Windermere and in particular, Ambleside, is a popular starting point for cyclists. Bike hire and equipment is available and cyclists are able to take their pick from road, woodland tracks and challenging forest climbs and descents.

We’ve listed two fantastic Windermere cycling routes below, a gentle one for families and beginners and a tougher route for the harden cyclist.

Windermere Circular

This circular route takes you through some lovely Lake District scenery as you travel around the beautiful Lake Windermere. The route passes through the villages of Ambleside, Grasmere and Elterwater and exposes you to some absolutely stunning views. Highlights along the way are the spectacular lakeland scenery around Windermere including Rydal Water, Grasmere Lake, Esthwaite Water and the lovely wooded section through Hawkshead Hall Park. Click to view the map.

Windermere to Coniston: The Three Lake Tour

A 47 mile cycle route suitable for an experienced cyclist. It takes you from Windermere in the heart of the lakes over the fells to Coniston Water and returns via Estwaite Water. This is a serious cycle ride with plenty of hills and descents, some of which are severe but with some fantastic scenery along the route. Click to view the map.

The Royal Hotel stands at the very heart of the Lake District town of Kirkby Lonsdale which means we’re perfectly located for many of the lakeland areas, including Lake Winderemere.

It’s usually pretty busy up here at the weekend as lots of our guests are day-trippers, as well as those who come and stay with us for weekend breaks. If you don’t need to rush back for work on Monday then why not stay over in one of boutique hotel style bedrooms? You can take a look at our Tariff and our special D,B&B for £123 offer.

If you do get out and about cycling in Windermere this weekend then have a great time and don’t forget to pop in to say hello!

The Yorkshire Dales boasts some of the finest scenery in the country, with marvellous limestone formations contrasting with the heather clad moorlands and valley bottoms full of beautiful meadows. There are many lovely villages and towns to explore along the way, where you can take the opportunity to have a break and discover some of the fascinating history of the area.

Cycling along the Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way is a lovely way to explore the area. Y ou get to see more and feel more in touch with the countryside around you, and you can be fully justified in stopping by at The Royal Hotel, Kirkby Lonsdale  for Afternoon Tea or a pint of local ale in or Bar.

We wouldn’t pretend that the Yorkshire Dales is the easiest place to start cycling as it is difficult to completely avoid hills, and there are few opportunities for completely traffic free cycling. However, on many Dales roads you will meet few cars and the stunning scenery is worth the odd climb. For more experienced riders the Dales offers some fantastic riding and there are some of the most famous climbs in the UK to take on including the Buttertubs Pass, Fleet Moss, Park Rash and the Coal Road. If you need a gentler day in the saddle there are some long valley rides, and the more undulating countryside to the east to explore.

Cycle touring is a great way to explore the area, and is a totally different experience to going on a day ride. The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway takes you around the whole area, it’s a a challenging 130 mile circular route visiting most of the major dales in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is designed to be started and finished in Skipton, but it can be started at any point, or divided into sections to suit you. Many will find it is ideal for a leisurely six day tour, while others may wish to cover more than one section in a day. Make The Royal Hotel your end destination and enjoy a stay in our luxury bed and breakfast or take advantage of our fantastic DB&B for £123 offer.

The route includes challenging climbs through wild areas which will test your limits, swooping descents and stunning quiet dales to explore. It follows country lanes for its length including many where you will see more sheep than cars. While the majority of the route is well signed using the symbol of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – a Swaledale sheep, it is always worth having a copy of the dedicated map with you.

Interactive Route Map

You can plan you route using this interactive map.

Bike shops

There are a number of cycle shops in the surrounding areas, and two within the National Park itself. There is also a mobile repair service – the Dales Bike Doctor. Below is a list of the shops that are on the route:

The Bicycle Shop
3-5 Water Street
Skipton
North Yorkshire, BD23 1PQ
01756 794386

Dave Ferguson Cycles
3 Albion Yard
The Ropewalk
Skipton
North Yorkshire, BD23 1ED
01756 795367

Outdoorhuman
Unit B, The Gallery
Wood Lane
Grassington
North Yorkshire, BD23 5LU
01756 751865
www.outdoorhuman.co.uk

