The Lakeland Gravel (ish) Loop is 180 mile long bikepacking/ITT route around the edge of the Lake District National Park. It takes in some amazing sections of riding suitable for gravel bikes and it is 99% rideable with just a few very short rough sections. It could be done in a weekend as a challenge ride or you might like to take more leisurely 5 or 6 days to enjoy the scenery.
There are options for wild camping but also many campsites or other accommodation on the way. The route starts and finishes in Arnside on the pier (the same location as the Dales Divide).
THE ROUTE The start is nice and gentle on Lanes heading north east passed Killington Reservoir with a couple of sections of bridleway before descending into the Lune Gorge via a steep descent.
After contouring along the edge of the Howgills the route then heads towards Shap Village where supplies are available in (slightly offroute). After following the old tarmac and concrete the United Utilities road the next section follows the idyllic Lowther river where you may even encounter some water buffalo! Great riding over Askham Moor that takes you to another pit stop in Pooley Bridge. Heading North from Pooley Bridge you are mainly on country lanes through the villages of Greystoke and Hekett Newmarket but before you descend to the north end of Bassenthwaite and more excellent sections of green Lanes to enjoy. You'll love the amazing views over Crummock Water and then beautiful trails along the side of Loweswater before heading towards Ennerdale Bridge. There is now some very hilly riding over Cold Fell and an excellent section of green Lane and bridleway in the Calder Valley before the descent to Calder Bridge another climb around Ponsonby which leads onto the short coastal section. After Ravenglass the route swings back North East climbing up through the grounds of Muncaster Castle and one of the best sections of gravel riding on the circuit all the way from the to Ulpha Moor. Make sure you stop at the excellent snack shed here, you'll need some energy to tackle a steep climbs out of Dunnerdale and then the technical bit of riding before Torver. Continue through Coniston with hordes of tourists and then following the ridiculously steep bike route upon to and through Grisedale and then more technical riding and maybe even a bit of hikeabike through to Greythwaite Sawmill. Follow the new bike trail from Lakeside down to Newby Bridge and then tackle the great climb up to Simpson Ground and over into the Witherslack Valley where the last sections of gravel riding take you back to the Kent Estuary and your finish at Arnside Pier.
