Castlerigg Stone Circle – Coniston Village loop from Keswick

Castlerigg Stone Circle – Coniston Village loop from Keswick

Hard

riders

Castlerigg Stone Circle – Coniston Village loop from Keswick

04:08

86.1km

1,080m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 13, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 4.65 km for 180 m

After 40.4 km for 211 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.47 km

Garth Wood

Forest

4.74 km

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Highlight • Monument

The actual purpose of these megalithic standing stones is hotly debated, with many theories being thrown out. There are 38 of them (but do try counting), and some of them are 10 feet (3m) tall. The origins go back some 4,000 to 5,000 years and it was classified as a protected site way back in 1888. Now it belongs to the National Trust but fortunately it is still free to visit.

There's a 360-degree view from the site so definitely worth admiring.

(Please take your rubbish home with you!)

Tip by

20.7 km

Mountain Pass

24.9 km

Dunmail Raise Climb

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Slightly draggy main road climb headed North out of Grasmere. Worth it for the Thirlmere Balcony road further on over the top

Tip by

26.5 km

Grasmere Lake

Highlight • Lake

Grasmere is one of the smaller lakes and gives it's name to the village just north of the lake. It's associated with both William Wordsworth and the National Trust who own the island and the nearby Lowther Estate.
the lake is fed and drained by the River Rothay.

Tip by

28.4 km

Rydal Water

Highlight • Lake

Rydal Water is one of the smaller lakes in the Lake district at about 1km long and less than 1/2km wide. It's very picturesque and was a favourite place of the poet William Wordsworth. Now partly owned by the National Trust.

Tip by

37.6 km

Wrynose and Hardknott Passes Warning Sign

Highlight • Climb

Wrynose and Hardknott passes. . . some cars have been known to struggle both ascending and descending on Hardknott...many cyclists have been forced to push. . . consistent sections from 25 to over 30% in all directions. . .
beautiful!! :-)

Tip by

40.5 km

Old Close Coppice

Forest

44.8 km

Herdwicks Cafe

Highlight • Cafe

If you pedal here then you get 10% discount. Outdoor or indoor seating. Table service outside. Bike is always in sight plus there are three Sheffield stands 👌
Toilet (Gents) was clean too - bodes well for those of you of a sit down persuasion.

Tip by

44.9 km

Coniston Village

Highlight • Settlement

Coniston is located at the northern end of the third largest lake in the Lake District: Coniston Water. Steam yacht cruises are offered on this lake.
Coniston is said to be derived from the Old Norse words Konigs Tun or king's settlement. That king is said to have been Thorstein, a Viking who gave his name to Thurstinii Watra, the old name of Coniston Water.
(Wikipedia)

Showing Translation

Tip by