Guests at Honeypot and Nannygoat Cottages will find ample cycle hire available in nearby Kendal. Don’t worry if you haven’t brought your bike as you can find reasonably-priced cycle hire throughout the Lake District. There are also several bike hire stations in Windermere, and at the Brockhole and Grizedale centres.
Our convenient location in the South Lakes makes it a fantastic base for cycling trips along Cumbria’s most famous routes. There are rides suitable for everyone, no matter how confident you are on a bike.
A brief but scenic journey on the ferry across Lake Windermere takes you to the quiet western shore where the flat country lanes are perfect for family cycling.
A short nine-mile ride along safe bridleways and quiet roads leads to the historic Wray Castle, where you can stop for a rest and a bite to eat at the National Trust tea room before heading back along the shore.
A longer circular route around Windermere, up to twenty-eight miles, takes you through the iconic towns of Ambleside and Grasmere and gives you the opportunity to take in the area’s most magnificent scenery (with plenty of stops for refreshments along the way).
A great choice if you’re staying with us in Underbarrow is the eleven-mile ride from Kendal to Windermere. It takes you on country roads and dedicated cycle routes through stunning countryside. Handy rail links at both ends give you the option to travel one way by rail.
Those seeking rougher terrain and hilly adventures won’t have far to look as the mountain biking opportunities on our doorstep are plentiful.
There are several lovely off-road rides around Underbarrow: a short distance away from Honeypot and Nannygoat cottages, you can join up with the Kendal-Brigsteer ride, which takes you across rough tracks and fields towards the nearby village of Brigsteer, where you can stop for a hearty meal at the village pub to fuel the return ride.
The long Crook and Winster tour passes through Underbarrow and runs all the way to Windermere. The trail is easy to join anywhere along the way and has plenty of fun downhill stretches to get your adrenaline pumping.
The popular Grizedale Centre has something for everyone, from gentle family rides to high octane mountain bike trails, all free of cars. The gentle Mushroom Cycle Trail is great for children.
The Hawkshead Moor Trail and the Moor Top Trail provide a moderately challenging but rewarding ride through hilly terrain, with glorious views of nearby Coniston Water and a chance to spot forest birds as you go.
For thrill seekers, Grizedale is also home to several extremely challenging mountain bike runs, including a black diamond trail known as ‘The Black’, which will push even the most experienced riders with its many jumps, and steep descents along rough terrain.