More people than ever are taking to two wheels in the Lake District. And there’s nothing a cyclist likes better than a good pot of tea and a substantial piece of cake.
We’ve been welcoming cyclists here at Mathilde’s ever since we opened the café, and now as we look ahead to a busy summer in Grasmere, we’ll be saying hello to old friends and new.
Grasmere is a perfect hub for cyclists. If you want to potter about on the quieter roads you can head over the hill to Elterwater, to Skelwith Bridge or to Great Langdale. And of course, from there, head further onto bigger challenges.
Or if you want to head off road, there are wonderful mountain bike routes from our village. Our favourite has to be the circuit of Loughrigg, described lovingly by the experts at https://pedalnorth.com/grasmere-and-loughrigg/. They say that this is a great introduction to mountain biking in the Lakes, a route of 20 miles with 3150 feet of ascent.
To many cyclists, though, the ultimate challenge is the Fred Whitton cycling sportive which this year will be staged in September – starting and finishing right here in Grasmere. This 113 mile route takes in the passes of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hard Knott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn. Oh, and the 30% gradient of Hard Knott comes at the 94 mile point. https://www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk/route/
We will be here to welcome riders and spectators, but we’re open all year round, and have great facilities for cyclists. There are racks where you can safely leave your bike, in view of our glass-fronted café, or you can sit outside on the terrace or in the garden where we have new picnic tables.
We know you like a good pot of tea or coffee, and perhaps a bacon sandwich, though we always have vegetarian options, and gluten-free offerings from our amazing range of home-made cakes. And yes, of course, we will refill your water bottle before you continue on your adventure.
So call in for a break on your journey; we’re doing take-aways with garden seating at the moment, and then from May 17 the café itself will be open with indoor seating. We look forward to seeing you here!
