The best cycling routes around Temple Sowerby
4.8
(66)
1,131
riders
118
rides
Touring cycling around Temple Sowerby offers routes through the Eden Valley, characterized by undulating landscapes of pastures, hedgerows, and woodlands. The area borders the North Pennines National Landscape and is near the Lake District National Park, providing diverse terrain. Routes often follow quiet country lanes, fells, moorland, and river valleys, with the River Eden and Crowdundle Beck flowing nearby.
Best touring cycling routes around Temple Sowerby
- The most popular touring cycling route is Blencarn Lake – Milburn Village Green loop…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
5.0
(2)
9
riders
37.4km
02:18
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
79.9km
05:41
1,360m
1,360m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
14.5km
00:51
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
28.1km
01:44
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
What a climb. Englands highest continuous climb. It’s difficult to set back off a the gate half way up but rest your back wheel on it for a push off
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These tarmac roads are a welcome sight, they allow you to rest and split a difficult trail up. There are good views to be seen and back in inhabited areas
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Great Dun Fell is a great hill to do, and at 848 metres high, it is a UK designated Nuttall. Coming up from Milburn is a great hike, but a tad boggy in places. It also gives you a stiff hike with around 700 metres of height gain. It is all worth it, however, as the views out over the North Pennines are super expansive from out over the eastern side of the hill, a virtual moonscape of moorland. On the western side, you have distant views of the Lake District. There is a cairn on the top, but the true summit sits within the communications compound, which has restricted access.
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Milburn is a charming, beautiful village with an old fashioned village green. It lies underneath Cross Fell, which is the highest peak in the Northern Pennines AONB. Nearby are also Great Dun Fell and Little Dun Fell. The village is a great location to start a hike on any of these peaks. There is no car park as such, but when speaking to the locals, they advocated parking on the village green or on the grass outside the small village school, as long as it is not in term time.
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Beautiful church set on the other side of a small footbridge over a small stream.
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Beautiful open scenic road in the northern end of the Yorkshire Dales which runs from Beacon Hill to the quaint village of Crosby Ravensworth. A bonus if your heading north and the sun is setting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Temple Sowerby?
There are over 120 touring cycling routes around Temple Sowerby, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Temple Sowerby offers 13 easy touring cycling routes. A good option for a relaxed ride is the Skyline loop from Culgaith, which is just under 9 miles (14.5 km) and takes about 50 minutes to complete.
What options are there for experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenge?
For experienced touring cyclists, there are 55 difficult routes available. A challenging option is the Great Dun Fell Access Road – Great Dun Fell Radar Station loop from Kirkby Thore, a demanding 49.7 miles (79.9 km) path with significant climbs offering expansive views.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in the Temple Sowerby area?
Many of the touring cycling routes around Temple Sowerby are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Blencarn Lake – Milburn Village Green loop from Kirkby Thore is a popular circular route exploring rural landscapes.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Temple Sowerby?
The best time for touring cycling in Temple Sowerby is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and the landscapes of the Eden Valley are at their most vibrant. Summer offers the longest daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
What kind of scenery can I expect on touring cycling routes around Temple Sowerby?
Touring cycling routes around Temple Sowerby traverse the picturesque Eden Valley, featuring undulating pastures, ancient hedgerows, and woodlands. You'll also encounter river valleys, with the River Eden and Crowdundle Beck flowing nearby, and views towards the North Pennines and the Lake District.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the routes?
Yes, the area is rich in natural and historical landmarks. You might pass by sites like the ancient Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle or enjoy views of Cross Fell Summit. Other nearby attractions include Lowther Castle and Penrith Castle.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Temple Sowerby?
The touring cycling routes around Temple Sowerby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet country lanes, the rolling hills, and the scenic river valleys that define the region's cycling experience.
Are there any routes that pass by historical sites or ancient monuments?
Yes, for example, the Little Meg Stone Circle – Langwathby Bridge loop from Culgaith takes you past the historic Little Meg Stone Circle, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past.
What are the typical distances and durations for touring cycling routes in this area?
Routes vary significantly, from shorter rides like the Skyline loop from Culgaith at 9 miles (14.5 km) taking under an hour, to longer, more challenging tours such as the View of Shap Countryside – St Lawrence’s Church loop from Cliburn Road End, which is 26.2 miles (42.1 km) and typically takes around 2 hours 40 minutes.
Are there opportunities for refreshments like cafes or pubs along the touring routes?
While specific routes may not always pass directly by establishments, the villages and towns within the Eden Valley, such as Temple Sowerby itself, Kirkby Thore, and Culgaith, offer pubs and cafes where you can stop for refreshments. Planning your route with potential stops in mind is recommended.
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