QUEEN STAGE: LAKE DISTRICT
Overview
The Lake District is the home of climbing in the UK and this epic stage takes in a mix of the classic climbs (Wrynose, Hardknott, The Struggle) and some beautiful back roads in one of the country's most stunning regions.
Starting in Coniston, this Queen's Stage takes in a 100km loop to the West and an 80km loop to the East passing mountains, lakes, the coast & sweeping countryside. An absolute classic one day ride 👊
- One of the toughest routes in Britain
- Bucket list UK climbs including Hardknott, Wrynose & The Struggle
- Camping available in Coniston for a brilliant cycling weekend in the glorious Lake District
Included in Entry
Route Details
Long Route
One of the toughest one day road ride routes in the UK and a route as hard as anything you could ride in the Alps or Pyrenees.
Starting in Coniston, we head South West towards the coast and then to our first big climb of the day - the 7km ascent up Comey Fell Road. It's mostly up & down all the way to Windermere.
First we have a (relatively) gentle 5km up Birker Fell and then we are onto the big two - Hardknott & Wyrnose, two bucket list climbs with super steep sections but glorious views!
After a descent to Coniston, we then head out on loop two with a classic climb to start up The Struggle. From here, the last 60km is the easiest part of the route with long descents & lakeside riding except for a final 3km punchy climb at Bowland Bridge.
Medium route
The medium route is the first loop of the stage and it packs a whole lot of climbing into 100km including a 5km & 7km ascent before Hardnott & Wrynose.
This is a perfect option for anyone wanting to take on some of the bucket list climbs in the UK with amazing scenery without any time pressures.
Key Climbs
Comey Fell Road
A very long climb by UK standards - 6.7km with nearly 400m of climbing puts this more like a medium size Alpine ascent than the short, sharp climbs we are used to.
It's very much a climb to find your rhythm as you're going to be on it for a good while. There are a few distinct sections to this - a tough start then a long flat before the steeper second climb 3km in - the second part of the climb is much tougher with constant 8% gradients and some steeper pitcjes thrown in.
Birker Fell
A wild and beautiful climb on the way to Hardknott Pass.
The first 500m is tough with lots of 10% plus pitches but it smoothens out for a long, steady ascent with glorious views in all directions.
Hardknott Pass
In a very short list for one of the hardest climbs in Europe.
Hardknott is THE climb in England with a heady mix of vicious gradients and length so you can't just go full power to the top. It's hard the whole way up so do you're training and prepare for 15-45 mins of pain!
Wrynose Pass
The good news - this climb is a lot shorter than anything you've done on the Lakes ride so far and other than a few hundred meters of steep stuff, it's a fairly steady 7 to 10%.
The bad news - you will still be in the red from Hardknott and the weather can be anything up here.
Take some pics from the summit as it is so beautiful but you won't see much of it while chewing your stem on the climb.
The Struggle
Our biggest elevation gain in the Lake District and one of the classic climbs in the area.
The Struggle starts from just outside Ambleside and heads up for nearly 5km with delightful views of the valley.
There is a flatter 1km half way on the climb but that just means the gradient for the rest of it are steeper. Another to enjoy from the summit.
Gummers How
This is a tough climb at the best of times but 140km into a monster ride is not the best of times.
Gummers How from Bowland Bridge is steady and never really levels out until the top. The climb is in the trees or surrounded by high hedges so there's nothing to distract you until you reach the summit.
Event Program
Off the bike
The Lake District needs no introduction as a paradise for hikers, wild swimmers and cyclists of all types.
This ride is based in Coniston and there is camping available on Friday & Saturday night. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in the area:
- A great hike up The Old Man of Coniston (starts near the ride village)
- Take in some culture by visiting Wordsworth's house
- For mountain bikers. Whinlatter and Grizedale forests are packed with brilliant trails
- For gravel riders, join the Glorious Gravel's Lake District Epic on Saturday
Checklist for the ride
Make sure you bring the following essentials:
- We recommend getting your bike checked or serviced a couple of weeks before the ride.
- We will send out a tyre guide from Michelin so you know how to setup for the route.
- Our rides go into remote areas so ensure you are self-sufficient with tools / spares for basic roadside repairs & layers if you are stuck by the side of the road
- A personal medical kit including foil blanket is recommended
- Even though the route is fully marked, we ask all riders to have the GPX (we send these out a few days before the ride) on your bike GPS.
- This is not a race so come to enjoy the journey and the company of your fellow riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food is Served at the Feed Stops
At all feed stops you will find bananas, waffles, g/f options, gels, bars & water. At most feeds you will also find tea & coffee. At the main (lunch) feed stop, we also have sandwiches & crisps with options for g/f and vegans.
Is There a Minumum Age
No but anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What Happens if I Can't Make the Ride After I've Booked?
Let us know within one week of the ride and we can transfer your entry to any other 2026 ride.
Where Does the Ride Start / Finish?
This ride starts & finishes at John Ruskin School in Coniston. There is camping, toilets & food onsite.
Are E-Bikes Allowed?
Yes, our events are open to E-Bikes. provided they are allowed in the UK. Time trial bars are not allowed.
Is There a Cut Off Time
The ride starts at 8am and you need to be back at the finish for 7pm so you need to be able to avg at least 16km/h
