bikepacking in the Lake District: Lakeland 200 and seven long weekend adventures

Bikepacking in the Lake District means tackling the iconic road climbs of Hardknott, Wrynose and Honister, high off-road passes, camping beneath the fells and spending days immersed in a landscape that mountain bikers rarely experience at this depth. For experienced riders looking for a multi-day adventure in one of England's finest national parks, the possibilities are extensive. Edward Hunton's Cicerone guidebook covers eight challenging bikepacking routes of 2 to 5 days across the Lake District, including the classic Lakeland 200. Graded from moderate to very hard and suitable for experienced mountain bike and gravel bike riders, all routes are accessible by public transport and well served with accommodation and facilities. The eight routes range in duration from a long weekend to 5 days and include the Lakeland 200, Furness Forests, the Old Man of Coniston and the Irish Sea, Way Out in the Western Fells, Helvellyn and Back, the Dalston/Skiddaw Mega Pretzel, the Penrith/High Street Circuit and Nine Lakes Highlights include the road climbs of Hardknott, Wrynose, Whinlatter and Honister; the off-road passes of Sticks Pass, Stake Pass and Black Sail; the highest bridleway in England over Helvellyn; and the views over the Irish Sea from Black Combe Routes are graded overall as moderate, hard or very hard, with individual stages also graded using the standard MTB system of green, blue, red and black; all routes feature considerable ascent and descent and are likely to involve some sections of hike-a-bike Clear route descriptions, mapping and elevation profiles are supported by detailed planning information, including accommodation listings, facility notes and summary details for each stage, alongside tips on kit, food and navigation The Lakeland 200 can also be ridden as an Individual Time Trial, with guidance on how to approach it in this format; appendices cover campsites and hostels, bike shops and a full kit list The Lake District's network of bridleways, passes and fell roads gives experienced bikepackers an extraordinary range of multi-day possibilities. This guide covers eight of the best.

Bikepacking is the off-road equivalent of cycle touring, often offering opportunities for wild camping in addition to the usual accommodation options for sleeping under a roof: it promises an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the environment as you explore the best of what the area has to offer on two wheels. This guide presents eight challenging 2–5 day rides in the Lake District, suitable for mountain bikes (some routes are also rideable on a gravel bike). All routes are accessible by public transport and many can be completed over a long weekend. They are graded from Moderate to Very Hard, although all involve considerable ascent and descent and sections where you may need to push or carry your bike – as such, they are suited to fit experienced riders. Clear route description, mapping and elevation profiles are supplemented with a wealth of planning information, including accommodation listings, notes on facilities, and summary details (including grades) for each individual section of the route. Also included are tips on food, kit and navigation and alternative itineraries. The routes combine roads, tracks, lanes and bridleways to take you among, around and over the Lakeland Fells, with highlights including the iconic road climbs of Hardknott, Wrynose, Whinlatter and Honister; the off-road passes of Sticks Pass, Stake Pass and Black Sail; and the highest bridleway in England over Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain. The guide also features the classic Lakeland 200, which can be ridden over 5 days or completed as an Individual Time Trial.