The small but busy town of Penrith lies neatly between the Lake District and the Pennines. Out to the east of the town in the northern tip of the Pennines you will find some fantastic riding. Quiet roads take you way out into this grand landscape where there are many small villages and hidden gems to discover. This ride is a short loop which takes you north from Penrith, skirting along the edge of the hills towards the town of Brampton before heading south to the quaint village of Alston. From here climb up and over Gamblesby Fell past the Hartside Cafe before descending back down into Penrith.

Head north out of the town, up Beacon Hill and on towards Lazonby before dropping down into Great Salkeld. Crossing the Eden River, follow the road through the village of Castle Carrock and past the Ralking Tarn to Brampton Station. Cycling around the northern tip of Bruthwaite Forest and Tindale Fell, drop down from the hills through Slaggyford and then follow the river to Alston. From here you can join the A686 back towards Penrith, enjoying a fantastic descent from Hartside Cafe.

Start point: Penrith railway station
Grid reference: NY 51213 29894
Postcode: CA11 7JQ
Total distance: 98km
Total elevation: 1217m
Max elevation: 574m

To see a rough map of this route, click here.