3 Peaks Cycles
7 HIgh Street
Settle
North Yorkshire, BD24 9EX
01729 824232
www.3peakscycles.com

Dales Bike Centre
Parks Barn
Fremington
Reeth
North Yorkshire, DL11 6AW
01748 884908
www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk

Leyburn Bikes
Hill Top Farm
Moor Road
Leyburn
North Yorkshire, DL8 5DJ
07764 156229/01969 623565
www.leyburnbikes.co.uk

Dales Bike Doctor
Mobile repair service for the Yorkshire Dales area based in Ingleton.
07540 403 455
www.dalesbikedoctor.co.uk

Ullswater itself is England’s second largest lake and sits amidst the splendour of some of the finest fells in the lakes.

More seasoned walkers might like to tackle the heights of High Street, St Sunday Crag, Fairfield (2,863 ft) and of course the magnificent Helvellyn (3,118ft). The Coast to Coast route crosses the Ullswater valley from Helvellyn, through Patterdale, over High Street to Haweswater and Shap. There are also lots of dales leading off the Ullswater valley that rise steadily into the surrounding high hills offering challenging walks and glorious views.

Alternatively take yourself back into the footsteps of Wordsworth on the lakeshore walk which immortalised the Lenten lily thanks to his world famous poem “Daffodils”.

There is so much to explore around Ullswater so why not enjoy a short break at The Royal Hotel which is located nearby and see all that Ullswater has to offer. Offering great B&B accommodation, The Royal Hotel is the perfect place to totally indulge yourself after a hard days walking. You can make a reservation in our Brasserie by calling 01524 271966 or alternatively just pop in and join us for food in our bar area.

Rest your head in one of our individually designed bedrooms before awakening to a hearty breakfast the following morning and setting off on another of the fantastic walks in Ullswater.

Here are a few of our favourite Ullswater walks that you might like to try:

Hallin Fell
3 miles/2 hours – One of the finest walks for seeing the most spectacular lake and mountain scenery in the Ullswater area.

Silver Cragg
3.5 miles/2.30 hours – Breathtaking views across the southern end of Ullswater

Hartsop and Brother’s Water
4.5 miles/2.75 hours – A level walk through mountain scenery to picturesque tarn

Gowbarrow Fell
7.5 miles/4.5 hours – A true Lakeland walk passing spectacular waterfall

Barton Fell
7 miles/4 hours – One of the best for overviews of Ullswater

Lanty’s Tarn
3 miles/2.5 hours – Splendid walk to a quiet haven set amongst magnificent mountains

The Boat Walk
6.5 miles/4 hours – A wonderful fell and lakeside walk with ferry ride back to starting point – or vice versa

Greenside Mines
3.5 miles/2.5 hours – Through dramatic Glenridding valley to site of now disused mine which was founded in the 1650′s

Aira Force
3 miles/2 hours – A fabulous walk through enchanting leafy glen to one of the most spectacular waterfall in the Lake District

Pooley Bridge
2.5 miles/1.5 hours ~ Short walk on lower fell and lake shore

Dunmallard Hill
3 miles/2 hours ~ Short walk along river, through farmland and woods from Pooley Bridge

The National Trust owns over 16,800 acres of land around Ullswater. They have been responsible for creating and maintaining some lovely footpaths which meander from lake shore, through ancient woodland and onto open fells. The guide at their Information Point at Aira Force will happily advise you on walks in the area, and the Lake District National Park Authority Tourist Information Centre at Glenridding sells a variety of leaflets, maps and guide books about walking in the area. They also conduct a series of free guided walks with National Park Wardens who have an excellent knowledge of the area and will tell you all about the history, flora and fauna. You can contact them by calling 017684 82414.

The Lake District was made for cycling, with challenging off road mountain biking routes to gentle country lanes, there really is something for everybody.

Winding backroad cycling with stunning views and little traffic are ideal for a gentle spin or a 100 mile ride; and safe and enjoyable family rides for all ages and abilities are waymarked right across the county.

With hills and mountains galore it is always going to be a scenic day out when you cycle routes in the Lake District. Expect to encounter some hills, from smaller climbs through to major passes that will test even the toughest legs. The Lakes has a huge network of lanes to explore but during school holidays and bank holidays it pays to plan routes carefully and avoid the major connecting roads, which can get quite busy.

