The best road cycling routes around Westward

There are over 140 road cycling routes around Westward, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 1,400 times.

Westward's road cycling routes feature a diverse landscape of rolling hills, wooded plantations, and open marshland. You'll find varied terrain, from gentle gradients suitable for leisurely rides to more undulating sections for those seeking a challenge, all winding through rural countryside and past agricultural fields.

Yes, Westward offers a good selection of easy road cycling routes, with 53 routes specifically graded as easy. A popular choice is the Hilltop Plantation loop from Welton, an easy 13.6-mile (21.9 km) path that guides cyclists through scenic countryside.

While Westward is known for its rolling hills, there are routes that offer more of a challenge. There are 6 routes graded as difficult and 85 as moderate. For a moderate option, consider the Hilltop Plantation – Isle Of Man Wood loop from Thursby, which covers 48.1 miles (77.4 km) with significant elevation gain.

Many of Westward's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Popular circular routes include the Hilltop Plantation loop from Thursby, a 15.8-mile (25.4 km) trail, and the Burgh Marsh loop from Thursby, which is 21.3 miles (34.2 km) long.

The road cycling routes in Westward are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from quiet wooded areas to open marshland, and the well-maintained rural roads.

While specific viewpoints vary by route, the region itself offers beautiful natural features. You might encounter views of natural monuments like Great Calva or High Pike Summit. The routes often pass through wooded plantations and open fields, providing picturesque rural vistas.

The duration of road cycling routes in Westward varies significantly. Easy routes like the Hilltop Plantation loop from Welton can be completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Longer routes, such as the Martin Tarn – Sandybrow Woods loop from Thursby, typically take around 1 hour 50 minutes.

While specific pub stops are not detailed for every route, Westward's road cycling routes traverse rural countryside, often passing through or near small villages. Many local pubs are situated in these areas, making it possible to plan a route that includes a refreshment stop. It's always a good idea to check local amenities along your chosen route.

Road cycling in Westward is enjoyable through much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and lush landscapes, ideal for exploring the rolling hills and plantations. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions, as the region can experience varied weather.

Many of Westward's routes offer a sense of discovery through its quiet rural lanes. While specific 'hidden gems' are subjective, exploring routes that venture deeper into the wooded plantations or along the less-traveled marshland paths can reveal unique and peaceful cycling experiences away from more frequented areas.

Beyond the natural beauty, the area around Westward features several points of interest. Cyclists might find themselves near various summits such as Carrock Fell Summit or Binsey Summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These can be great additions to a cycling trip.