Newby Bridge and Troutbeck loop from Kendal – Lake District National Park
Newby Bridge and Troutbeck loop from Kendal – Lake District National Park
4.7
(3)
35
riders
Newby Bridge and Troutbeck loop from Kendal – Lake District National Park
04:33
66.9km
980m
Cycling
Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure through the Lake District National Park, covering 41.6 miles (66.9 km) with a significant 3217 feet (980 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging loop, which typically takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes, offers a diverse landscape of rocky woodland, open fell land, and picturesque valleys. You will experience stunning views of Lake Windermere, especially from spots like Fell Foot Park, and pass through woodlands rich in wildlife, with elevated perspectives from Gummer's How.
Starting from Kendal, this route demands good fitness due to its undulating roads and steep climbs, some reaching gradients as high as 22%. While mostly paved, be ready for varied terrain, including some unpaved sections where you might need to dismount and push your bike. A useful traffic-free link near Newby Bridge helps you avoid the busy A590, making for a more enjoyable ride.
This loop provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the iconic natural beauty of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will cross the historic Newby Bridge, marked by its distinguished five-arched stone bridge built in 1651 and a curved weir controlling water flow from Lake Windermere. Kendal itself is a well-regarded cycling hub, and this route is part of a network popular with local cycling clubs, highlighting a strong cycling community in the area.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
13.3 km
Hare & Hounds
Highlight • Restaurant
Tip by
20.0 km
Newby Bridge Stone Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Its name is derived from the distinguished five-arched stone bridge, constructed across the river in the year 1651.
There's a curved weir just below Newby Bridge which controls the amount of water flowing into River Leven from Lake Windermere.
Tip by
30.6 km
The Boat House Cafe
Highlight • Cafe
You can also rent electric boats to take out on Esthwaite Water and view the Ospreys from the water.
Tip by
37.6 km
Wray Castle
Highlight • Castle
In 1882, the parents of Beatrix Potter decided to rent Wray Castle as a summer getaway from London and the family kept returning. Beatrix Potter's favourite room was allegedly the library.
It's not your typically National Trust property with gowns and dust-covers – it's far more hands-on and worth a day trip!
The gardens are pretty special too, with a ton of exotic trees and also a mulberry tree planted by William Wordsmith in 1845.
Tip by
48.7 km
Troutbeck Village
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
59.8 km
Bench With a View of Kendal Countryside
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
65.6 km
Romney Footbridge
Highlight • Bridge
Originally facilitating the commute for workers residing on the west bank of the river to the shoe factory on the east bank, the bridge played a pivotal role.
However, as Kendal expanded, particularly to the southeast, the demand for an additional vehicular river crossing arose in the 1990s. This new crossing aimed to streamline the journey for cars, eliminating the need to circumvent the town centre.
The decision was made to construct a road bridge in the same location as the existing footbridge. Despite the sentimental attachment to the old suspension bridge, a movement emerged to preserve it. Instead of dismantling the structure, a consensus was reached to relocate it to the northern end of town, providing valuable access to the Mintsfeet Industrial Estate and the schools on the east bank of the river.
Some original elements were integrated into the new bridge, maintaining the iconic appearance of the Romney Footbridge. Today, in addition to serving pedestrians, the bridge plays a role in a cycle route.
Tip by
66.9 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
51.9 km
6.26 km
6.09 km
2.05 km
536 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
44.6 km
19.5 km
2.05 km
389 m
342 m
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Elevation
Highest point (230 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 17 July
21°C
9°C
34 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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