En-route to Kirkstone Pass - The Old Coach Road Lake District
The Old Coach Road Lake District: A Brilliant gravel ride from Ambleside
We’ve been exploring the Lake District on bikes for quite some time now. Road biking gives the satisfaction of additional speed and distance covered. Whereas gravel biking offers the peace and tranquility of being in the mountains and travelling at a steadier pace.
So what is the gravel riding like here in the Lake District?
Well it isn’t quite up to ‘Gravelfoyle’ in Scotland, but we think it’s pretty good. Here are a few observations:
All routes are very lumpy - lots of ascent and descent comes as standard. If you really don’t like that, this isn’t the place for you.
There are a lot of gates to pass through. Some riders will see this as a drag, others will see a gate as an opportunity to slow down and stop, to take a moment.
Most routes will be challenging - some hugely so.
The scenery is world class.
There are lots of cafes and pubs, most are very good.
The Old Coach Road Lake District:
Today the forecast suggested rain incoming from early afternoon. So I set out from Ambleside shortly after 9am and headed for the Kirkstone Pass. Instead of going up The Struggle, I opted for the lane by Stockghyll Falls and passing Low Grove House. This is much quieter but soon becomes single track and there are sections most will need to hike a bike (I did). The trade off is better views and a more tranquil start to the day. This track emerges back onto The Struggle just below the final steep section.
The descent to Brothers Water was bliss. Fast and flowing on smooth tarmac, the road was quiet too. I turned off at Hartsop and followed the bridleway towards Bridgend. From here I rejoined the Ullswater road and stayed on this as far as Aira Force. It’s now a long, steady climb to Dockray as we turn our back on a very still Ullswater.
The ascent isn’t quite finished at Dockray, for now a single track lane continues on upwards towards Matterdale. Habitation now becomes sparse. The Old Coach Road is reached at a parking area. This is the end of the line for most motorised vehicles, but don’t be too surprised to see the occasional Land Rover beyond here.
The Old Coach Road is very well defined, so easy to follow. The surface is often very loose though, so great care is needed as is a good level of competency on the bike. All efforts are justly rewarded with staggeringly good views over to Blencathra and Skiddaw, so it’s well worth pausing on occasion to savour the richness of this landscape.
The descent to St.John’s in the Vale is steep and brutal. Well worth considering walking some of the steeper sections. Then hang a left onto the tarmac road and we head for the northern end of Thirlmere, where the dam wall is. The road on the western shore is a peaceful place and offers occasional views of the reservoir, but is mostly a woodland ride.
Once at the southern end of the reservoir there is a cycle lane just west of the main road, although this is steeper than the road, so if feeling knackered it may be better to get straight onto the road. Climb to Dunmail Raise then prepare for a sublime descent into Grasmere. Gingerbread stops are optional……..or are they?!
Today I used the main road as far as Rydal then went onto the Under Loughrigg lane to be traffic free once more. Â
Route stats at a glance:
60km
1050m ascent
Max elevation - 439m
Moving time of approximately 3h 35mins
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What kit did I take?
A fully working and serviced gravel bike. This has a wide range of gears suitable for most gradients. Good quality hydraulic disc brakes, I feel these are very important as the downhills can otherwise feel scary. Current tyres are for summer (drier) conditions and just 35mm. The tyres are a compromise and work well for a mix of road and off road. When I’m mostly off road I change to a wider tyre (40mm+) with deeper treads. A basic repair kit, spare tubes, 1st aid kit, and spare clothing are always packed too.
For further inspiration about gravel riding in the Lake District check out Gravel Rides Lake District by Andrew Barlow and published by Vertebrate Â
For all things bike and bike maintenance whilst in the Lakes check out Ghyllside Cycles in Ambleside
If you’re wanting to explore the Lake District on 2 wheels, either on road, gravel, or both we can help. We know loads of brilliant routes and can put together an itinerary to best suit you. Give us a call and let’s make a plan.
Thanks for reading
Mark
Having a rest on - The Old Coach Road Lake District
Still blue skies - The Old Coach Road Lake District
Looking south down Thirlmere - The Old Coach Road Lake District