and Little Man (Skiddaw) summit, which provide some of the finest views in the national park. The elevated position of Blindcrake itself offers panoramic scenery of the Derwent Valley.

Beyond the natural beauty, the area around Blindcrake boasts several points of interest. You can find historic sites like Isel Hall, a Border pele tower near the River Derwent. The childhood home of William Wordsworth, Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, is also a short distance away. For those interested in industrial heritage, the Honister Slate Mine offers tours and activities.

The Lake District, including Blindcrake, is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer ideal conditions for road cycling with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible but requires careful planning due to potentially colder temperatures and variable weather conditions.

While the immediate area around Blindcrake features quiet country lanes, for dedicated family-friendly cycling, you might consider routes that utilize permitted cycleways or bridleways within the wider Lake District National Park. Whinlatter Forest, for example, offers purpose-built mountain bike trails that can be suitable for families depending on skill level.

Parking is generally available in and around the villages and towns that serve as starting points for many routes. For instance, routes starting from Cockermouth or near Bassenthwaite Lake will have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific route descriptions on komoot for details on parking facilities at trailheads.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 100 reviews. Road cyclists frequently praise the stunning scenic views of the fells and lakes, the network of quiet country lanes, and the varied terrain that caters to different abilities. The sense of exploration and the natural beauty are often highlighted as key attractions.