In Tandem with Miss Potter

Duration 3 day/2 night
Accomodation Guest House or Small Hotel
Basis Bed and Breakfast
From £150 per person - Check Availability now!

Saddle up on our latest tandem for this special self-guided tour of the Lake District. Visit the former home of Beatrix Potter and the sights of the new film about her life.

Arrival - Day 1
We suggest you catch the train to Windermere where our cycle centre is located at the railway station, and your accommodation is a short walk away in the town at the heart of the Lake District.

At a time that suits you, simply make your way to the cycle centre to pick up your cycling equipment. We’re open from 09.00 to 17.00 every day. A Country Lanes rep will show you the secrets of riding a tandem and review the rules for safe cycling. He’ll also explain how to read our route sheets and and provide you with a set of maps for your self-guided tour.

If you arrive in good time there will be chance for a gentle afternoon of cycling to get used to the tandem before the tour starts in earnest on the next day.

Day 2 - 10 or 17 miles
You’ll start your Lake District break by ferrying across Lake Windermere and pedalling along the shore where you’ll get fabulous views of the lake and the surrounding fells. The route continues to the picturesque village of Hawkshead, an ideal place to stop for lunch and visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery Museum, which displays original illustrations from her famous storybooks. Then it’s on to Hill Top her home which is kept exactly as she left it by the National Trust.

Day 3 - 17 or 21 miles
Today you’ll explore the scenic area to the south of Windermere taking in Crosthwaite and Knipe Tarn. After a steep climb (walking is allowed!) you’re rewarded with panoramic views stretching as far as Yorkshire Dales National Park. Traffic-free bridleways and a glimpse of the sea in the distance provide a total escape. Challenge-seekers will enjoy the Strawberry Bank option with its up-valley climb and descent through woodland to a ford, with a footbridge for those not wanting to get their feet wet.

Return your biking equipment to the Country Lanes Cycle Centre and board the train for your onward journey.