3-day Cycling Trip taking in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales

Stopping For A Well Earned Break

If you are into your Cycling, and, cycling up some very steep hills, then a trip to the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales should be right up there on your bucket list.

If there was anything good to come out of the summer lockdown situations of 2020, for me it was the formation of a new cycling club based in Nottingham. After only a few months of riding together, the group of old and new friends decided on a trip away for an extended August Bank Holiday weekend.

We contacted Bookitlist, gave them our desired destination of Kendal, confirmed our dates and party size of 10, and they did the rest.

a daunting 2.1 mile climb with an average gradient of nearly 10%

On Wednesday evening the group made their way to The Kendal Hostel, the town centre location of this accommodation was perfect for our base and the rides we had planned. A key factor in Bookitlist choosing this accommodation was the secure bike store that the hostel had…we didn’t have any of the worries of leaving our bikes in cars overnight which gave added peace of mind for the weekend ahead.

Thursday morning, after a light breakfast at the lovely coffee shop Brew Brothers, the group headed north for the days riding. The route planned for the day was a 65-mile loop with roughly 5000ft of climbing. From Kendal we headed straight to the main climb of the day, Kirkstone Pass. Although cloudy at the summit the views were still stunning, well worth the effort to reach the top.

Day Ones Route

From there we descended down Kirkstone Pass and cycled alongside Lake Ullswater, over to Pooley Bridge for Lunch, then back down (and up) through Tebay and back to our base in Kendal. That evening we ate at one of the restaurants recommended by Bookitlist, Mumbai Indian. Despite some challenging weather during the ride everyone had a great day.

Kirkstone Pass Summit

Mumbai Curry House In Kendal

Friday’s route was shorter but certainly no less challenging, especially with a few sore heads from the night before (a very well-priced breakfast at The Farmhouse Kitchen sorted that) From Kendal we cycled East and into the Yorkshire Dales. Passing through Sedburgh twice on the day, we headed over to the main climb… a daunting 2.1 mile climb with an average gradient of nearly 10%, everyone in the group conquered the huge climb with the 2 strongest climbers reaching the summit in just over 21 minutes. Again, the weather conditions were challenging but everyone had enjoyed the 45-mile ride, even those that were nearly taken out by sheep on the road or the puncture on a steep descent.

Day Two Route

Saturday morning the group had mixed plans. Some of the group were joining family and friends in Ambleside, while others fancied more time in the saddle. There was a fast ride out to the coast, or for the more hardened and weathered members a ride out to tackle the infamous ‘Struggle’ climb from Ambleside. I decided against an extra ride option and drove to Liverpool for a one-night City break.

If you enjoy cycling and hills as much as we do, a trip to The Lake District and The Yorkshire Dales are a must, and booking through Bookitlist certainly made the weekend run very smoothly, the accommodation was perfect and their restaurant and café suggestions were all very good. We are already planning trips with them for 2021…one back to The Lake District and one to The French Alps and Marseille.

Riding Through The Lakes

Accommodation Kendal Hostel

Café Brew Brothers Brew Brothers

Restaurant Mumbai Kendal

Café Farmhouse Kitchen Farmhouse Kitchen

Strava Profile https://www.strava.com/athletes/21858024

Route Day 1 https://www.strava.com/activities/3973507256

Route Day 2 https://www.strava.com/activities/3978008540

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