| 1. Cockermouth - follow Lorton Road, and turn left at signs for Keswick/Whinlatter. Over Whinlatter Pass, and into Braithwaite. There is a cycle path alongside the A66 to get to Keswick without using the main road. Keep ahead at mini roundabout in Keswick and follow signs for Winderemere/Ambleside. A591. Follow the road, along bendy dual carriageway and turn left after the end of the dual carriageway into St John's in the Vale/ Threlkeld direction.
Some miles along this undulating road, there is a sign to the left saying St John's in the vale Church and Youth centre on the left and Coast to Coast cycle route (think it's no.72). Turn left here. Road bears left, ignoring sign pointing left to the church. at T junction go left follwing signs to Burns. Join A66 briefly and take fist left into Keswick. Retrace route to Braithwaite, then follow signs to Thornthwaite on a road parallel to A66. When the joins the A66, there is a short piece of initially dual carriageway, narrowing to one lane. when you come out of this onto two way road, there is a short distance to go to be able to turn right off the A66. Follow this round and at T junction turn left, heading to Embleton. Follow this into Cockermouth and you will get back to Market Place |
4play cycles Cockermouth
Keswick Bikes.
Scenic route, although few places on main road but not for long, and at w/e's those bits are not too busy.
great views of Thirlemere, and also heading north up St John's in the vale, great views of Blencathra. Other views of Skiddaw, Ullock Pike and Dodd wood.
Plenty of food places in Cockermouth and Keswick, but a better stop is in farm/tea/camping barn on your left as you go through St John's in the vale. Great tea and cheap cake - family owned side line to the farm. Also at present open all year, with an honesty box system if the owners are not in (more likely winter) - kettle fridge and tub cakes etc left out so help yourself and money into the box on the wall.
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