Cartmel Peninsula & High Furness Loop

Distance: approx 50-60 miles

This is a really exceptional cycling adventure taking in views of Coniston Water, Lake Windermere, the Lake District Mountains and Fells, Esthwaite Water, Morecambe Bay and the verdant wooded valleys.

Once again we head North by the East Shore of Coniston Water but this time turn right to climb Hawkshead Hill, a good climb to get your lungs working. Then onwards North over a few miles of undulating lanes to the Drunken Duck pub for a coffee. A fast descent takes us south to Wray Castle as we wind our way via Hawkshead to Newby Bridge at the foot of Lake Windermere. Onto a cycle path for a few miles before turning in High Newton towards Cartmel where we can stop for lunch and view Cartmel Priory. Onwards towards Morecambe bay before returning to Cartmel and back to Newby Bridge through the lost valley and Seattle Hill. Crossing the A590 on foot we return to Lowick via Finsthwaite and Bouth over undulating quiet Cumbrian lanes.

Cartmel Peninsula Loop add on… Gummers Howe and the Lyth Valley

So you want to test yourself against one of the Lake District steeps, before heading to the Lakeland passes? The climb of Gummers Howe is a steep sharp longish ascent with a massive panorama to the North overlooking Lake Windermere. The descent into the Lyth Valley is fast with a few testing turns but nothing like the descents on the Fred Whitton ride. Once in the valley bottom the flattish lanes following the river eventually arrive at the elegant Edwardian resort of Grange-over-Sands, by the sea. From sea level all roads are up to return to the above ride.

Whitbarrow Circuit, Winster and Crosthwaite are all further options to add on to the above routes.