The best gravel rides around Coniston Water

There are over 40 gravel bike trails around Coniston Water, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find 4 easy, 14 moderate, and 22 difficult routes to explore.

Yes, while many routes are moderate to difficult, there are 4 easy routes suitable for less experienced riders or families. For a moderate option, consider the Coniston Cycleways – Hodge Close Quarry loop from Coniston Water, which is 20.3 km long and takes about 1 hour 17 minutes, leading through forest paths and past quarry views.

For a significant challenge, the Head of Coniston Lake – Grizedale Forest gravel tracks loop from Coniston is a difficult 51.9 km ride with substantial elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Coniston Village – Grizedale Forest gravel tracks loop from Coniston, a 39.8 km difficult path that also utilizes the extensive forest gravel network.

The trails offer diverse and dramatic landscapes. You'll ride through extensive gravel tracks within Grizedale Forest, enjoy picturesque forest views, cycle along streams, and experience the serene shores of Coniston Water. The backdrop often includes the towering Old Man of Coniston and other fells, providing a truly captivating environment.

Many of the routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Elterwater Cycling Routes – Coniston Village loop from Coniston is a difficult 30.1 km circular route that offers varied terrain and scenic views.

You can explore several attractions. Many routes pass by Coniston Water itself, offering stunning views. You might also encounter historical sites like Coniston Hall or enjoy the scenery from Brantwood Pier. Grizedale Forest, which many trails traverse, is also known for its sculptures and walking trails.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 120 reviews. Riders often praise the extensive gravel tracks, the mix of challenging climbs and flowing sections, and the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District, including the forest views and lake shores.

Coniston Water is beautiful year-round, but the best season for gravel biking is typically spring through autumn when the weather is milder and trails are less likely to be affected by heavy rain or snow. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear and awareness of potentially challenging conditions.

Yes, the Coniston Boating Centre is a good resource where visitors can hire bikes, including e-bikes, to explore the area. This can be a convenient option if you don't bring your own bike.

While specific pub stops aren't detailed for every route, Coniston Village itself is a charming hub with shops, pubs, and cafes. Many routes lead towards or pass through the village, making it easy to plan a stop for refreshments. The region research also mentions that some routes, like the 'Gravel tracks and lanes to Ambleside loop', are known for having pubs along the way.

Ride durations vary significantly based on the route's length and difficulty. For instance, a moderate route like the Coniston Cycleways – Hodge Close Quarry loop can take about 1 hour 17 minutes for 20.3 km. More challenging routes, such as the Head of Coniston Lake – Grizedale Forest gravel tracks loop (51.9 km), typically require around 3 hours 37 minutes.

Coniston Village is a central point in the area and is accessible by public transport, though services in the Lake District can be less frequent than in urban areas. Using public transport to reach Coniston Village would allow you to start many of the gravel biking routes directly from there.