Family Friendly Lake District Cycle Routes: Keswick, Braithwaite, Bassenthwaite

Swap the car for two wheels and this corner of Cumbria opens right up. From flat, traffic-free paths that suit wobbly first-timers to a bit of forest trail for anyone after more of a challenge, there’s a route here for every kind of family. 

Best of all, most of these start within easy reach of Herdwick Croft, so you can be pedalling within minutes of leaving your lodge.

Key takeaways:

• Most of the routes below are flat and traffic-free, making this stretch of the Lake District a lovely spot for family cycling.
• The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is the star of the show for active families – flat, scenic and roughly 10km round trip.
• A couple of routes step things up a notch, ideal for couples or groups with teenagers after a bit more of a workout.
• Bikes can be hired locally if you haven’t brought your own, with hire points at both Keswick and Whinlatter Forest.

Six family-friendly Lake District cycling routes in Bassenthwaite

1. Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path

Length: around 10km (6.2 miles) round trip 

Good for: every age and ability, including buggies and mobility scooters

This is the one to start with. A smooth, flat, traffic-free path along the old railway line, following the River Greta through the beautiful Greta Gorge, with Blencathra rising up ahead of you the whole way. It’s suitable for the whole family, stabilisers and all.

Our recommendation: stop for refreshments at the café in Threlkeld before heading back, or detour to Castlerigg Stone Circle on the return leg. Finish at Fitz Park in Keswick, where there’s a playground and BMX track to burn off any leftover energy.

Image: https://www.keswick.org/

2. Bassenthwaite Lake shoreline ride

Length: flexible, typically 5-8km depending how far you go 

Good for: young families and anyone hoping to spot wildlife

Starting right from Herdwick Croft, this gentle ride follows part of Bassenthwaite’s shoreline, with a real chance of spotting ospreys overhead in season. It’s quieter than the more famous lakes nearby, which makes it a calm, unhurried option for a first morning on two wheels.

Our recommendation: the Pheasant Inn near Wythop Mill makes a lovely stop for lunch, or the Old Sawmill Tearoom at Mirehouse for something lighter. For more on the lake itself, take a look at our Bassenthwaite Lake guide.

3. Keswick to Portinscale

Length: around 4km (2.5 miles) one way 

Good for: families wanting an easy lakeside pootle with a treat at the end

A short, gentle ride along quiet lanes and paths between Keswick and the pretty village of Portinscale, with lovely views over Derwentwater along the way. It’s an easy one to build a whole afternoon around rather than just a quick ride.

Our recommendation: grab a coffee in Portinscale before heading back into Keswick, or extend the day with an evening show at the Theatre by the Lake.

4. Fitz Park loop, Keswick

Length: under 2km 

Good for: the very youngest riders and anyone still finding their balance

Sometimes the best ride is the shortest one. Fitz Park has a path running right around its perimeter, making it a safe, enclosed spot for little ones to practise before tackling one of the longer routes above.

Our recommendation: make a morning of it with the park’s playground and BMX track, and pop into the Cumberland Pencil Museum nearby if the weather turns.

5. Whinlatter Forest: Gorse Trail

Length: around 10km 

Good for: families with older children or teenagers after a proper forest adventure

Whinlatter is England’s only true mountain forest, and the Gorse Trail is its most family-friendly route – well-surfaced forest roads with a bit of climbing, rather than the technical single-track of the forest’s more advanced trails. Expect glimpses of Skiddaw, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite from the higher sections.

Our recommendation: the Whinlatter visitor centre has a café and bike hire on site, so it’s easy to turn up without your own bikes. Teenagers craving more of a challenge can step up to the Quercus or Altura trails from the same car park.

6. Old Coach Road: St John’s in the Vale to Dockray

Length: around 11km (7 miles) one way 

Good for: confident teens and couples wanting a proper ride with a big pay-off

This one’s a step up – a wide track that starts rough and steep before levelling out, with terrific views of Blencathra and, on a clear day, all the way to the Pennines. It’s a satisfying ride for anyone with a bit of cycling experience already.

Our recommendation: push on to Aira Force at the far end for a waterfall walk to stretch your legs, with Ullswater’s shoreline as your reward.

FAQs: Easy Lake District cycling for all abilities

Is the Lake District good for cycling?

Yes, and the stretch around Keswick, Braithwaite and Bassenthwaite is one of the best places to base a family cycling trip. You’ve got flat, traffic-free paths for younger children, quiet lakeside lanes for an easy pootle and proper forest trails at Whinlatter if anyone in the group wants more of a challenge.

Where is the best place to stay in the Lake District for cycling?

Staying near Keswick puts you within easy reach of most of the routes above, including the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path and Whinlatter Forest. Herdwick Croft, on the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, is particularly handy since you can start pedalling straight from your lodge rather than loading bikes into a car first.

How long is the Keswick to Threlkeld railway path?

The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is around 10km (6.2 miles) as a round trip, or just over 5km (3 miles) one way. It’s flat and well-surfaced throughout, making it comfortably manageable for most families in a couple of hours, including a stop along the way.

You might also like…

• Prefer exploring on foot? Walking routes near Herdwick Croft Holiday Park covers routes for every ability.
• Looking beyond cycling for your trip? Family-friendly days out near Herdwick Croft has plenty more ideas.
• Curious about the lake on your doorstep? Our Bassenthwaite Lake guide has the full picture.
• Bringing the dog along for the ride? Our dog-friendly Lake District guide covers where they’re welcome.
• Planning the rest of your trip? The best family holiday destinations in the UK covers the Lake District alongside our other parks.