From Victorian Pioneers to the 2026 Grand Départ: A Century of Cycling in the Lake District

For many, the Lake District is defined by the slow pace of a lakeside stroll or the steady rhythm of a fell-top hike. Yet, for over a century, a different kind of heartbeat has pulsed through these valleys: the rapid, rhythmic cadence of the cyclist.

​As we prepare for the momentous arrival of the Tour de France in 2026, we look back at the history that made our landscape a global cycling icon—and why Skelwith Fold remains the perfect base for your own two-wheeled adventure.

The Early Trailblazers: High-Wheelers and Hardstone Roads

​The history of cycling in the Lakes didn’t begin with carbon fibre and aerodynamic helmets; it began with iron, wood, and an extraordinary amount of courage.

• ​The Victorian Adventurer In the late 19th century, intrepid tourists began swapping horse-drawn carriages for ‘Ordinaries’ (the famous Penny Farthing). These Victorian pioneers were the first to realise that the roads between Ambleside and Langdale offered a sensory experience no carriage could match. Despite the rudimentary brakes and solid tyres, they paved the way for the “wheeling” tours that would soon dominate Lakeland tourism.
• ​The Rough Stuff Fellowship Connection Long before ‘gravel riding’ became a modern trend, the Rough Stuff Fellowship (the world’s oldest off-road cycling club) was founded with a deep love for the Lakeland fells. These riders believed that a bicycle was a tool to reach the most inaccessible places. They carried their heavy steel bikes over mountain passes and through bogs, establishing the Lake District as the ultimate “proving ground” for off-road exploration.

Legend of the Passes: The Rise of Competitive Cycling

​As road surfaces improved, the challenge shifted from survival to speed. The Lake District’s unique topography—specifically its incredibly steep glacial passes—became legendary in the cycling world.

• ​The Infamous Fred Whitton Challenge No discussion of Lakeland cycling history is complete without mentioning the legacy of the Fred Whitton. This gruelling 112-mile route takes in the ‘Big Six’ passes, including Hardknott and Wrynose. For decades, these roads have been the site of Herculean efforts, where the 30% gradients have forced even the strongest riders to their limits.
• ​A Landscape of National Champions The fells have long served as a natural stadium. From local hill-climb championships on Kirkstone Pass to the many times the Tour of Britain has swept through our valleys, the region has been a rite of passage for every British cycling great from Chris Boardman to the stars of today’s peloton.

The 2026 Grand Départ: History in the Making

​This year, the narrative of Lakeland cycling reaches its zenith. The 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ is not just a race; it is a homecoming for a sport that has lived in these hills for generations.

• ​The Peloton at Our Gates In a truly historic turn of events, the 2026 route will see the world’s elite riders pass virtually by the entrance gates of Skelwith Fold. To see the Maillot Jaune (the Yellow Jersey) against the backdrop of the Langdale Pikes is a moment that will be talked about for another hundred years.
• ​Why the Lakes? The organisers of the Tour chose this terrain for the same reason the Victorian pioneers did: there is no place on earth that combines such brutal physical challenge with such staggering aesthetic beauty. Our hills provide the drama that the world’s greatest race demands.

Cycling for Every Visitor: A Legacy of Accessibility

​While the history of the Lakes is steeped in challenge, its future is defined by accessibility. You do not need to be a professional athlete to enjoy the heritage of our landscape.

• ​From Rail to Trail The repurposing of old railway lines and the creation of the Westmorland Gazette’s historic cycle routes have created a network of safe, flat, and breathtakingly beautiful paths. These routes allow families to enjoy the same views that inspired the poets, without the need for elite climbing legs.
• ​The Modern E-Bike Revolution Perhaps the most significant development in our recent history is the E-bike. These have levelled the playing field, allowing visitors of all fitness levels to conquer the historic passes and explore further than ever before. At Skelwith Fold, we’ve seen a transformation in how our guests engage with the fells—making the “impossible” hills of the past a joyful afternoon ride.

Skelwith Fold: Your Base for Cycling’s Next Chapter

​As we look toward the summer of 2026, Skelwith Fold remains committed to providing a 5-star sanctuary for the modern cyclist.

​Our 130-acre woodland estate is located at the very heart of this cycling heritage. Whether you are looking for a secure base to store your road bike while you train for the passes, or you simply want a peaceful retreat after a casual family ride to a local pub, we offer the premium facilities you require.

Conclusion: Be a Part of the Story

​The history of cycling in the Lake District is still being written, and this year, you have the chance to be a part of it. Whether you are here to challenge yourself against the legendary gradients or to find a prime roadside spot to cheer on the Tour de France peloton, your journey starts here.

​The 2026 Grand Départ is fast approaching, and demand is unprecedented. Secure your 5-star stay at Skelwith Fold today and witness cycling history from your doorstep.