A taste of the Lakes

Jonathan Manning steers clear of the crowds – and the bodies of water that give the region its name – on this peaceful ride

For a fantastic taste of cycling in the Lake District, but without the coach parties or, err, lakes, this route has it all. Gorgeous views? Tick. Broadleaf woodland? Tick. Empty, single-track roads? Tick. Hills? Tick and tick!

It’s difficult to fathom that the blissfully peaceful Kendal Club Campsite was a gunpowder mill in the 19th century, and the ride becomes even quieter once it has left the pitches on the banks of the River Kent.

This summer’s closure of both the Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges over the A591 has forced a revision of the route and denies easy access to Kendal, but there is still an abundance of highlights to enjoy, including views over wetlands to Morecambe Bay, the Wheatsheaf Inn at Brigsteer and the Strickland Arms at Sizergh, plus the National Trust’s medieval Sizergh house with its beautiful gardens and estate, close to the end of the route.

There are also dreamy views to rugged fells, a tumbling river, and enough climbs to make it feel like decent exercise, despite the relatively short length.

You can download this route from our dedicated Strava page here. 

Directions

1. Follow the long driveway from Kendal Club Campsite to a T-junction and turn left, signposted to Kendal. Cross the bridge over the River Kent and follow the road through Sedgwick and on to Natland.

2. 4.3km – Towards the end of Natland take the left turn along Hawes Lane. Continue to the A591.

3. 6.2km – Cross straight over the A591 (dual carriageway) and climb the hill to reach a T-junction.

4. 7.9km – Turn left at the T-junction and enjoy a fast descent into Brigsteer. After passing the Wheatsheaf Inn (on the left) and village hall (on the right), take the first left turn along Low Lane, signed ‘Unsuitable for HGVs’. If you reach the left turn to Lyth Valley, you have gone too far. Continue to a fork in the road.

5. 10.3km – Turn left at the fork along Parkend Lane and then almost immediately right at the T-junction to stay on Parkend Lane. Ride through wooded Brigsteer Park and continue to an offset crossroads.

6. 13km – Turn left at the crossroads to Sizergh and Kendal (if you ride into Levens you have gone too far). Continue to a T-junction and turn left to Kendal. When the road starts to descend, take the first left on National Cycle Route 70, soon reaching the entrance to the National Trust’s Sizergh.

7. 14.7km – At Sizergh go straight ahead at the crossroads and continue to a T-junction. Turn left at the junction to return to the Club campsite.

About the route

• Start/finish: Kendal Club Campsite, Sedgwick, Kendal LA8 0JZ.
• Distance: 10 miles/16km.
• Time: 1.5 hours.
• Level: Suitable for fitter riders and e-bikers, due to hills.
• Terrain: Asphalt all the way.
• Landscape: Farmland, fells and woodland.
• Refreshments: Wheatsheaf Inn, Brigsteer; Strickland Arms, Sizergh; café at National Trust Sizergh.

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club make no warranties concerning the accuracy or completeness of the routes published, which to the best of our knowledge were correct at the time of publication. Your use of the routes is at your own risk and we accept no responsibility for the suitability or safety of any routes published. Routes may be out of date or affected by changes to the physical environment and, to the extent permitted by law, we accept no responsibility for personal injury or property damage caused by your use of the routes.