For families who want to cycle together there is so much on offer. From railway paths to quiet backroads on the Solway Coast, along the Lune Valley or through the villages of Eden – families have plenty to choose from for some great days out. And for those wanting to do a little off roading cycling, there are some wonderful trails in the renowned Grizedale Forest.

Why not plan your route to pass through Kirkby Lonsdale and make a pit-stop at The Royal Hotel? We’re open all day every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Take a look out our Breakfast, Brasserie and In Between Times… menus. To make a reservation just drop us a line on 01524 271966.

Or why not end your day at The Royal? Our individually styled accommodation offers the perfect place for a little rest and relaxation after a hard days cycling. You could even stay at The Royal Hotel on our DB&B for £123 special dinner, bed and breakfast offer.

We hope to see you soon!

There are more than forty walks across the stunning Morecambe Bay scheduled for 2012 and they are led by Cedric Robinson MBE, the Queen’s Official Guide. In 1963 Cedric was appointed the 25th guide and since then has escorted many thousands of charity fundraisers safely across the dangerous sands on Morecambe Bay Walks.

Morecambe Bay Walks are also led by Alan Sledmore who has been leading walkers for nineteen years.

The guided walks take place between May and September each year and the times vary depending on the tides. We would advise that you pre-book your walk as they are pretty popular and fill up quickly.

The incredibly famous walk currently starts from Arnside and ends on Kents Bank. In previous years it has started at Hesk Bank to Kents Bank but due to ensuring the safety of those crossing the bay, the route has changed. The tide at Morecambe Bay is incredibly dangerous, the way the sea twists and turns into the Bay changes each year and so do the dangers. Not only could you find yourself in deep water but there are also patches of quick sand so do be careful and make sure you are accompanied by a guide at all times.

You can find out more information and view the timetable for Morecambe Bay Walks.

And when you’re done splashing around on the beach why not head to The Royal Hotel? Located in the heart of the Lake District town of Kirkby Lonsdale, The Royal Hotel is only a short drive from Morecambe and offers fabulous fresh food in cosy surroundings. You can take a look at our Brasserie Menu to see what we’ve got to tickle your tastebuds and a visit to our Bar will ensure you relax and unwind. Ridiculously well stocked with everything and anything from real ales, fine wines, to spirits and liquers as well as teas and coffees.

If you do get out and about on Walks in Morecambe Bay, enjoy it, and make sure you find time to pop in and say hello!

You may be surprised to hear that we are in fact talking about the Cumbria Way Walk!

The Cumbria Way Walk is one of the best-loved and most walked routes in Europe to date. Spanning seventy miles from Ulverston to Carlisle, the Cumbria Way Walk is suitable for walkers of all abilities so whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or just looking to enjoy a causal stroll in the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District National Park, the Cumbria Way Walk offers something for everyone.

After a long day following in the footsteps of Wordsworth why not relax and recover at The Royal Hotel in Kirby Lonsdale, only a short drive away from your Cumbria Walk Way adventure? Stay at The Royal Hotel for two nights and make it into a mini-break – take a look at our Bedroom Tariff and our special D,B&B for £123 offer.

Alternatively you could round off your days walk with dinner in our brasserie and a drink in our bar which is always well stocked with real ales, a necessary requisite after a hard days walking! You can take a look at our Brasserie Menu and to book a table give us a call on 01524 271966.

Walkers are always welcome at The Royal Hotel!

The total length of the trail is 4.5 miles (8 km) and takes you through ancient oak woodland and magnificent Yorkshire Dales scenery via a series of stunning waterfalls and geological features.

The Royal Hotel is the ideal base for bed and breakfast in the Yorkshire Dales as we are conveniently located in the beautiful town of Kirkby Lonsdale, a mere five miles from the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and a short drive from The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail.

The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is open seven days a week throughout the year, apart from Christmas Day, and is open from 9:00 am. Closing times do vary according to the time of year so we advise you ring the Ticket Office on 015242 41930 for further details.

The trail follows a well-defined footpath over moderately inclined ground and steps are provided wherever there is a climb. The trail is fairly strenuous and passes through areas which are dangerous if you leave the path. Unfortunately the footpath is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and you should allow between two and four hours to complete the trail.

