Cycling Through Grizedale Forest to Hawkshead

There’s something special about exploring the quieter corners of the Lake District by bike, and this ride through Grizedale Forest, Satterthwaite and Hawkshead turned out to be a fantastic way to experience the landscape of South Cumbria.

The ride begins deep within Grizedale Forest, surrounded by woodland and the rolling Lakeland countryside. From here, I head south towards Force, following a route that combines peaceful roads, forest surroundings and some rewarding climbs.

After travelling south, the route turns back north along the opposite side of the valley. This section provides a completely different perspective of the surrounding landscape, with beautiful countryside views and plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy being out on the bike.

Through Satterthwaite and Back into Grizedale

Continuing north, the ride passes through the peaceful village of Satterthwaite, tucked away close to Grizedale Forest.

It’s exactly the kind of place that makes cycling in this part of the Lake District so enjoyable. Away from the busier tourist routes, the quiet roads and rural surroundings allow you to experience a more peaceful side of Cumbria.

From Satterthwaite, I make my way back through the heart of Grizedale, surrounded once again by woodland and classic Lakeland scenery.

The changing terrain keeps the ride interesting throughout. There are climbs to tackle, flowing sections to enjoy and plenty of moments where the views make you want to stop and take everything in.

Finishing the Ride in Hawkshead

The final part of the journey takes me towards Hawkshead, where this Lake District cycling adventure comes to an end.

Finishing in such a historic Lakeland village feels like the perfect conclusion to a ride that has taken me through forests, countryside and some wonderfully quiet parts of the southern Lake District.

The Route

Grizedale Forest → Force → Satterthwaite → Grizedale → Hawkshead

This is a brilliant route for anyone who enjoys scenic cycling, woodland landscapes and exploring the Lake District away from some of its busiest locations.

Whether you’re planning your own Lake District cycling trip, looking for cycling routes around Grizedale Forest and Hawkshead, or simply enjoy discovering new parts of Cumbria on two wheels, this ride offers a great mixture of scenery, countryside and adventure.

For me, rides like this are what exploring the Lake District by bike is all about. You don’t always need the most famous road or destination — sometimes the best experiences come from following the quieter routes, tackling the next climb and seeing where the journey takes you.