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 Kendal
is an ideal base for a cycling holiday. The town itself is fortunate
to have the Canal Cycle Path, a flat, joint cyclist and pedestrian
route that runs alongside the long-since disused canal, as well
as a stretch that runs alongside the River Kent. Cycle racks can
also be found at various locations in town.
The Kendal and
District Cycle Scene continues to work with the district and
county councils to develop Kendal's cycle routes still further.
Their website details a number of routes for cyclists wanting to
get a little further afield to places such as Longsleddale, Patton
Bridge, the Howgills, Docker, Mealbank, Grayrigg, Orton and Killington.
The South
Lakes Group of the Rough Stuff Fellowship also enjoys semi-regular
outings in small groups and welcomes cyclists of all abilities.
Also look up the Wheely
Good Communities, a local community project designed to get
people on their bikes, offer assistance and to generally encourage
beginners to feel more confident. They've mapped over a dozen easy
rides in the local area. Their 'Yealands Sticky Bun Club' runs every
other week on Sunday afternoons and gets groups of ladies together
on their bikes, taking in a cake and coffee at a café en
route. If you're looking for something more serious or competitive,
there's the Kent
Valley Road Club and Mint
Cake MTB, each catering for more serious road cyclists and mountain
bikers respectively, and each with a full programme of events.
If instead you prefer to just do your own thing, you'll find a wealth
of cycling available in the area - be it road cycling or mountain
biking - whether it be in the Lake District (look at what's available
at
Grizedale in particular), the Yorkshire Dales or the North York
Moors. There's so much out there that we couldn't possibly document
it here but rest assured that the opportunities are endless. Just
watch the following video if you could do with a little motivation!
With regards to specialist cycling shops, there are several in the
town and just outside that should cater for your needs, whether
you're looking to hire a mountain bike or buy a new racer, or whether
you simply need some assistance with a repair.
Kendal is also a great base for anyone visiting the area who enjoys
participating in cycling events. Not only has the town hosted stage
finishes for the Tour of Britain, but it also serves as a convenient
location for participants and spectators of the following great
events.
Look out also for the Kendal Mountain
Festival Bike Night which forms part of the Kendal Mountain Film
Festival.
As far as your accommodation is concerned, there is a cycle rack
where you can chain your bike up in the secure car park at the base
of the apartment building. A keycard is required to access this
car park.
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