Cartmel circular cycle ride

The route starts at the Hamlet of Newton-in-Cartmel. There is limited parking outside the village hall. Alternatively there are a number of laybys on the roads leading out on the Hamlet.

The road out of Newton starts with a fairly steep climb and continues to Witherslack with a few steep accents and descents. There as some nice views from the higher points on the route.

Witherslack is a small village situated four miles west of Levens Bridge. It has some amenities, a store, a post office and a village hall.
Watch out for the Scare Crow Festival!

There is a subway out of Witherslack which avoids having to cross the busy A590

The roads from Witherslack to Grange over Sands are nice and flat and very quiet.

Grange-over-Sands was once a tiny fishing hamlet at the crossing of the sands of Morecambe Bay, the coming of the railway made Grange into a popular holiday resort. Its historic buildings in the beautiful local limestone are now part of the town's character.

There is the most amazing view point on the sumit of Hampsfell, offering views as far and wide as The Isle of Man and Blackpool Tower, the Yorkshire Dales and Lakeland Fells.

The historic unspoilt village of Cartmel is situated in a quiet valley in one of England’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty.

Offering stunning views of the South Lakeland District fells and countryside. Cartmel has grown up around its famous 12th Century medieval Priory of St Mary & St Michael.

Founded as a priory for 'the regular canons of St. Augustine', this church has been a focus for Christian worship for more than 800 years. It continues to serve as a centre for the local community and for the 60,000 pilgrims and tourists who visit us each year.

There are many features of special interest, both outside and inside the church: the unique square belfry tower constructed diagonally across the original lantern tower; the remnants of stained glass in the great east window and the seats and benches of the choir stalls, all from the early 15th century; the Piper Choir with its early English pointed arch and groined roof; the Town Choir which is dedicated to St Michael and was set aside by the canons for the lay people of Cartmel; the wonderful sculptures by Josefina de Vasconcellos.

It is a special place where ancient history and tradition mingle effortlessly with the present day.