Lake District by E-Bike: Windermere-Keswick-Windermere

Arrive in the Lake District and ease into the adventure with a relaxed first day. After your journey, settle into a comfortable hotel near Windermere, perfectly placed for the days of riding ahead. There’s time to unpack, check over your bike, and enjoy a gentle spin or short stroll to loosen the legs and take in your first views of the Lakeland scenery. In the evening, sit down to a delicious supper overlooking peaceful gardens and the surrounding fells, watching the light fade over the hills.

After breakfast, set out on a classic South Lakeland ride, pedalling along quiet country lanes and gentle rolling roads toward the shores of Lake Windermere. A short and memorable crossing by cable ferry adds a real sense of adventure before you continue cycling along the lakeside, with frequent views across the water and a mix of flat stretches and small, leg-warming climbs.

The route leads you north to Wray Castle, a striking lakeside property where you can pause for photos or a refreshment stop. From here, the ride becomes more pastoral, weaving through wooded lanes and open farmland on your way to the charming market village of Hawkshead, well known for its cobbled streets and cycling-friendly cafés.

A short optional detour offers the chance to pass Hill Top, once home to Beatrix Potter and a source of inspiration for the Tales of Peter Rabbit. The afternoon ride continues through classic Lakeland scenery, with a few steady climbs rewarded by sweeping descents, as you make your way to the historic slate-mining village of Coniston.

You’ll check into your handpicked hotel for a comfortable two-night stay, perfectly positioned for further exploration. If energy allows, there’s the option of a relaxed late-afternoon loop around the tranquil shores of Coniston Water.

Enjoy a spectacular circular ride through some of the most tranquil and dramatic scenery of the Lake District. Leaving Coniston, the day begins gently along an old trading route to the south, following quiet lanes that warm the legs and offer early views across open fellside and farmland.

The route then opens out into the wonderfully remote Duddon Valley, one of the Lake District’s most unspoilt valleys. Cycling here feels a world away from the busier lakes, with long, peaceful stretches, minimal traffic, and a steady rhythm ideal for settling into the ride. Expect rolling gradients, wide valley views, and the sound of the river accompanying you as you pedal onward.

The challenge of the day comes with the ascent of Wrynose Pass—a classic Lakeland climb. Short but demanding in places, it rewards your efforts with breathtaking panoramas before a thrilling descent into the heart of the Langdale Valleys. Here, dramatic peaks rise on either side as the road winds its way down through one of the most iconic cycling landscapes in the region.

The return to Coniston is a delight, following quiet country lanes and sections of gravel cycle tracks that add variety to the ride and keep things peaceful and scenic. For those preferring a gentler day, a shorter alternative route is available, exploring the beautiful lower fells south of Coniston, offering equally rewarding views with fewer climbs and a more relaxed pace.

It’s time to head north into a new chapter of the Lake District, with a wonderfully varied ride that blends rolling countryside, classic lakeside cycling, and some of the region’s most culturally rich landscapes. Leaving Coniston behind, the route threads through pastoral scenery that famously inspired William Wordsworth, with quiet roads ideal for relaxed, scenic riding.

You’ll cycle along the tranquil shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere, where reflections of surrounding fells ripple across the water and the pace naturally slows to soak it all in. There’s time today to linger in some of the Lake District’s most celebrated villages, with the option to stop in Ambleside or Grasmere—perfect for a café break, a wander through stone streets, or a visit to local shops and galleries.

Continuing north, the route passes the long, wooded shores of Thirlmere, a peaceful stretch of riding with smooth gradients and a real sense of journey. To the east, the dramatic ridgeline of the Helvellyn range provides a striking backdrop as you pedal steadily onward.

The day finishes near the lively market town of Keswick, where you’ll settle into your accommodation for a comfortable two-night stay.

Today offers a truly memorable circular ride through some of the northern Lake District’s most spectacular scenery, with flexible options to suit different levels of ambition. The routes combine serene lakeside cycling, challenging climbs, and dramatic mountain landscapes for a day that’s as rewarding as it is picturesque.

For those seeking the full experience, the longer route takes you along the pristine shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, pedalling past tranquil waters mirrored by surrounding fells. The climb over Honister Pass rewards your effort with exhilarating descents and panoramic views, before returning along the peaceful western shore of Derwentwater, offering gentle gradients and plenty of photo opportunities.

Alternatively, a slightly shorter route takes you over the dramatic Newlands Pass, winding through spectacular valleys and high felltops, with a well-earned stop at Moss Force Waterfall, one of the region’s most scenic cascades. Both options combine quiet lanes, rolling climbs, and serene lakeside stretches, ensuring every rider experiences the beauty and variety of this iconic part of the Lake District.

By the end of the day, you’ll return to Keswick, ready to relax and enjoy another evening in this vibrant market town.

Today you leave Keswick and cycle toward your next accommodation on the serene shores of Ullswater, taking in some of the Lake District’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes along the way.

The morning ride explores the northern fells, skirting the impressive peaks of Skiddaw and Blencathra. You’ll follow quiet fell lanes that feel made for cycling, offering rolling gradients, open views, and that rare sense of being completely immersed in nature. The route passes through classic Lakeland scenery of grazing hills, heather-clad slopes, and hidden valleys, making it a true cycling paradise.

Later, the trail continues through the dramatic craggy outcrops of Matterdale Common, where narrow lanes and winding roads reward careful pedalling with breath-taking panoramas. From here, a gentle descent leads you to the shimmering waters of Ullswater, one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in the Lake District, where your comfortable accommodation awaits.

This day combines a sense of adventure, sweeping mountain vistas, and lakeside serenity—perfect preparation for exploring Ullswater and the surrounding fells over the next two days.

On your final day of cycling, leave the peaceful shores of Ullswater and embark on a ride over one of the Lake District’s most iconic routes: Kirkstone Pass. The ascent is challenging but immensely rewarding, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.

After conquering the pass, enjoy a thrilling descent to the picturesque village of Troutbeck, where traditional stone cottages and peaceful lanes make for a delightful stop. From here, cycle back along quiet country roads to return to your hotel and the tour’s starting point.

For those with time and energy, there’s the option to explore the bustling lakeside towns of Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere, perfect for a final coffee, lunch, or souvenir shopping, before reflecting on an unforgettable week of cycling through England’s most stunning landscapes.

Departure from Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere after breakfast.

Arrival: Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere

Departure: Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere

Nearest arrival airport(s): Manchester Airport

Nearest departure airport(s): Manchester Airport

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Windermere by rail.

Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.