Mountain and road biking
Mountain bikers on a day out from Sunny Bank
Sunny Bank is a great starting point for all sorts of biking adventures.
The 14 mile circuit of the lake is an ideal easy run for road bikes, straight from the doorstep. The road on the eastern and southern shores of the lake is particularly pretty and the whole route is relatively flat (apart from the section from Sunny Bank up to Torver!).
Around Coniston village there are numerous old bridleways and newly-created cycle paths heading out in all directions.
More intrepid off-road enthusiasts should head to Grizedale Forest where there are dozens of purpose-made trails to suit all ages and abilities, from easy family-friendly routes to serious adrenaline-rush descents - definitely not for the fainthearted. Plus everything in between, including the delightful Hawkshead Moor trail with panoramic views back across Coniston Water to Sunny Bank.
Stunning panoramic views
Looking across to Sunny Bank from the edge of Grizedale
We can provide secure storage for your own precious bikes but you can also hire locally. Try:
The Coniston Boating Centre, by the lake shore in Coniston village - handy for exploring family-friendly local Coniston bike trails.
Lake District Bikes, at Lowick Green 5 miles south of Sunny Bank - good stock of all-terrain, road and electric bikes hireable by the day.
Grizedale Forest - a huge range and variety of bikes available from the hire shop at the Visitor Centre.
We advise you to book in advance, especially in peak season.
For more ideas about where to go, check out these sites:
https://www.golakes.co.uk/adventure-capital/cycling-lake-district.aspx
https://www.bikemaps.co.uk/lake-district-mtb/coniston-mountain-biking-map.htm
And for a really great but extreme day out why not attempt the 16 mile classic Walna Scar loop which starts just up the road in Torver, crosses over to the beautiful Duddon Valley and returns along the ancient Walna Scar road passing close by Coniston Old Man?