You are reading a single comment by @cagimaha and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@cagimaha
I'm up for a N.Yorks trip and a minibus would give us much more flexibility especially with the 4 bike limit on Virgin train. If we do stick to trains and there's any interest in the Lakes though I've had a quick stab at a couple of routes. Trains to Oxenholme are direct from Euston and take 2h51. An advance return is around £60 before any railcard/groupsave discounts.
Suggestion 1: https://www.komoot.com/tour/93413832?ref=wtd
Both routes include Kirkstone Pass, Grasmere (gingerbread) and the cable chain ferry across Windermere. Highlights on this one are Aira Force waterfall, Thirlmere and Dunmail Raise, downsides are a few short sections on A-roads (3 miles the longest) and if the weather is bad there's longer sections that are very exposed and would be bleak as fuck.
Suggestion 2: https://www.komoot.com/tour/93480683/zoom
Highlights are descending 'the Struggle', the east side of Coniston and Grizedale Forest. Downsides are descending 'the Struggle' and though it's a much less exposed route it's still going to be grim if the weather is shit.
I aimed for similar overall length/climbing to the Peaks route however both the above routes only have one really long climb. I've also tried to avoid the ridiculous gradients that are about, there's one climb (Red Bank, after Grasmere) on both routes which may need a short walk but I think would be doable given dry roads and enough commitment. That said if people do fancy some more serious climbing there are plenty of options.