• Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.

Arrival at your accommodation in Keswick where you’ll be based for the next three nights. Should you be travelling by car you’ll be able to leave your vehicle here. If you prefer to travel by train we can arrange to meet you at Penrith Station which is situated around 20 miles away / 30 minutes away.

Depending on your time of arrival you can make the most of the day and enjoy an optional ride – a classic Lakeland route in Newlands Valley. Situated to the west of Derwent Water, with the lovely Swinside Inn situated en-route it makes for a great introduction to your time in the Lakes. Although close to the popular Cat Bells, our route goes through a relatively quiet and rarely visited part of the Lake District and is the perfect warm-up ride.

At a convenient time the Skedaddle Representative will introduce you to the route options you’ll be enjoying during the trip, fit you with your bike (should you be renting), and be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.

A great tour of Bassenthwaite Lake – the only official “lake” in the Lake District as you discover this amazing part of Cumbria.

On the way out of Keswick you have the chance to see the Osprey nesting site (from April to September) from one of the specifically designed viewpoints in Dodd Wood and learn about the Lake District Osprey Project that provides protection for these rare fish-eating British Birds of Prey. This is also a great area for spotting Red Squirrels so keep your eyes peeled.

There are also some superb Lakeland Inns to acquaint yourself with during what is a great day’s cycling.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 550 Metres Approx.

Today’s ride takes you east riding from Keswick past the tip of Derwent Water. With Skiddaw (931m) and Blencathra (also know as Saddleback due to its shape) dominating the skyline to your left, you’ll follow the Sustrans Coast to Coast (C2C) route up to the small village of Threlkeld before continuing on to Mungrisdale.

It’s a lovely part of the Lakes with the nearby hills of Bowscale Fell, Bannerdale Crags and Souther Fell close-by and should you be lucky enough you might even come across some Lake Fell Ponies on this section of the ride. The ponies have been roaming these fells since prehistoric times and were used by the Vikings for ploughing and as pack animals thereafter.

The 300 year old Horse and Farrier Inn in Threlkeld is a great place for lunch or a late afternoon ale before the final leisurely leg of today’s route back to Keswick.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

Today you leave behind the beautiful town of Keswick and head south to your next base in the equally delightful Ambleside.

Your journey starts with a short climb out of Keswick to Castlerigg Stone Circle. With its panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, hills and mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat it’s well worth a stop here to admire the stones and their dramatic and beautiful location.

Continuing on through St John’s in the Vale you’ll ride down the western side of Thirlmere Reservoir, before joining the cycle path alongside the A591, for a short climb up and over Dunmail Raise. You’ll then rejoin the carriageway and head into the next valley and the gorgeous village of Grasmere.

Nestling at the foot of some spectacular fells and with its own lake, Grasmere has numerous small shops, pubs and excellent cafes where you’ll be able to treat your tastebuds.

Britain’s most famous poet William Wordsworth lived here at Dove Cottage, with his sister and it is where he produced the majority of his greatest and best-loved poems. The cottage is now a great little museum and well-worth a visit, either today or on your final day of cycling from Ambleside.

With no motorboats on this quieter lake it is a popular spot for swimming (though it’s chilly!) and in the summer months you can also hire rowing boats on the lake.

Your last stretch of cycling sees you enjoying some stunning lakeside scenery and you’ll end the ride in Ambleside which then serves as your base for the next few nights.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.

The National Trust’s Wray Castle is the first big stop on today’s route. The imposing Victorian neo-gothic castle hosted the first meeting between Beatrix Potter and social reformer Hardwicke Rawnsley inspiring a friendship and campaigning spirit that would lead to the protection of the Lake District’s landscapes for future generations.

Continuing on the route down the western shores of Lake Windermere to Far Sawrey there will be a short sharp climb to reach Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home where you can enjoy the gardens and Peter Rabbit’s favourite carrot patch!

The return cycle takes you past Esthwaite Water and to the picturesque village of Hawkshead, famous for its traditional wooden framed buildings and an ideal place to stop for lunch and visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery Museum, which displays original illustrations from her famous storybooks.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.

Langdale and its Pikes are the spectacular backdrop for today’s ride. The route takes you through the spectacular U-Shaped Great Langdale with awe-inspiring views up Dungeon Gill Waterfall to Harrison Stickle.

A short winding climb to Blea Tarn rewards the effort with stunning views and a gentle descent into the beautiful valley of Little Langdale. Arguably there is no more spectacular sight in England than these pretty valleys and gushing waterfalls surrounded by the classic mountains of the Lake District. There’s no shortage of pubs with plenty of character. From The Britannia in Elterwater in the heart of the village, to the National Trust’s Sticklebarn providing tasty fuel and refreshments along the way.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.

Whilst it’s time to pack your bags today, if you still have the legs for one last ride we’ve got another gem that packs yet another punch of picture postcard views of lakes, hills and pretty villages and another Cumbrian icon!

We can’t promise daffodils but you have a choice of two of William Wordsworth’s homes at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount if you are looking for an insight into the life of the romantic poet.

Today’s ride should be fuelled by the famous Grasmere Gingerbread. Part biscuit, part cake it has been made in the village since 1854 and your route takes you conveniently past their door in case you want to indulge in a sweet treat!

As your trip comes to an end we’ll transfer you back to your start point at Keswick, or on to Penrith Train Station for your onward journey.