Cycling is a fantastic way to experience all the wonderful surroundings in the area around our Holgates parks. You can feel the wind through your hair, hear the wildlife and see the spectacular views.
So, why not leave the car behind and let the narrow lanes and roads carry you and your two wheels on an adventure. If you are a beginner, or are just considering hopping on your bicycle, we have compiled a list of trails and a few handy tips. It couldn’t be easier.
The Bay Cycle Way
This fantastic new route is one to take you on a true adventure with many momentous views – also typical of our Bay View park. With a mixture of hidden paths, quiet lanes and quaint tracks, this route will take you and your bike through some of the most stunning areas of Cumbria and Lancashire.
The trail is a long distance one, but it is simple and can be done by beginners and experts alike. Taking you from the south west coast of Cumbria all the way to Glasson Dock in Lancashire this route is certainly a treat. If you can, take a camera along with you, as the scenery is picture-perfect. You can see the full route and print a map here.
Top Tip 1: Intervals make a cycle ride much easier. Make sure you take some water with you and take breaks every 30 minutes at the most.
Arnside To Kirkby Lonsdale
This 26-mile cycle is a shorter one and at a moderate level, but has lots of possible stop offs for café’s, wildlife centres and plenty of pubs. You can leave the world behind and escape into the leafy scopes of woodland. The quiet lanes and stone roads from Arnside carry on up to the west coast mainline and onto the stunning Lancaster canal. You can also enjoy some moderate climbs, delightful drops and some fine views towards Ingleborough.
This route is a steady yet ambitious route, suitable for beginners and the expert who wants a relaxing ride. A map is available here.
Top Tip 2: Try wearing some padded shorts, as even padded saddles don’t help your bottom on longer rides. You want to be comfortable!
Kendal Castle to Grange Over Sands
An easy trail at 15 miles (and an even shorter 5.5-mile alternative) this simple route will take you from the picturesque Kendal, also known as the “gateway to the Lake District” and glide you over to the Edwardian seaside resort of Grange over Sands.
Starting from the easily accessible Kendal Castle you will witness the 12th century ruins while exploring on your bike. Going to see the castle is an adventure on its own. And if you want to challenge yourself even more, you could cycle to the castle from one of our parks. A map is available here.
Top Tip 3: Smile! Riding a bike is fun. Acknowledge fellow riders, and don’t worry too much about being the fastest, or the greatest. Just enjoy a slow and steady pace, and take in the view.
Carnforth Circular
This route is an average 19.9 miles and is a superb track for any beginner. Passing back through a handful of quaint towns and out to see the superb views of the coast, you can do this route in under 2 hours. Passing through Hale, Milnthorpe, Silverdale and Millhead, there are a few cheeky stops for possible coffee and cake. This moderate ride gives you plenty of time to relax and ride, take in the surrounding beauties and stop off half way for a well-deserved rest. You can see a map here.
Top Tip 4: If you are going out for a cycle on your own, make sure you tell someone where you are going and how long it should take you. You are loved and you don’t want people worrying.
These are just four of the many cycling routes to conquer in the surrounding areas of Holgates. If you need any information on accommodation for you and your family, we can certainly help with that. And the refreshing drink you deserve at the end of your bike ride, well that’s what we are here for!
