Lakeland Passes

Meet at Penrith Station for your transfer to Alston, England’s highest market town. Free and paid parking is available nearby.

If you arrive early, Penrith is well worth exploring:

• Penrith Castle – atmospheric medieval ruins once built to defend the north from Scottish raids.
• Beacon Hill – a short climb rewarded with superb views of the Lake District, the Pennines and the town below.
• Penrith & Eden Museum – a fascinating introduction to the area’s history and heritage.

Later, travel to Alston, a charming Pennine town of cobbled streets and handsome 17th-century buildings. Its character has even earned it a place on screen in productions such as Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist. It's the highest town in England. (D)

73 miles | 4,550 ft ascent

We begin with the advantage of an 1,100-foot head start in Alston as we ride into the wild beauty of the North Pennines National Landscape. The route follows the Upper River Tyne to the tiny village of Garrigill before climbing steadily over Yad Moss, where vast moorland panoramas stretch in every direction.

A sweeping descent brings us to Middleton-in-Teesdale, before our final climb crosses back into Cumbria and down to the handsome medieval town of Appleby on the River Eden. From here, the route winds through the peaceful lanes of the Eden Valley — one of Cumbria’s hidden treasures — before quiet roads and cycle paths lead us to Threlkeld.

This is a day of big skies, quiet roads and rolling countryside — a striking contrast to the dramatic Lakeland terrain to come.

Highlights en route:

• Wide-open moorland scenery in the North Pennines
• Charming villages including Garrigill and Middleton-in-Teesdale
• Historic Appleby, with its castle and Caesar’s Tower
• The tranquil beauty of the Eden Valley
• Cosy tearoom stops and wonderfully quiet roads

(B, L)

65 miles, 5,400 feet ascent

Today we join the legendary Fred Whitton sportive route as we ride towards Keswick, gateway to the northern Lakes. From here, the road threads through the dramatic rocky gateway known as the Jaws of Borrowdale, before the climb begins over the mighty Honister Pass.

At the summit, take in one of the great Lake District views: the descent to Buttermere and Crummock Water below. After a pause in Buttermere village, we tackle the steep slopes of Newlands Pass, rewarded by a long, sweeping descent through one of the Lake District’s most beautiful valleys.

Your final major climb is the forested ascent of Whinlatter Pass, before the route eases onto the quiet roads of West Cumbria, skirting the edge of the National Park and rolling down to the coast for the night.

A superb day of iconic climbs, classic Lakeland scenery and a glimpse of Cumbria’s contrasting western shoreline.

Highlights en route:

• The rugged geology and scenery of Borrowdale
• Optional detour to the famous Bowder Stone
• Spectacular views from Honister over Buttermere and Crummock Water
• A chance for a refreshing lake dip
• Newlands Church, linked to Beatrix Potter’s Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
• Views into Wasdale and Ennerdale from the quieter western Lakes
• Coastal panoramas, offshore wind farms and the striking scale of Sellafield

(B, L)

56 miles, 6,300 feet of climbing

Today we complete the remaining section of the famous Fred Whitton route — and save some of its toughest challenges for last.

The day begins with charming riding through the peaceful Eskdale Valley, before the road rears skyward onto the fearsome Hardknott Pass, where gradients reach an eye-watering 33%. After a thrilling descent, there is barely time to recover before the next challenge: the climb over Wrynose Pass. Once over the top, it feels as though the hardest part of the route is behind you.

From here, the route sweeps through the glorious scenery of Little Langdale, Grasmere and Ambleside, before one final sting in the tail over The Struggle and down into the Ullswater Valley.

A gentler lakeside spin beside beautiful Ullswater offers a welcome recovery, before a short final climb returns us to Threlkeld.

A true queen stage — iconic climbs, legendary roads and unforgettable scenery.

Highlights en route:

• Conquering Hardknott Pass, one of Britain’s toughest road climbs
• The back-to-back challenge of Hardknott and Wrynose
• The picture-postcard ride past Blea Tarn, often reflecting the Langdale Pikes
• Passing Dove Cottage, once home to William Wordsworth
• Scenic roads through Langdale, Grasmere and Ambleside
• Cruising the shoreline of Ullswater – with another chance for a lake dip

(B, L)

56 miles, 3,375 feet of climbing

After the big climbing days, today is a gentler spin designed to ease tired legs and spin the lactate away. It also explores corners of the Lake District the Fred Whitton never reaches.

We begin with a scenic loop through St John’s in the Vale, one of Lakeland’s hidden gems, before passing the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle. From here, we head north along the more peaceful side of Bassenthwaite Lake, then curve around the back of Skiddaw through the delightful northern villages of Uldale, Caldbeck, Hesket Newmarket and Mungrisdale.

This is a superb final ride: quieter roads, charming villages and wide-open views across the northern fells and towards Scotland.

After the ride, we will be available in Penrith to help with onward trains or the drive home in time for work on Monday. Changing facilities will be available in the guides’ campervans.

Highlights en route:

• The peaceful beauty of St John’s in the Vale
• Ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Keswick’s famous outdoor shops
• Charming Cumbrian villages: Uldale, Caldbeck, Hesket Newmarket and Mungrisdale
• Views across the Solway Firth to Scotland

(B, L)