Steep mountain passes, quiet valley roads and rocky bridleways make cycling in Borrowdale a memorable way to explore the Lake District. From Rosthwaite, mountain bikers can join sections of the classic Borrowdale Bash, while road cyclists can tackle Honister Pass or ride towards Keswick and Derwentwater. Back at The Royal Oak, our drying room gives wet outdoor kit somewhere to dry after a day in the saddle.
Lake District cycling can change quickly from relaxed valley roads to steep climbs and rocky descents. Choose the right route for your ability, check the weather before riding and wear appropriate protective kit, including a helmet. For off-road cycling, check that you have a legal right to ride and ride considerately around walkers, horse riders and livestock.
The Borrowdale Bash is a classic Lake District mountain biking route combining steep road climbs, gravel tracks, bridleways, rocky descents and technical trail riding.
Cycling UK’s current version is a 21-mile / 34km circular route from Keswick, passing through the Borrowdale landscape with several opportunities to shorten the ride if required. It is best suited to regular or experienced mountain bikers comfortable on rough terrain.
The route heads into Borrowdale towards Watendlath and Rosthwaite before taking on the Honister Pass landscape and returning towards Keswick. Expect steep climbs, technical descents and some superb fell views. For riders staying in Rosthwaite, the route effectively passes through the valley, making cycling from the hotel particularly convenient.
Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: Approx. 21 miles / 34km
Terrain: Road, bridleways, rocky tracks and technical singletrack
Best for: Experienced cyclists and mountain bikers
For purpose-built Lake District mountain biking, Whinlatter Forest near Keswick offers graded trails for different abilities. The blue-grade Quercus Trail combines flowing singletrack, berms and gradual climbs, while the 19km red route is designed for proficient riders with stronger off-road skills and fitness. The forest also has easier forest-road options, and mountain bike and e-bike hire is available nearby.
Difficulty: Routes from easier forest-road riding to challenging red-grade MTB | Distance: Approx. 3.5-19km depending on trail
Terrain: Forest roads and purpose-built singletrack
Best for: Mountain bikers, e-bike riders, groups and progressing riders
You don’t need technical mountain bike trails to enjoy cycling near Borrowdale. Keswick offers shorter bike rides on country lanes and traffic-free tracks, making it a useful base for a more relaxed day. Around Derwentwater, quieter roads and views towards Cat Bells and the Borrowdale fells create plenty of scope for scenic cycling, particularly for leisure cyclists and e-bike riders.
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Distance: Flexible
Terrain: Traffic-free tracks, country lanes and valley roads
Best for: Leisure cyclists, families and e-bike riders
For experienced road cyclists, Borrowdale provides access to some of the Lake District’s most dramatic mountain roads. A ride from Keswick through Borrowdale leads past Derwentwater, Grange, Rosthwaite and Seatoller before climbing Honister Pass, where steep gradients are rewarded by dramatic mountain scenery. These are challenging rides rather than gentle sightseeing routes, so check brakes, tyres and weather conditions carefully before setting out.
Difficulty: Challenging | Terrain: Tarmac mountain roads
Experience: Strong road-cycling fitness recommended
Best for: Road cyclists, experienced e-bike riders and cycling groups