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Grizedale is the Mecca of gravel riding in the South Lakes, with prime gravel fire roads spread over 24.47 square kilometres. Situated between the Windermere and Coniston lakes, no matter which part of the forest you’re riding in there’s a jaw dropping vista around almost every corner. What I like about riding here the most is that I feel completely cut off from the rest of the lakes. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the most popular national park in England this is the place to do it.
Today, I’m sharing our ‘Grizdale Gravel Epic’ loop which takes in 22.3 miles of gravel-friendly tracks and trails and includes 2,325 foot of elevation. At a fairly relaxed and sociable pace this ride can be done in around two and a half hours. Starting just outside the village of Satterthwaite which is easily accessible from the A591. The ride starts off with a fairly hefty winch up a fire road climb. It’s long but worth it for the views of the surrounding forest and valleys and Grizedale tarn is also just around the corner if you’re easily drawn to water and fancy a mid-ride dip.
After that there’s much bobbing and weaving around the forest, which is best enjoyed with a group of like-minded gravel-biking buddies, before you start making your way down towards Tarn Hows. This is a super smooth, fast and fun descent but just watch out for walkers as this is a popular spot with Lake District tourists.
From here you’re heading along the cycle way that leads directly into the village of Coniston, but we’re going to take a trip up to the Copper Mines as it is a sight worth seeing and the descent back down into Coniston is super fun.
Once you’ve descended off the hills into Coniston why not take in a well-deserved café stop. I’d recommend The Greenhouse Keeper for good, honest locally-supplied food that will keep you well-fuelled for the remainder of your ride. Back on the bikes and it’s time to head along the undulating lake-side for a short while before taking on the loop’s big climb back into Grizedale. Now, I’ll be honest, this climb feels like it goes on forever, however the rewarding views at the top more than make up for the effort. Silhouetted against the sky in the far distance Dow Crag and the Langdale Pikes provide stunning vistas that you’ll be encouraged to stand and stare at after the monster climb.
Once you’ve taken a moment to regroup and recover you’ll be glad to hear that it’s almost all downhill from here. The reward for all that effort uphill? A super-flowing descent which can be taken at speed before you arrive back down at the car park. With 2,325 foot of elevation this ride isn’t to be underestimated, there’s a lot of climbing in such a short distance but it’s totally worth it and if you’re well-prepared, ride as part of a group and pencil a café stop in Coniston then it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the experience of gravel riding in the south lakes.
Click the link to see the Grizedale Gravel Loop on Komoot.
Written by Andrew Barlow
Photos by Andrew Barlow
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