The best traffic-free bike rides around Wharton

There are over 20 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available around Wharton, offering a variety of distances and challenges for a peaceful ride.

The routes primarily cater to experienced cyclists, with 7 routes rated as moderate and 13 as difficult. These often involve significant elevation gains and longer distances, ensuring a rewarding challenge away from traffic.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 20 ratings. Reviewers often praise the challenging terrain, the stunning natural beauty, and the quiet, car-free experience on routes like the Morland Village – Orton Scar Café loop.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Morland Village – Orton Scar Café loop from Kirkby Stephen and the scenic Kirkby Stephen Parish Church – Scandal Beck loop.

The routes offer access to diverse natural landscapes and features. You can encounter impressive sights such as the Cautley Spout Waterfall, the expansive views from Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter, and the unique Great Shunner Fell Summit. The View of the Smardale Viaduct – Smardale Bridge loop also offers a chance to see the historic Smardale Gill Viaduct.

The best time to enjoy these routes is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This allows for more comfortable cycling and better visibility of the scenic landscapes.

Absolutely. Many routes traverse elevated terrain, providing excellent viewpoints. For instance, the View of the Smardale Viaduct – Smardale Bridge loop is named for its scenic vistas. Highlights like the Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter and Green Bell Summit are also accessible from various routes and offer panoramic views.

Many of the routes start from towns like Kirkby Stephen, which typically offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local council websites or parking apps for specific car park locations and charges before your visit.

Kirkby Stephen, a common starting point for many routes, has a railway station on the Settle-Carlisle Line, making it accessible by train. Local bus services may also connect to surrounding villages, but checking schedules and bike carriage policies in advance is recommended.

While the routes focus on no-traffic sections, many pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes and pubs. For example, the Morland Village – Orton Scar Café loop explicitly mentions a café, and routes around Kirkby Stephen offer options within the town.

Cycling through this region, particularly in areas like the Pennines, offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, including raptors, and mammals such as red squirrels, deer, and badgers, especially in quieter, wooded sections.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Lowther Castle – Orton Scar Café loop from Kirkby Stephen offer a substantial distance of over 120 km and considerable elevation gain, ensuring a demanding yet rewarding no-traffic touring experience.