9 Lakes central section

he first part of this ride takes you all the way around Derwentwater and may be omitted if you wish to cut down on mileage. From your accommodation you will make for Lingholm and follow the road through to Grange in Borrowdale. On this stretch, the views across Derwentwater and down towards Borrowdale itself are probably the most beautiful in the Lake District. After Grange, with its many tea shops, you will cross the River Derwent and turn left at the T-junction. This is the B5289 and although it is a narrow lakeside road, it can get quite busy at times, so be careful on this stretch.

n Keswick, make for the Moot Hall (town hall) which is in the market square. Leave Keswick by Station Street and then turn right onto the main A591 (Penrith Road) which runs alongside the River Greta. After approximately 1 mile, the main road forks: take the left fork and then fork again immediately right, signposted to Castlerigg Stone Circle. From here there is a panoramic view of Skiddaw and Blencathra. This is a hard climb from Keswick but is rewarded by a delightful meandering ride on quiet roads to St. John's in the Vale.

rom here, ride down to St. John's Beck bridge and on to the B5322, where you turn right and make for Thirlmere along route 5. Cross over the A591 (or turn left for a short detour to the Kings Head at Thirlspot if you are in need of refreshment) and continue along a quiet by-road on the west side of Thirlmere. This is a delightful, easy stretch with the lake on your left and craggy fells and forest to the right.

ust before you reach the main road (A591) again, there is a cluster of buildings to you right. Pass the front of the bungalow and then turn right into a bridleway at a sign for West Head Farm. This track is rough and stony and can be muddy in parts and should really be walked - it takes about 20 minutes. However, it does save you from having to negotiate a stretch of very fast, narrow dangerous main road. Leave the main road at Town Head and continue on Route 5 into Grasmere Village. Turn left at Town Head for the route into Ambleside (and to take in the Wordsworth Museum) but note that again this is a narrow main road, often with heavy traffic. Turn right at Town Head for a longer ride using Route 6 round the back of Grasmere. joining Route 6a via the small road alongside Loughrigg Fell and picking up Route 6 again at Clappersgate to bring you into Ambleside.