Thirlmere Balcony Road – Thirlmere Dam and Reservoir loop from Legburthwaite

St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn

Thirlmere Balcony Road – Thirlmere Dam and Reservoir loop from Legburthwaite

Moderate

riders

Thirlmere Balcony Road – Thirlmere Dam and Reservoir loop from Legburthwaite

01:16

17.5km

280m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 2.50 km for 195 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

532 m

View of White House from Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

3.33 km

Waterfall in Lake District National Park

Highlight • Natural Monument

6.03 km

Waterfall Near Thirlmere, Lake District National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

6.03 km

Thirlmere Balcony Road

Highlight • Viewpoint

A beautiful quiet alternative to the busy A-road on the opposite side of the reservoir. Runs to the west of Thirlmere.

Tip by

14.6 km

Thirlmere Balcony Road

Highlight • Lake

the road on the eastern side of thirlmere is closed and may remain closed . a decision is expected in early 2024. so forget this ride

Tip by

16.6 km

Thirlmere Reservoir Dam Road

Highlight • Lake

Nice road but currently (04/22) the road to the western side of the reservoir is closed due to storm damage.

Tip by

16.7 km

Thirlmere Dam and Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Over a century ago, a large dam at the valley's northern end submerged two small lakes and a hamlet, forming Thirlmere Reservoir - a stunning spot for cycling.

Tip by

17.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.49 km

8.02 km

549 m

187 m

131 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.04 km

4.53 km

3.59 km

2.96 km

347 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 5 October

14°C

9°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

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Comments

October 20, 2024,Thirlmere loop- Winter-friendly gravel rides

A beautiful hard-packed gravel loop around Thirlmere Reservoir, this route offers an ideal blend of scenic views and accessible terrain.

Originally created to supply water to Manchester, Thirlmere has a fascinating history as an engineered lake, transformed from two smaller natural lakes in the late 19th century to meet urban demand.