Traveller's Guide to the South and Central Lakes

60 If you head south, towards the Cumbrian coast you will get to see a different side to the area. If you have your bikes with you why not try the Cartmel loop, starting from Fell Foot. This gives you the opportunity to ride into the lovely scenery of the Cartmel Peninsula. This circular on-road route takes in the historic village of Cartmel. A centre for local food and drink Cartmel is overflowing with artisan shops and has become known as the “home of sticky toffee pudding”, which can be purchased in the Cartmel Village Shop. The 13 mile (21km) ride gets a moderate grade but if you take your time it makes a great day out. You can download the Cycling around the Cartmel Peninsula leaflet from www.golakes.co.uk/ cycling or pick up a copy from your nearest information point. At the end of your day you will probably have earned yourself an afternoon tea. Treat yourself by popping into one of the local hotels and enjoying a little slice of luxury. Day Out 2 Explore Further Newby Bridge and nearby Lakeside nestle at the southern tip of Windermere and are a great base for exploring this part of the lakes. From here you can access an amazing range of activities. Clamber aboard one of the sightseeing cruises along Windermere. They’re an excellent way to soak up the views, explore and access traditional Lakeland destinations such as Bowness-on- Windermere and Ambleside. The main cruise leaves Lakeside daily throughout the year (except Christmas day) and takes three hours but you may hop on and off the vessel as you wish and explore England’s largest lake. Fell Foot & Lakeside Cumbrian coast Bike Hire Bike hire: Bike hire is available from Gill Cycles, Ulverston, Grizedale Mountain Bikes or The Activity Hub, Cartmel offers electric and standard bike hire. Contact: Gill Cycles: 01229 581116 Grizedale Mountain Bikes: 01229 860369 The Activity Hub, Cartmel. 0845 619 3456 Routes: Cycle around the Cartmel Peninsula exploring beautiful valleys, pretty towns and villages.