Luxury camping pods at heart of Lake District cycle tour

Cyclists can now tour the Lake District's best-loved highlights on a four-day camping pod break - with a breathtaking new vista promised every morning.

The itinerary, which covers just under 70 miles of scenic grandeur, has been put together by three of Cumbria's most highly acclaimed holiday parks, all independently owned.

The "Pod 'n' Pedal" break begins in the north of Cumbria and works its way south via country lanes, roads and cycle paths, suitable for both road and mountain bikes.

Inclusive of three nights in comfortable modern camping pods, each overlooking a different lake with spectacular mountain scenery, the cost is just £99.00 for two people.

It is envisaged that guests will arrive with their bikes by train at Penrith station, and then take an easy 8-mile ride to The Quiet Site overlooking Ullswater.

The raft of honours won by the park includes accolades from the Cool Camping and Alan Rogers guides and Mumsnet - plus the Holiday Park of Year 2013 award from Cumbria Tourism.

After a night in one of the park's well-insulated timber pods, it's a delightful 24-mile ride to Keswick via Aira Force waterfalls, and a gorgeous stretch along a disused railway track.

A must-see for many en-route will be the 4000-year-old mystical stone circle at Castlerigg.

Journey's end is at Castlerigg Hall park near Keswick, highly rated by guests on many review websites, and enjoying breathtaking views over Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake.

A winner of the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level for 12 consecutive years, the park's stylish wooden pods have sheep's wool insulation and an outside patio area.

Day three's ride is along minor roads to Grasmere and Ambleside, followed by a lovely lakeside path along Windermere before a ferry crossing and a short journey to Park Cliffe.

The multi-award winning park is set in 25 acres of picture-postcard scenery on Windermere's eastern shores with sweeping views across the lake and the panorama of surrounding fells.

Here, as on all the parks on the tour, the camping pods have plenty of headroom, heating, lighting, and an electricity supply - plus the benefits of privacy and security not found in a tent.

The three parks also have excellent food and drink facilities either on-site or very close at hand - and, as family-owned enterprises, have strong reputations for hospitality and personal service.

Day four leaves time for exploring the area before a 6-mile ride to Windermere railway station.

Pod 'n' Pedal breaks start on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday from 01 March to 04 November, and exclude school holiday periods. The cost includes accommodation and maps, but not food.

Bookings can be made, or more information obtained, by emailing podnpedal[at]gmail.com. 

The websites of the three parks providing the camping pod accommodation can be viewed at thequietsite.co.uk, castlerigg.co.uk, and parkcliffe.co.uk.