Mountain Biking Around Keswick
Words by David Siddall. Photo courtesy and copyright of Altura® Cycling Apparel
K
eswick is a mountain biker’s
grub and refreshment before taking the same route
paradise. Whether it is thrill
back, or the more adventurous can return to Keswick
seeking young bikers or a slower
via minor roads up to the Castlerigg stone circle.
paced family group there is plenty to
For those seeking a full day’s exercise on their
choose from in and around Keswick.
mountain bikes, I also recommend continuing from
Threlkeld and heading off-road along paths between
Starting with the family outing, the cycleway that
Skiddaw and Blencathra northwards. This route
follows the old route of the disused Keswick to
passes the isolated Skiddaw House youth hostel and
Penrith railway is a favourite of mine. Starting from
the eye-catching Whitewater Dash waterfall before
the old railway platform behind the Keswick Hotel
regaining the A591 road back along the east side of
and Spa leisure pool, the cycleway/footpath follows
Bssenthwaite Lake to Keswick. Please take care on
the course of the fast flowing River Greta eastwards
this road and under no circumstances cycle on the
to Threlkeld. As the old rail route plunges through
A66 on the western side of the lake as boy racers and
coppice woodland you get a great view of the river as
even middle aged racers make certain sections poten-
Victorian rail bridges repeatedly cross the valley. At
tially lethal for any cyclists.
one point the cycle route even goes through a short
section of tunnel on the old rail line. At Threlkeld
Another largely on-road route that is mainly on
village there are two cosy pubs that can provide pub
quiet rural byways is to cycle right around Skiddaw
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