Lakeland Passes

Cycling

The Fred Whitton’s reputation comes before it, but this tour is a brilliant way to complete the route without killing yourself by splitting up it into sections! Yes, there are still 6 mountain passes to cross, and Hardknott pass does not reduce in gradient (at a max of 33%) no matter how many days you spend doing the route. But we aren’t too proud to push if necessary if you aren’t! And the slightly less relentless climbs of day 1 will get your legs in the mood – honest! But if these aren’t some of the best cycling routes in the UK, then we don’t know what is.

Nb ther first of these trips is happening in late March, when the weather can remain unpredictable. If the guides decide that the below route isn’t safe, we will follow alternative lower level routes (drawing on the lead guide’s local knowledge of Cumbria as a resident of Cockermouth).

Highlights

• Hardknott Pass – once you’ve reached the top!
• Kirkstone pass – literally the highest point en route.
• The descent down through Newlands Valley – one of our favourites.
• Quiet roads through West Cumbria.
• Buttermere Lake – arguably the National Park’s most beautiful.
• The home straight back along Ullswater to Penrith and a handy train ride home.

Accommodation

Your accommodation, on a twin share bed and breakfast basis, will be in comfortable hotels and good quality bed and breakfasts. We will endeavour to accommodate the group in the same location however on occasions this might not be possible.

Single accommodation is available for a supplement price of £150.

Meals

The hotels will provide breakfast whilst the support team will provide a pack-up lunch, this will depend on what is available on the day and could include a mix of fresh sandwiches, pasties or easy grab and bites sourced from local bakeries. If weather doesn’t permit outdoors we will get into cafes for quick lunch.

​You will need to purchase your own evening meals, which are usually eaten communally although of course you are free to opt out if you wish.

We will carry emergency energy gels and bars in the support van but you are advised to bring along your own preferred sports nutrition to fuel your ride. There will be water refills, fruits bars etc provided to keep you hydrated.

In the Tour Plan, (B, L, D) refers to meals included in the trip cost i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Bike Transfers

All that you need to do in the days leading up to the tour is drop off your bike at our Sheffield office and we will deliver it to Penrith.

While we will take all reasonable care while handling your bikes, using padded covers and making sure they are securely stored, we are not liable for any loss or damage during transportation and storage. We recommend you have appropriate insurance.