The Rides
At Velo Retro, we pride ourselves on the quality of the rides, we're always trying to make them better!
What we can guarantee, is magnificent views, fantastic food stops and excellent support from our road teams.
For the 2026 Edition XII, we’re offering three routes with additional options. You choose, we have everything from steady, right through to a knee-creaking challenge!
Here are some details.
The Saunter
24 / 32 km
Difficulty
24km 2+/5
32km 3/5
Food Stops
1
The Saunter is not what you might expect in the Lakes. Heading West onto the Furness Peninsula, the scenery is limestone, with rolling hills and drystone walls. So, a bit like the Dales, but with sea views on the way out, and big mountain views on the way back! The route splits in the village of Gleaston, where we have a fantastic retro food stop. The good news is, you can decide whether to do the extra 8km on the day, based on how you’re feeling. If you’re on a really historic bike, or you’re not feeling in peak condition, this route give you the full Velo Retro experience, with less of a commitment!
The Loafeur
Tour of Coniston 50km
Difficulty
3+/5
Food Stops
1
The Loafeur packs in about as much Lake Districtness as is possible in 50km! Climbs, tiny lanes, big vistas, and our favourite lake…all of this well within the capability of any reasonably fit rider. For 2022, we changed to an ‘out and back’ format, on the East side of the lake, following some issues with poor driving in the 2021 event. A small number of riders were disappointed, so for 2023, we’re looking at the option of you having the choice, of which way you go! Watch this space for information! Loafeur riders also have the option of the ascent of Hoad Hill, to the Sir John Barrow Monument, a challenging but unique experience. The food stop is at the fabulous Monk Coniston House, wonderful food and superb views South along Coniston Water.
Le Grand Fromage
Coniston, Hawkshead and More! 83-99km
Difficulty
5/5
Food Stops
2
Formerly A L’Àncienne Classic, but people struggle to pronounce it, so we’ve given up! Also fits in with our commitment to not taking ourselves too seriously.
Take everything good about the Loafeur, then add Hawkshead Hill, Grizedale Moor Top, a long stretch of brilliant gravel on the shores of Windermere and a second food stop run by the brilliant Vintage Village Tea Rooms and what do you get? A wonderful, tough, challenging sensory overload with matching rewards. On a retro bike, most riders will find this more than enough, it’s a brilliant day out! Options include a circuit of Tarn Hows (one of England’s finest views) and additional southern loop in the Rusland Valley and the now legendary Hoad ascent. Better still, you can choose on the day, depending on how you’re feeling!
The Mighty Corinthian
The Mighty Corinthian is the longest, toughest, retro bike ride in the world. It is a route of great beauty and variety, showcasing the best which the Lake District and Cumbria has to offer.
It's a big experience and a day for heroes!
Unfortunately, it’s so hard that The Mighty Corinthian has become too challenging for us to run!
However, we feel a commitment to those of you who would like to ride it and to the concept itself, so, if you would like to ride the Mighty Corinthian, we will produce a map, route card and guide to riding the route, together with GPX track and certificate of recognition, further, we will do this free of charge. You will therefore be riding Audax style and will need to be fully self-reliant. If this is of interest to you, please get in touch.
