Ambleside Lakes Loop

The Ambleside Lakes Loop
Punchy climbs balanced by flowing lakeside roads.

The Ambleside Lakes Loop is a compact but rewarding one‑day ride designed for cyclists staying in or around Ambleside who want to experience a classic Lake District route without committing to a full weekend or long-distance challenge.

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This guided day ride links together the shores of Coniston Water and Windermere, combining short, punchy climbs with long stretches of flowing lakeside road. It’s a proper Lake District ride — scenic, varied, and satisfying — but achievable in a single day.

The Ride

Two iconic lakes, one beautifully balanced loop​

Route: An out and back loop from Ambleside

Distance: 53km

Elevation: 1000m

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Leaving Ambleside, we head south on quieter roads, quickly escaping the busier centre and settling into a steady rhythm.  We tick off a large part of the climbing at the beginning, whilst on fresh legs, before descending back down to, and along the length of, Coniston Water - offering some of the most enjoyable and peaceful riding in the southern Lakes.  There is a lovely cafe stop too, to really soak in the views.

From here, the loop continues south, picking up the River Leven and onto Newby Bridge.  A great pub lunch stop as a reward for passing half way before we pick up Windermere and the flowing roads and open views along side it. The ride picks up Esthwaite Water and a few classic Lake District villages before finishing back in Ambleside, completing a satisfying circuit that showcases two of the Lake District’s most iconic lakes.