The wife suggested the lakes for a family getaway towards the end of April. Me, her and our almost 2 year old. Sounds good so far but having only ever passed through I have no idea where would be decent.

Any suggestions as to small town/village location. Ideally want a small cottage so we can put the nipper down and get some time to ourselves in the evening and yes we will be taking bikes. Nice easy flat stuff for the Mrs and kid and better stuff for me!

On a budget so the cheaper the better!

Any suggestions?

Anyone???

Flat biking + The Lakes = does not compute. Maybe somewhere out Cartmel way? But then you’re not really ‘in’ the Lakes proper.

I like Hawkshead and the area around Grizedale/Coniston so I’d be tempted to look around there. In fact there is a cycle track (flat) from Coniston northwards around the lake. Not sure where it goes though. Should be plenty of cottages to rent there… We stayed there last March the week after they’d had about 4ft of snow but the house slept about 10 people so maybe a bit OTT.

Keswick. The old railway track out of Keswick to Threlkeld will be ideal for a family ride. Goes alongside the river so nice bridges & countryside. If Daddy can get away by himself tons of choice, whinlatter, skiddaw & the bash with Helvellyn just down the road. There’s loads of pubs, restaurants and there’s a cinema for wet weather days as well. Gentle family walk? Catbells is a great one.

Was going to suggest that too. We have had some nice holidays in Keswick and the old railway line is perfect. Whinlatter blue might be ok too. Just up the road.
Around Hawkshead is also nice and there is a flat run down the west bank of Windermere.

Lowick Bridge/Blawith/Water Yeat or Coniston.

Quieter end of the lakes. Blawith common/subberthwaite area is a bit out i nthe sticks and quiet, it’s not pan flat though. Riding distance from Grizedale aswell (although you’d have a bit of a hill to climb to get into the forest really).

Beacon Tarn is a nice easy walk!

Keswick as above + it has a good wee swimming pool for wet days.
Borrowdale Bash, Whinlatter and Blencartha/Skiddaw to ride.
http://www.golakes.co.uk
Cottages

Keswick would be a good bet

+another one for Keswick. Good bike shops too… 😉

Any of the other, well known, decent sized villages/towns might offer general touristy amenities but you’ll struggle to find suitable riding for missus/nipper without a drive first.

Not sure about Keswick, but i guess it will have something similar, but Ambleside’s got a kids’ soft play and a cinema for the rainy days. And decent bike shops too – obviously Bike Treks but also, new in town, is Push, just off North Road, if you like a bit of Rapha-esque roadie porn…

jekkyl – Member

Keswick. The old railway track out of Keswick to Threlkeld will be ideal for a family ride. Goes alongside the river so nice bridges & countryside. If Daddy can get away by himself tons of choice, whinlatter, skiddaw & the bash with Helvellyn just down the road. There’s loads of pubs, restaurants and there’s a cinema for wet weather days as well. Gentle family walk? Catbells is a great one.
Gets my vote. Daddy can always loop up and around Threlkeld, Blencathra, Latrigg and see if he can be the missus and wee one back 😀

Some lovely riding round Cartmel way. Good food lots to see.

Coniston and Grizedale is 30mins away.

Its the home of the LesGrandePotato and he approves.

Thanks for all the advice people. Have managed to convince her indoors that the lakes will be great for us all not just me!

Are any of you STWers from keswick or surrounds? Have seen a place which is on the Penrith road backing onto the river Greta. Just wanted to ask if anyone would know how busy the penrith road is. The house is set quite far back and we are from the busy south east so not used to silence but would rather not stay somewhere that had traffic jams out the door all day.

it’s the main through road but not that busy, wait until a real local comes along though I’ve been gone for a couple of years. Pop your lights in and join the Tuesday night bunch if you want some good riding 🙂