About this trip.
Hardknott Pass climbs at a 33 per cent gradient at its steepest, and three days of cycling won't change that. Pedal Nation's Lakeland Passes tour takes the route of the Fred Whitton — probably the UK's most famous sportive, and certainly its most punishing — and splits it across three days rather than one, with a North Pennines and Eden Valley loop bolted on for a gentler opening.
The Fred Whitton, split over three days
The classic Fred Whitton crosses every major Lake District pass in a single day. This version extends it into a longer arc starting and ending in Penrith. Day one warms the legs in the Eden Valley and the North Pennines AONB — quieter, more rolling country, with climbs that don't bite as hard. Days two and three then tackle the six big passes properly, with a small westward detour to the Cumbrian coast breaking up the worst of it. The guides — Lucy Burnett, who lives in Cockermouth, and on some departures Jago Parfitt — know the area well enough to swap in lower-level routes if conditions on a pass turn risky. That matters in late March, when the early-season tour goes out and weather is genuinely unpredictable.
Six passes and the West Cumbrian detour
Hardknott is the one with the reputation, but Kirkstone is the highest point of the whole route. The descent through the Newlands Valley is one of those Lake District stretches that justifies the climbing that came before it. Buttermere Lake — Pedal Nation reckon it's the prettiest in the National Park, and that's not an outrageous claim — sits on the route, and the closing miles run along Ullswater back into Penrith, where the train station makes for a clean exit. The total is roughly 200 miles over three days. The operator is upfront that pushing on the steepest sections is fine if your legs give out; this is a guided tour rather than a race, and the support van carries gels, bars and water refills for anyone running low.
Bikes, beds and the train home
You drop your bike at the Sheffield office in the days before the tour and the team shuttle it to Penrith for you. Accommodation is twin-share B&B in hotels and good-quality guesthouses; the group is kept in the same place where possible, though not always. The single supplement is £150 on top of the £795 base price. Breakfasts are at the hotel, lunches are pack-ups put together from local bakeries — sandwiches, pasties, that sort of thing, with cafés as a wet-weather fallback — and evenings are your own to find dinner, usually eaten communally if you fancy it. Three departures are listed: late March 2026 (now closed), 17–20 September 2026, and 9–12 June 2027. Insurance for the bike during transit is on you. Age grade 6 — which is to say, this is a hard tour, even spread over three days.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
