The Lake District offers some of the UK’s most stunning cycling scenery, from gentle lakeside rides to converted railway lines through valleys and woodland. These routes have been chosen for their family-friendly, traffic-free or low-traffic nature, avoiding busy towns in favour of countryside, lakeshore paths, and tourist-friendly areas.
We’ve split the guide into four regions so you can easily plan your rides based on where you’re staying: North Lakes, Central Lakes, South Lakes, and West Lakes & Coast. Each route includes distance, terrain, bike hire, and “best for” details, followed by a description of why it’s perfect for families.
North Lakes
Keswick Railway Path (Keswick – Threlkeld)
Route details
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Distance: 6 miles / 10 km return
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Terrain: Smooth tarmac and compact gravel, fully traffic-free
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Bike Hire: Available in Keswick
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Best for: First-time family rides, balance bikes, short outings
This popular Keswick cycle route follows the old Penrith railway line, winding gently through the Greta Gorge. Families will enjoy the safe, wide path and the restored Victorian railway bridges. The scenery changes from riverside woodland to open views of Blencathra, keeping children interested throughout. Being flat and easy to follow, it’s perfect for younger riders, and there are benches and picnic spots along the way. At the Threlkeld end, you can stop for refreshments before returning.
Bassenthwaite Lake Shore & Dubwath
Route details
- Distance: ~4 miles / 6.5 km
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Terrain: Mixture of compact gravel and quiet lanes
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Bike Hire: Available in Keswick or Cockermouth
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Best for: Wildlife spotting, short relaxed rides
This gentle ride takes you along part of Bassenthwaite’s shoreline, with opportunities to see ospreys and other wildlife. It’s a quieter alternative to the more famous lakes, making for a calm family day out. The mix of surfaces keeps the ride interesting, but it remains accessible for most bikes. You can extend the ride by linking to nearby quiet lanes if the group wants a little extra distance. The lakeside views are beautiful at any time of year.
Whinlatter Forest Trails
Route details
- Distance: Various routes
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Terrain: Mix of gentle slopes & mountains
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Bike Hire: Available at the forest
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Best for: Dramatic, unfolding landscapes
Whinlatter Forest, England’s only true mountain forest, offers stunning Lake District views and exciting family cycling. The blue-graded Quercus Trail mixes flowing single track, gentle berms, and gradual climbs; ideal for adventurous families. For a gentler ride, the Gorse Cycle Trail follows well-surfaced forest roads with scenic climbs and descents. With adventure play areas, themed trails, and a welcoming cafe, Whinlatter combines outdoor fun, comfort, and breathtaking scenery in one family-friendly destination.
Central Lakes
Windermere West Shore (Wray Castle – Claife Viewing Station)
Route details
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Distance: ~4 miles / 6.5 km each way
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Terrain: Gravel lakeshore track, gentle undulations
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Bike Hire: Available in Windermere and Ambleside
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Best for: Lakeside picnics, younger children
This traffic-free trail hugs Windermere’s quieter western shore, linking two of the area’s most scenic picnic spots. The gravel path winds through woodland with frequent glimpses of the lake, and the gentle ups and downs are just enough to keep older children engaged without tiring younger ones. Families can start at either end and enjoy time at Wray Castle or Claife Viewing Station. The combination of shaded woodland and open lakeside makes this an enjoyable ride in all seasons.
Grizedale Forest Family Routes
Route details
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Distance: 2–10 miles depending on chosen loop
- Terrain: Forest tracks, gravel, some gentle climbs
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Bike Hire: On-site at Grizedale Visitor Centre
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Best for: Woodland exploration, mixed-age groups
Grizedale offers a network of waymarked cycling trails designed for all abilities. The family routes weave through towering conifers and past sculptures hidden in the forest, turning the ride into a treasure hunt. Surfaces are well-maintained, and gradients are generally gentle. Facilities at the visitor centre make it easy to plan your day, with parking, toilets, and café options. The variety of loops allows you to choose the right length for your group.
South Lakes
Morecambe Bay Cycleway (Grange-over-Sands – Ulverston section)
Route details
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Distance: ~7 miles / 11 km
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Terrain: Mostly flat, quiet lanes and coastal path sections
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Bike Hire: Available in Ulverston and Grange-over-Sands
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Best for: Seaside views, gentle touring
This coastal section of the Morecambe Bay Cycleway offers sweeping views across the bay and a relaxed cycling experience. The route passes through small villages and quiet countryside, making it easy to stop for a break. It’s well-suited to families who enjoy a mixture of coast and rural scenery without any big climbs. The mostly flat profile makes it accessible for riders of all ages. Seabirds, saltmarshes, and distant mountains create a memorable backdrop.
Windermere East Shore (Bowness – Newby Bridge)
Route details
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Distance: ~10 miles / 16 km
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Terrain: Quiet lanes and lakeside paths
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Bike Hire: Available in Bowness and Windermere
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Best for: Confident young riders, scenic family tours
Following the eastern edge of Windermere, this route combines quiet roads with short sections of lakeside path. The changing scenery ranges from wooded shorelines to open views across the water. It’s a good choice for families with older children who are comfortable with some road riding. The start and end points both offer plenty of amenities, making it easy to build a day around the ride.
West Lakes & Coast
Ennerdale Forest Trail
Route details
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Distance: ~6 miles / 9.5 km out-and-back
- Terrain: Forest track, compact gravel
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Bike Hire: Bring your own (no on-site hire)
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Best for: Remote-feeling adventure, nature lovers
Ennerdale is one of the quieter Lake District valleys, and its forest trail offers a peaceful escape. The wide gravel track runs alongside the lake for much of the way, with mountains rising on either side. Families can enjoy the sense of space and seclusion while still on a safe, easy-to-follow path. Wildlife spotting opportunities are excellent, and the lack of traffic noise makes it especially relaxing. This is a route for those who want to feel far from the crowds.
Eskdale Trail
Route details
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Distance: ~8 miles / 13 km
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Terrain: Mixture of quiet lanes, bridleways, and forest track
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Bike Hire: Bring your own
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Best for: Older children, varied terrain
The Eskdale Trail provides a blend of gentle valley riding and short off-road sections, offering a taste of the wilder side of the Lake District. The scenery is diverse; from riverside stretches to views of Scafell Pike in the distance. While the route includes some quiet road sections, they are lightly trafficked and add to the sense of journey. It’s best suited to families with slightly older children who can handle a bit of variety in surfaces and gradients.
Ready to Ride?
Whether you’re after a gentle lakeshore spin, a forest exploration, or a coastal tour, the Lake District has routes to suit every family. The region’s mix of scenery, well-signed paths, and plentiful stopping spots makes it one of the UK’s best cycling destinations for all ages.