Bikepacking in the Lake District

Lakeland 200 and seven long weekend adventures

Guide to eight challenging bikepacking routes, of 2 – 5 days, including the Lakeland 200, exploring the tracks, bridleways and iconic passes and road climbs of the Lake District. Suitable for experienced MTB and gravel-bike riders, the routes can be easily accessed by public transport and are well served for accommodation and facilities.

These rides can be riden at any time of year, although some are more exposed than others. Avoid heading out after a prolonged period of rain as this will affect the going in some places and rivers can rise quickly and become impassable. Paths and roads will be icy in winter and higher routes may see snow.

Each route is graded. Each stage within the route is also graded using the standard MTB system. Green: off-road, relatively even ground, low gradients. Blue: challenging in parts, moderate gradients, extended exertion. Red: steep single track, obstacles. Black: physically demanding, extended exertion, highly technical or hike-a-bike (push or carry your bike). Two routes have an overall grade of Moderate, four are Hard and two are Very Hard. All routes feature considerable ascent and descent and are likely to involve some sections of hike-a-bike.