Easy Off-Road Mountain Bike Routes
Easy Off-Road Rides – Know your cycling level
See also: Moderate & Challenging.
These routes are suitable for beginners and those who may not have ridden off-road before. Great for building your confidence, they follow tracks, bridle paths and quiet country lanes. They are relatively flat, however, it is the Lake District and you may encounter an odd cheeky uphill! Ride at a gentle place with plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the tranquility of off-road riding and of course there if always a coffee and cake stop to be found! Special cycling gear is not needed for these rides but a good pair of flat soled trainers is recommended.
Suitable bikes: Hybrid E-Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Mountain E-Bikes, Gravel Bikes.
Blawith Loop, Woodland Fell, Subberthwaite Common
Remote open fells, tracks – a tranquil rural escape. Approximate distance 10 miles.
This is a great route with some fantastic views and descents yet avoiding anything too technical. A real ride for escaping from the rest of the world and immersing yourself in rural Cumbria. When you are on the top of Woodland Fell and Subberthwaite Common you really do feel alone and away from civilization.
This loop takes you along quiet country lanes, farm tracks and some easy singletrack. Being right on our doorstep with lovely views in every direction, it is ideal for exploring the freedom of off-road riding.
Coniston Water and Tarn Hows
Lakes and Tarns, Coniston Village. Approximate distance 22 miles.
This beautiful route takes you quickly to the east side of Coniston Water where the quiet lane meanders along the lake shore. The terrace café at Brantwood, with fantastic views overlooking the lake, is your first pit stop before the climb to the top of Hawkshead Hill. You will soon arrive at the off-road section winding your way through the track in the woods to emerge with Tarn Hows right in front of you. There are lots of different opportunities to visit the village in Coniston, or spend some time on the lake shore at the lovely Bluebird Café, before heading south to return to Lowick.
Roudsea Nature Reserve, Bigland, Cartmel
Morecambe Bay, natural woods, an historic village and stately home. Approximate distance 25 miles.
This route initially starts on road before crossing the estuary at Greenodd by the bridge over the confluence of the River Crake and River Leven. Here the flat off-road route follows the old railway line which once linked Lakeside with Ulverston and a gravel track leads into Roudsea Nature Reserve. The route then follows the tidal river Leven to Clock Tower, originally a very important gunpowder factory, before following an uphill track to Brow Edge where you climb to the top of Bigland Hill. Then relax and admire the views as it’s downhill all the way to Cartmel, Cumbria’s historic village with the it’s ancient Priory dating back to the 11th Century. Lots to see here and places to eat galore. Head out of the village by the market cross and the gravel track will eventually bring you out at Holker Hall, a magnificent country house and gardens which are worth a visit. Follow the road back to Clock Tower and then retrace your route to Greenodd following the River Leven.
Blawith, Subberthwaite Common, Torver
Country lanes, open common fell, panoramic views. Approximate distance 20 miles.
Another lovely route on our doorstep. After leaving Lowick, turn off the road in the next village opposite Blawith Church onto a narrow country lane which will eventually lead you out onto the open common. With fantastic views, it really feels remote and miles away from all the tourist hotspots. A fork in the track leads into the quiet rustic Woodland valley and you can meander along the country lanes towards Torver where you can take a welcome stop at the Wilsons Arms pub. The quickest way to return is to follow the road opposite the pub which passes through several villages on way back to Lowick. Or head north and follow the old railway line and tracks through fields to the top of Coniston Water, returning via the quieter east side of the lake, meandering alongside the lake shore.
Grizedale Forest fire roads, Coniston Water, Hawkshead Hill
Follow the quiet lakeshore lane and into the forest at the highest point to enjoy the easy smooth trails. Approximate distance 20 miles.
The quiet lane which runs alongside Coniston Water is a delight with lots of photo opportunities on the lake shore for great memories. The café at Brantwood with it’s high terrace overlooking Coniston Water is the place to stop and rest before the day’s climb which is just up the road. At the top of Hawkshead Hill you enter into the forest along the smooth forest fire roads. These are mostly downhill as they meander south through this coniferous planted forest eventually leading to the Satterthwaite/Oxen Park road to take you back to Lowick. The Manor House in Oxen Park is often open for a passing pint or late lunch. If you have sufficient energy and want to extend your ride there is a fantastic off-road route with amazing views over the Cumbrian fells passing through the hamlet of Ickenthwaite on the way home. Highly recommended.