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Got a night away in penrith and since I've never cycled in the lakes I thought I'd take my bike and go for a wee cycle the following morning. Don't want to be doing much more than 3-4 hrs but fancy a few decent climb
Will probably have the car so can drive to an appropriate starting point but would prefer it not to be too far away. Not at all familiar with that area so some suggestions or a gpx route would be appreciated ta
Why not ride over to Alston and back. That should be enough climbing for you.
3 for starters for you...
Penrith - Pooley Bridge - Glenridding - Kirkstone - Ambleside - Grasmere - Threlkeld - Greystoke - Penrith
Some busy roads on this one (A66 is particularly poor), and lots of tourist traffic to contend with, but good views if you can see them more than make up for it. Doesn't go too high (only one climb over Kirkstone really).
Penrith - Lazenby - Renwick - Hartside (out and back to cafe) - Melmerby - Kirkland - Milburn - Great Dun Fell (out and back) - Culgaith - Langwathby - Penrith
Not in the lakes and a bit shorter, but more climbing. Doing Hartside this way avoids the worst of the wacky racing bits but you can just do the main drag out via Melmerby if you want. Great Dun Fell is a must although bits will likely be under snow if you're doing it this weekend. Eden valley has lots of minor roads and is underrated for riding IMO.
Penrith - Langwathby - Melmerby - Hartside - Alston - Garrigill - Middleton - Brough - Little Musgrave - Dufton - Knock - Milburn - Kirkland - Langwathby - Penrith
Again not in the lakes, bit more climbing here, apart from Hartside reasonably quiet. Detour to climb up Great Dun Fell optional.
Otherwise, as above, Alston then out into Tees/Wear/S Tyne gives loads of good climb options.
Thanks chaps.. Don't suppose you have any gpx files you could share
Great Dun is worth doing. It's very quick down. I wonder who has the king on that...
The Shap Spring Classic https://www.strava.com/segments/6965677
No big hills, but lovely, varied, quiet roads.