Welcome to the second installment of GravelEndurance’s UK Komoot Route Series. Following our first article on Scottish gravel cycling routes, this guide explores North West England, with six hand‑picked Komoot routes organised into 2 Easy, 2 Moderate, and 2 Hard. From gentle reservoir loops in the Forest of Bowland to classic Lake District explorations, these routes provide a mix of distance, terrain and challenge to suit riders of all abilities. Stay tuned for future regional guides: North East England, East Anglia & the Midlands, South West England, and Wales.
About Komoot.
Komoot is a GPS‑based route planning and navigation platform. You can discover, preview, save and download GPX files for offline navigation — ideal when exploring rural and upland terrain with limited mobile signal. Routes below link to Komoot so riders can save or export them directly.
EASY RIDES — Intro Loops & Scenery
1) Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest Loop — Forest of Bowland
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1655395996/stocks-reservoir-and-gisburn-forest-loop-forest-of-bowland
Distance: ~10.8 km | Elevation: ~140 m | Estimated Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: Easy
This easy loop around Stocks Reservoir in the Forest of Bowland provides a pleasant mix of reservoir views and forest tracks. Suitable for beginners or a relaxed recreational ride.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Stocks Reservoir car park (near Stephen Park)
- Train: Nearest main rail: Clitheroe (requires cycle transfer)
- Amenities: Local pub/café options in nearby Slaidburn
2) Drinkwater Park Gravel Trails – Outwood Trail loop from Radcliffe
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/30512921
Distance: ~12 km | Elevation: ~100 m | Estimated Time: ~50 min | Difficulty: Easy
Gentle mixed‑surface trails through Drinkwater Park and surrounding woodland near Radcliffe. Ideal for a quick spin or beginner-friendly gravel outing with scenic parkland views.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Drinkwater Park car parks
- Train: Radcliffe station → cycle to start (~2 km)
- Amenities: Local café, public toilets, small shops
MODERATE ROUTES — Half‑Day Classics
3) Sizergh Castle Loop from Kendal — Lake District National Park
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1652708049/sizergh-castle-loop-from-kendal-lake-district-national-park
Distance: ~27 km | Elevation: ~220 m | Estimated Time: ~2 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
A scenic gravel ride near Kendal, looping around historic Sizergh Castle and surrounding countryside. Combines quiet lanes and gravel tracks — perfect for a half-day exploration.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: National Trust car park at Sizergh Castle
- Train: Kendal station + short cycle to start
- Amenities: Café and shop at Sizergh Castle; pubs in Kendal
4) Derwent Water Loop from Keswick — Lake District National Park
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e981851029/derwent-water-loop-from-keswick-lake-district-national-park
Distance: ~17.3 km (~10.7 mi) | Elevation: ~260 m | Estimated Time: ~4 h 45 min
Difficulty: Moderate
This classic Lake District gravel loop circumnavigates Derwent Water, a shimmering lake just a short ride from Keswick town centre. The ride offers a gently rolling profile with mixed surfaces.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Lakeside and town-centre car parks in Keswick.
- Train: Rail access via Penrith.
- Amenities: A wide range of cafés, pubs and shops.
HARD EPICS — Long Days & Big Landscapes
5) Garburn Pass Loop from Staveley
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1645943367/garburn-pass-loop-from-staveley
Distance: ~23.2 km (~14.4 mi) | Elevation: ~480 m (~1,575 ft) | Estimated Time: ~2 h 6 min
Difficulty: Hard
A classic Lakeland gravel ride with panoramic views and a mix of lanes, tracks and bridleways, the Garburn Pass Loop starts and finishes in Staveley and climbs across the iconic Garburn Pass.
Why ride it: A true Lake District classic — sustained climbs, gravel passes and scenic descents that appeal to experienced gravel riders.
- Parking: Park in Staveley Mill Yard.
- Train: Rail access via Kendal station with a short cycle to Staveley.
- Amenities: Staveley has cafés, pubs and local shops ideal for pre- or post-ride stops.
6) Coniston, Great Langdale & Windermere Loop — Lake District National Park
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1654711863/coniston-great-langdale-windermere-loop-lake-district-national-park
Distance: ~61.9 km | Elevation: ~900 m | Estimated Time: ~5 hrs | Difficulty: Hard
An iconic Lake District gravel route linking Coniston Water, Great Langdale, and Windermere, combining unpaved tracks, quiet roads, and upland climbs. Full-day challenge for experienced riders.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Coniston village car parks or Kendal
- Train: Kendal station + cycle
- Amenities: Pubs, cafés, and services in Coniston and surrounding villages
Travel & Logistics
Train Access: Kendal, Clitheroe, Windermere
Car Parking: Stocks Reservoir, National Trust at Sizergh Castle, village car parks in Heversham and Coniston
Local Amenities: Cafés, pubs, visitor centres; limited services on longer, remote sections
Ride Planning Tips: Download routes offline via Komoot; 35–45 mm tyres recommended; expect variable NW England weather
Continue the Series
Next up in the series: North East England, with six Komoot routes across North Yorkshire, County Durham, Teesside, and Northumberland. Keep following the series for Easy, Moderate, and Hard rides across the UK.
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