The best short leisure rides for families…
Coniston Water loop 18 miles
Easy cycling especially for families: lakeside and mountain views, lake shore access for a paddle or even wild swimming. You can also go half way to Brantwood and back – just 12 miles which is ideal for families with young cycling children.
Setting off from Lowick, heading North looking towards the mountain of The Old Man of Coniston in the distance, you know you are in for a great day’s cycling adventure. The route map created in 2022 by my wife, Margaret, has specific detailed instructions and local highlight information, and is freely available!
After crossing the river Crake at Lowick Bridge this ride meanders up the Crake valley then along the shores of Coniston Water. There is lots of access to the lakes shore, with amazing views across the lake to the mountains. You cycle on a quiet country lane for approximately 6 miles before arriving at Brantwood. Above the car park is the Terrace Café, our cyclist’s café of the year 2021 and 2022.
At the Terrace Café you can sit out on a nice day and admire the views over the lake towards Dow Craggs, Crinkle Craggs and The Old Man. I doubt there is a better view in the Lake District while sipping your morning brew. Also, in 2022 they introduced a cyclist breakfast to compliment their tasty menu. Everyone calls into this café, for some it is a ‘half way house’ as they return along the same route (12-mile round trip).
The Full Coniston Water Loop
However, to complete the Coniston Water Loop, you continue North before arriving at the head of the lake where you follow a cycle track crossing the road to follow the track to the Bluebird café, on the lake shore. Yet another café stop opportunity!
Full of coffee and cakes, you can visit the village of Coniston if you wish. It is full of shops, pubs and cafes. But the route now takes you on a firm gravel flat path which is both a footpath and cycle path through Coniston Hall Farm, the oldest building in Coniston from the 15th Century. The cycle path continues through their camp site along the shores of Coniston Water with only sheep and walkers to contend with.
A sharp turn right away from the lake takes you back to tarmac, via a caravan site before arriving on the abandoned train line, the cycle path leading to Torver. Here is the Wilson’s Arms pub, or up hiding behind the village of Undercrag is a vegetarian café.
Time to head back to Lowick now, heading south along the West shore of Coniston Water with views across the lake to Grizedale Forest and Parker Moor. Tarmac all the way.
This ride is very popular as it is infinitely flexible, very scenic, with access to Coniston Water for a picnic or swim, with lots of café and pub stops. Variety around every corner a real rural ride with lots of farm animals, wild birds on the lake, and Buzzards soaring overhead. This ride can easily be extended to include Tarn Hows, the renowned beauty spot.
Lake District Bikes have been awarded the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2020, 2021, 2022, and now 2023. Thank you, everyone who enjoyed your cycling experience so much you left five star reviews.