Lake District in Summer

cgfw201

Looking at a group trip to the Lakes this summer with 5/6 others...
- Does the summer traffic detract from the quality of the riding in July/August?
- Any experience/tips on taking bikes on Virgin trains? Looks like could be a struggle?
- Any other tips/advice for the region?

Cheers

Guanajuato

Basically, just avoid the main roads between Windermere/Bowness, Ambleside, Coniston & Grasmere and you'll be fine. To be completely honest though, the cycling in the Howgills, Lune Valley & Forest of Bowland are much better. And accommodation is much better value too

Western lakes a lot quieter in terms of traffic. If you base yourself at Gosforth or Holmrook (Lutwidge Arms is better value than most lake district hotels), you've got a 7 mile warm up before hitting Hardknott, there's a gorgeous loop up Wasdale if you want an evening leg spinner/pint at the wasdale head. Plenty of other loops available with as much (head east) or as little (stick to the coast) climbing as you want.

Wheelbase Cycles in staveley is good if you need anything, and there's a bike-friendly cafe & Brewery at the same place (wilf's cafe & Hawkshead brewery). Makes a good base as there's loads of varied routes from there that can avoid the worst of the roads. Staveley is also on the railway line between Oxenholme & Windermere. Very popular with the mountain bike fraternity too.

When travelling up to Inverness, I discovered that, although Virgin have limited spaces for bikes, if you put your bike in a bike bag, its then just like any other luggage. :-)