Lakes & Dales Loop Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The Lakes & Dales Loop is a 315.8 km circuit through the “Lakes” and “Dales” regions. The notes available suggest it deliberately stays away from the big tourist centres and sticks to quiet country lanes instead. This isn’t a river route and it isn’t a border trail – it’s its own loop with a lot of climbing (5.066 m total).
The Lakes & Dales Loop is a 315.8 km circular route. You start and finish in the same place; it’s designed as a loop and you can squeeze it into 2–4 days if you don’t mind big days in the saddle. What makes it stand out is the mix of quiet rural roads and a deliberate focus on solitude rather than hotspots. Based on the available info, you’re looking at 5.066 metres of climbing over the full circuit – that shapes the ride more than the distance does, and it makes the route noticeably tougher than a classic riverside cycle path. It’s best suited to fit touring riders, bikepackers and e-bikers who don’t shy away from climbs; for families and beginners it only really works as shorter sections, or if you’ve got plenty of time. Planning the trip yourself? Then this loop is ideal, because you can work from a GPX/map and set your daily targets flexibly depending on how you feel and what the weather’s doing.
Route Profile
| Distance | 316 km |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | unknown |
| Suitable For | Experienced cyclists, Athletes, E-bike, Recreational cyclists |
| Surface | Mixed |
Lakes & Dales Loop Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Lakes & Dales Loop
The strongest “section”, based on what’s available, is really the overall profile: 5.066 metres of climbing over 315.8 km. If you’re shortening the route for time, prioritise the hillier Dales sections over the flatter linking bits – that’s where the loop’s character lives. Highlight: the appeal isn’t one specific photo-spot stretch of road, but the combo of quiet lanes and a constant rolling profile that keeps coming at you all the way round.
Highlights on the Lakes & Dales Loop
- Loop logic: start and finish in the same place, which makes travel and return logistics simple.
- 315.8 km total distance – manageable as a 2–4 day loop according to the FAQ notes, without being locked into set stages.
- 5.066 m of climbing in total: the climbs are the key factor for pacing, timing and gear choice.
- A focus on quiet country lanes instead of big hotspots – good if you want to avoid traffic.
Accommodations on the Lakes & Dales Loop
Along the Lakes & Dales Loop you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Lakes & Dales Loop there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Lakes & Dales Loop Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
The Lakes & Dales Loop scores with clear loop planning, quiet country roads, and a properly sporty profile (5.066 m of climbing over 315.8 km). For plenty of riders, that’s also the downside: without fitness or e-assist, the loop can feel like a grind fast, and there aren’t fixed stage details to lean on. If you like planning your own days with a GPX and you don’t mind climbing, you’ll get an honest DIY tour.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.