Road/Gravel Cycling Tour in Keswick, Cumbria

This guided road cycling tour is designed to showcase the best quiet lanes and challenging Lake District passes, tailored to your ability and preferences. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride through beautiful scenery or an adventurous challenge over Lakeland passes, the tour will be adjusted to suit you and your party. For those with suitable bikes, there’s also the option to include gravel riding, adding variety to your cycling experience.

Key Details

Location: Keswick, Cumbria
Duration: 9:30 - 16:00
Group Size: 1-8 people

What to Expect

The tour offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Lake District’s amazing landscape from the comfort of a bike. Depending on your preferences and skill level, the route will either be a more relaxed ride through scenic lanes, with views of lakes and hills, or a more challenging day taking on some of the area's famous Lakeland passes. You’ll be guided along roads less travelled, making sure you experience the beauty of the area away from the main tourist routes.

For those who want a bit more adventure, gravel roads can be included, allowing you to explore off-tarmac paths that bring an entirely different aspect to the tour. Whether you want a leisurely day of cycling or prefer something more challenging, your guide will tailor the route to match your group’s needs, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Location

The tour takes place in and around Keswick, nestled in the heart of the Lake District, a region known for its beautiful, varied landscapes. The area is famous for its lake views, rolling hills, and quiet lanes, perfect for cycling.

Whether you're riding on smooth tarmac or taking the gravel paths, you’ll be able to experience some of the finest natural scenery in the UK, all from the saddle of your bike. Keswick offers easy access to the best of the Lake District and the surrounding countryside.

Prerequisites

Participants should have a basic level of fitness to enjoy the tour, as it can include some climbs, depending on the chosen route. Although no advanced cycling skills are required, a comfortable bike and a willingness to ride for several hours are necessary.

If you're bringing your own bike, it should be well-maintained and suited for the terrain. Helmets are mandatory, and it's recommended that participants wear suitable cycling attire and bring waterproofs in case of wet weather. If you don't have your own bike, recommendations for local bike hire can be provided.

The age limit is 16 and over, but participants aged 10 and above are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Why Choose Us

With over 40 years of outdoor experience, the guide has a deep understanding of the Lake District and an intimate knowledge of the best cycling routes in the area. Certified as a British Cycling Level 2 Leader and a British Cycling Level 2 Mountain Bike Coach, the guide is well-qualified to lead safe and enjoyable tours, providing expert advice and guidance throughout the day. The guide’s experience extends beyond cycling, with additional qualifications in first aid and child protection, ensuring a safe and well-organised experience for all participants.

The guide has spent years cycling both locally and abroad, providing a wealth of knowledge to enhance your cycling experience. Whether you're a beginner or a more experienced cyclist, the guide will tailor the route to your level, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The combination of expert knowledge, personal passion for cycling, and dedication to creating enjoyable experiences makes this a great choice for anyone looking to explore the Lake District on two wheels.

Guided road cycling tour
Customised route based on ability

Transport to and from the meeting point
Food
Drink
Waterproofs
Bike hire (can be recommended locally if needed)

During the road cycling tour, you’ll ride through some of the most scenic and quiet lanes of the Lake District. The tour is customisable to your group’s ability, so whether you want a leisurely ride with amazing views or a more challenging route over Lakeland passes, it can be tailored to suit your needs.

If you’re interested, gravel sections can be included, depending on the suitability of your bike and preferences.

You’ll need a well-maintained road or gravel bike suitable for the terrain. A road bike is perfect for smooth, tarmacked routes, while a gravel bike can handle both tarmac and off-road sections.

If you're unsure or need a bike, local hire options are available, and we can recommend trusted providers.

It’s ideal to bring your own bike for the best experience, as it will be suited to your needs and comfort.

However, if you don’t have a bike or are travelling light, we can suggest local bike hire services for you.

Make sure to dress comfortably for cycling, ideally in layers that you can adjust as needed.

Waterproof clothing is recommended, especially for the changeable weather in the Lake District.

The tour runs from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, giving you a full day of cycling.

The duration and pace will depend on your group's ability and the route selected, so you’ll have ample time to enjoy the scenery and take breaks as needed.

Based in Keswick, this experienced MTB guide offers expert-led mountain bike coaching and guiding in the heart of the Lake District. With over 20 years of riding and route knowledge in the area - and a background in both road cycling and mountain rescue - Rich brings a calm, supportive, and highly capable presence to every ride. He holds multiple British Cycling qualifications, including Level 3 Leadership and Level 2 Coaching, and works with riders of all abilities to build confidence, improve technique, and explore some of the best trails in the UK. Whether you're new to mountain biking or looking to take your skills to the next level, Rich’s deep local knowledge and practical coaching approach make him a trusted guide for individuals and small groups alike.