Lake District is one of the most scenic areas for motorcycle touring in the UK. The beautiful area has 16 beautiful lakes, many worth-seeing villages and towns, some of the UK’s highest mountains, and historical sites. Lake District motorcycle routes allow you to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Bonus adventure is your ride to Cumbria which will be another lovely adventure if you plan it right. The motorway, M6, that leads you into the Lake District is one of the most scenic roads in the UK. 

In this blog, we will help you plan your bike tour of the Lake District to get the most out of your trip. 

Top Motorcycle Routes in the Lake District

Check these routes off your list when you are in the Lake District. Most of these routes are basically mountain pass trips that let you witness awe-inspiring lakes and challenging roads. Triumphing these routes is sure to give you a profound sense of accomplishment and pleasant memories.

Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass

Top of the list for motorcycle routes Lake District is the route that goes through Hardknott and Wrynose mountain passes.

The Hardknott Pass is one of the UK's most challenging roads. The road is full of sharp hairpin turns. Another challenge is its 25-degree steepness and the width of a bridleway. 

The pass is 13 miles long between the towns of Boot and Ambleside. Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass pose a technical challenge with gradients up to 33%. A beginner rider will have a very hard time ascending these passes. The path tests both the rider and the motorcycle. 

The road passes through the heart of the Lake District with breathtaking mountain vistas, valleys, and landmarks like the Roman Hardknott fortress. If you are with a group, the experience will be even more heartfelt as difficulty builds camaraderie. 

Kirkstone Pass

Enjoy the third-highest pub in the UK at Kirkstone Pass. It is the highest pass in the Lake District connecting Ambleside with Patterdale and the Ullswater Valley. The pass offers breathtaking scenery and demanding roads. 

You get the same level of adventure without facing the anxiety of steep slopes, like that in Hardknott Pass. If you wish to face the steep climbing challenge here, take "The Struggle" ascent from Ambleside.

Honister Pass

Another beautiful pass in the Lake District, Honister Pass is a less demanding motorcycling route among Cumbria motorcycle tours.

The pass offers other adventure activities, like exploring the only active slate mine in the UK, walking the trails on the mountains and enjoying historical attractions near the pass. You can also enjoy adventure activities like Via Farreta. 

The roads are mostly smooth but offer some amazing scenery. The pass connects the Borrowdale and Bettermere valleys. 

Newlands Pass

Newlands Pass offers unique scenic beauty, a variety of road conditions to give you a wholesome experience, and access to other beautiful Lake District valleys. The enjoyable riding experience has challenges and a sense of accomplishment but generally, these challenges are easier than Hardknott or Honister passes. 

Newland Pass provides access to stunning landscapes and attractions like Moss Force waterfall. 

Whinlatter Pass

Newlands Pass is important for motorcycle riders due to its scenic beauty, varied road conditions, and function in linking significant Lake District valleys. It offers an enjoyable riding experience with a blend of challenges, typically less severe than Hardknott or Honister passes. 

As an adventure, Newlands Pass is appealing to motorcycle tourists, granting them access to breathtaking landscapes and features like Moss Force waterfall. Riding this pass allows adventurers to experience a classic Lake District mountain route and connect with other favored riding destinations. 

Its inclusion in various touring itineraries establishes it as a valuable component of exploring the region's demanding yet picturesque roads.

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The Lakeland Loop 

The Lakeland Loop is a renowned route in the Lake District offering motorcycle riders a challenging adventure through spectacular scenery. Incorporating demanding passes like Hardknott and Wrynose, it provides a significant test of riding skill amidst breathtaking mountain and lakeside views. 

This iconic loop is celebrated for its blend of technical roads and stunning landscapes, making it a prime destination for motorcycle tourists and adventurers seeking an unforgettable UK riding experience.

A686 Penrith to Alston

The A686 from Penrith to Alston is a highly acclaimed motorcycle road, often cited as one of the best in Britain. Its importance for riders lies in its engaging mix of sweeping curves and tighter sections as it crosses the stunning North Pennines and ascends to Hartside Summit, offering spectacular panoramic views. 

This makes it a fantastic adventure for motorcycle tourists and adventurers seeking exhilarating riding combined with breathtaking scenery and the charm of traversing England's highest market town, Alston.

Coniston Loop Drive

The Coniston loop drive in the Lake District is a top-notch motorcycling adventure. It’s about 100 miles of mixed A and B roads, with some narrow single tracks and passing places that keep the ride engaging without being too technical. The route starts and ends in Coniston, winding through quaint villages, rugged passes, and stunning lakeside roads.

You get to enjoy breathtaking views all day long, from Morecambe Bay to the dramatic Newlands Pass and Moss Force waterfall. The mix of fast country roads and twisty, scenic sections makes it a thrilling ride that demands focus and rewards with unforgettable scenery.

Stops for coffee, cake, and photos are part of the vibe, making it a full-day adventure that’s as much about soaking in the atmosphere as it is about the ride. The route’s variety and quiet roads make it a must-do for any Lake District biker looking for a memorable loop.

Other Tourist Attractions in the Lake District

The Lake District is home to numerous popular tourist destinations that are particularly appealing to motorcycle riders and adventurers. Towns like Keswick and Ambleside serve as excellent bases, offering accommodation, food, and a vibrant atmosphere, while also providing easy access to iconic riding roads and mountain passes. 

The stunning lakes themselves, such as Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater, are central to the Lake District's appeal, offering scenic rides along their shores and opportunities for boat trips or watersports for a break from riding.

Beyond the picturesque towns and lakes, destinations like the Honister Slate Mine provide a unique blend of history and adrenaline-fueled activities, accessible via challenging roads like Honister Pass. 

The dramatic landscapes surrounding fells such as Scafell Pike (England's highest mountain) and Helvellyn attract those seeking hiking and climbing adventures, often reached via exhilarating rides through the valleys and passes. 

These popular spots, with their mix of natural beauty, challenging access roads, and diverse activities, collectively form an adventure playground that is easily explored by motorcycle, making them highly important for touring riders seeking both thrilling journeys and memorable experiences.