Lake District Passes

The Lakeland Passes is a two day cycling experience that takes riders through the heart of the stunning Lake District. It is Cycle Britain's take on the famous Fred Whitton sportive, which even over two days is a tough challenge! But it allows more riders to take on this wonderful route in stunning surroundings.

The route will travel over challenging terrain with 6 of the Lake District's most spectacular climbs. These mountain passes have grown famous among cyclists creating a mixture of fear and excitement! The support of Cycle Britain allows a range of cyclists to take on these brutal climbs, and the rite of passage for all keen riders. The Lake District National Park offers a stunning landscape for this tour, providing panoramic views of glittering lakes and epic mountains.

The support from Cycle Britain allows you to just enjoy the wonderful cycling and not worry about anything else. The support vehicle will work hard behind the scenes, carrying your bags, preparing lunch and snacks and assisting with any medical or mechanical problems. The guides will lead the way giving you helpful tips along the route.

From the beautiful shore of Lake Windermere in Ambleside, it won't stay flat for long before you reach Kirkstone Pass, climbing to 454 metres and the highest elevation of the route. After the beautiful descent a flat section will take you past Ullswater through a coliseum of mountains. But don't get too comfortable because Honister Pass awaits. The gradient is brutal, topping out at 25% taking you up to 356 metres before the steep and twisting descent requires extreme caution.

The climbing doesn't stop with little respite before climbing Newlands Pass, then Whinlatter Pass. Your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views at the top of Newlands, and a beautiful forested climb all the way to the top of Whinlatter. Finally the hard work is done and you can enjoy rolling down through Lorton Valley to your accommodation in Hundith Hall.

After a flat start through the Lorton Valley allows you to get your legs going again, after 15 miles you will reach the first major climb of the day. Cold Fell is tough on the mind with multiple false summits and tough on the legs with 290 metres to climb. The next section will include some small climbs and undulations but are nothing compared to whats coming...

Hardknott Pass is the toughest climb of all, reaching gradients of 33% on the toughest hairpins. Few cyclists will make it to the top without walking the steep sections, but after 96 miles of riding, even getting to the top on foot is to be commended! After the twisting fast descent, Wrynose Pass is the last challenge left, and reaching 25% it provides one last brutal test. After the cautious descent, riders will have 7 miles of flatter terrain to take you back where you started, to complete the Lakeland Passes!