Motorbike Tour in the Lake District: By Accident

The Lake District — a place known for its rugged mountains, stunning views, and iconic hikes. But for Two Idiots on A Bike, our adventure took a slight detour that turned into one of the most memorable rides of our journey.

Our plan was simple: ride to the Lake District on our motorbike, stay overnight, and conquer the Fairfield Horseshoe Walk — one of the most popular hikes in the region. All our motorcycle gear was packed, and we’d even left it with the reception at the hotel the night before for an early start. We were feeling pretty organised and excited to take on the challenge.

From Hiking Boots to Motorbike Boots: A Lake District Switch

The next morning, we got up early, dressed in our hiking gear, and were ready to go. It wasn’t until Deon attempted to put on his hiking boots that the realisation hit. They were two sizes too small. It turns out, I’d packed the wrong boots — Deon’s son’s boots, to be exact! Not quite the ideal fit for a seven-hour hike up Fairfield Horseshoe. After a brief moment of panic and disbelief, we decided to adjust our plans.

Not one to let a hiking boot mishap ruin the day, we came up with a better idea: let’s tackle some of the most iconic Lake District passes by motorbike instead!

Lake District Passes by Motorbike: An Unforgettable Ride

With the Fairfield Horseshoe Walk off the table, we decided

to ride the Lake District’s stunning mountain passes on our motorbike. We strapped on our gear, packed up the bike, and set off on an adventure that was just as breathtaking — and much less painful for Deon’s feet.

Here are the 7 incredible passes we explored:

1. Wrynose Pass – Known for its steep climbs and sharp twists, Wrynose Pass offers incredible views and a thrilling ride.

2. Hardknott Pass – The steepest pass in England, Hardknott was a true test of motorbike skills, testing Deon's skill and my nerve!

3. Cold Fell – Offering wide, open roads with rolling hills, Cold Fell gave us a more relaxed stretch after the intensity of Hardknott.

4. Whinlatter Pass – The Lake District's highest pass, Whinlatter is surrounded by dense forest and features some of the most scenic views we encountered on the ride.

5. Newlands Pass – Winding its way through the valley, Newlands is a hidden gem, offering an exhilarating ride with panoramic views of the surrounding lakes.

6. Honnister Pass – A breathtaking and dramatic route, Honnister is famous for its vertical slopes and its proximity to Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.

7. Kirkstone Pass – The last pass of our adventure, Kirkstone offered a fitting end to our journey with a spectacular view of Lake Windermere.

Motorbike Gear and Unexpected Adventures

While we missed out on the hike, we had a blast riding through the Lake District. Each pass had its unique charm and challenge, from the steep gradients of Hardknott Pass to the incredible views that seemed to stretch for miles.

Lessons Learned: Always Check Your Gear

If there’s one lesson we learned from this adventure, it’s the importance of checking your gear twice — especially when it comes to motorcycle boots and hiking boots! While we may not have done the Fairfield Horseshoe Walk, we definitely ticked off some of the best motorbike routes in the Lake District. Sometimes, even the best-laid plans need a little detour to become something unforgettable.

We have since managed to do the Fairfield Horseshoe Walk - with the right boots!