There is ample parking for those travelling by car and other amenities include; cafe & gift shop, refreshments, picnic areas and toilets. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads on certain sections of the trail and when crossing farmland.

Admission Prices:

Family Ticket £11.00 2 adults and up to 3 children (under 16 years)
Adult Ticket £5.00 16 years and over
Child Ticket £2.00 Under 16 years

You can take a look at The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail map to plan your route and make note of the points of interest to look out for.

And then after your walk why not round off the day with dinner in our Brasserie. Call 01524 271966 to book a table and you can take a look at our Menu too.

Devils Bridge is one of the country’s most famous biker meets and such is it’s huge popularity it is always guaranteed to be busy. Located at the small village of Kirkby Lonsdale on the A65, bikers from the North of England often run ride-outs to and from here. It’s easy to find a good route from Devils Bridge due to its brilliant location as it’s situated on the border of the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and Lancashire.

Weekends, especially Sunday’s, are the busiest at Devils Bridge and on a hot day in the summer time you can sit by the river with an ice cream and have a paddle, or simply wander around and go bike-spotting. Bikes of every description are parked in rows over the whole area, even extending into a field across the road! Bikers and visitors can share views on paint jobs, helmets, carbon pipes and featherbed frames over a mug of of tea from the butty bar.

Biker facilities at Devils Bridge include toilets and the aforementioned butty bar, but if you fancy something a little more substantial head up into town to The Royal Hotel where we serve our Brasserie Menu as well as our In Between Times…Menu all day on a weekend.

And if you don’t need to rush back for work on Monday then we also have bedrooms available so why book into The Royal Hotel and make a weekend of it? You can take a look at our bedroom Tariff here.

A very demanding but incredibly rewarding walk, the Three Peaks Walk takes in the summits of Pen-y-ghent (694 metres – 2,276 feet), Whernside (736 metres – 2,415 feet) and Ingleborough (723 metres 2,372 feet) all in one circular route. The walk is approximately 24 miles (39 km) long and takes in over 5,000 feet or 1,600 metres of climbing.

The walking is over a variety of terrains, and even though the paths have been improved immensely over recent years, certain sections can still be very boggy and energy sapping. This is not a walk for the faint hearted as it does entail a full days worth of walking and includes an awful lot of climbing as well as an awful lot of descending.

There is no set starting point and the length is slightly variable depending on which exact route you take, but the vast majority of walkers start at Horton-in-Ribblesdale in an attempt to join the ‘Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club’.

To be eligible for membership, you must complete the walk in under 12 hours and you must check out and check in again at the Pen-y-ghent Café in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, this also enables you to avail yourself of the safety service that the café provides.

Getting to the start of the walk is easy, there is a large car park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale which is only a hundred yards or so from the Pen-y-ghent Café. If you are travelling by train the Horton-in-Ribblesdale railway station is only a couple of hundred yards further away. This station is on the Leeds – Settle – Carlisle line and has a regular service.

To complete the Three Peaks Walk in under 12 hours, and to join the ‘Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club’ we would recommend a hearty breakfast before setting off bright and early for your days walking. The Royal Hotel offers bed and breakfast in the Yorkshire Dales and is only a short drive from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, making us an ideally located base for conquering the Three Peaks.

And what better way to appreciate Spring time in all its glory than on one of the fabulous walks in Kirkby Lonsdale?

It’s the perfect time to dust off your walking boots, explore the countryside as it greens up and treat yourself to a night away. You could even stay at The Royal Hotel for two nights and make it into a mini-break! Take a look at our Bedroom Tariff and our special Bubbly D,B&B for £123 offer.

The Royal Hotel stands at the very heart of the lake district town of Kirkby Lonsdale which means we’re perfectly located for many of the lakeland areas. Make The Royal Hotel a rest point on your walk and pop in for Afternoon Tea or something from our In Between Times… Menu.

Alternatively you could round off your day with dinner in our brasserie and a drink in our bar which is always well stocked with real ales, a necessary requisite after a hard days walking! You can take a look at our Brasserie Menu here. To book a table give us a call on 01524 271966.

Walkers are always welcome at The Royal Hotel!