HERE in Cumbria, we are blessed to have many fantastic places to explore across the county.

And, with the arrival of spring, now is a great time to saddle up and embrace the outdoors.

This week, we asked News & Star readers to share their best cycle routes across the north and west of Cumbria, and tell us their reasons why.

In no particular order, here are the recommended routes from our readers.

1: RICKERBY - LANERCOST - BIRDOSWALD - HETHERSGILL

Neil Irwin posted this route, which starts and ends in Carlisle: “Here’s a grand day out.

“Fairly quiet roads with a few challenging climbs.

“Plenty of good coffee and cake stops including Talkin Tarn, Brampton, Walton, Lanercost and Birdoswald.

“A refreshing glass of something cold at the Near Boot to finish.”

Details of the route can be found at: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28802094

2: SOLWAY SPINNER

This particular route was recommended to us by reader Matthew Ireland.

The route, based on the sporting event, which will take place between 7.30am and 4.30pm on Sunday, August 11, offers some of the flattest roads in the county.

The course heads through the villages of Port Carlisle and Anthorn, before heading west again at Kirkbride.

Cyclists then venture through Silloth, before following the coastal road south towards Mawbraw.

From here, riders will head east via the top tip of Wigton, before heading back to Carlisle.

With under 500m of elevation, this 100km route is said to be good for a fast ride out.

It is also said to be great for those looking to take on their first kilometre century.

For more details about the 62.5-mile route (100km), visit: http://bit.ly/2U4w8Xp

3: WHINLATTER FOREST

Reader Mark Linnard praised the area of Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick.

There are many named cycling and mountain biking trails, including: Altura, Gorse, Mountain Bike Orienteering and the Quercus trail.

Each trail has a grading for difficulty - from red to blue, and also vary in length.

For more information about the range of trails, visit: http://bit.ly/2HOObKr

4: GNAR BIKE PARK, NEAR PENRITH

Built by Ben Egleston, who quit his day job in 2015, the GNAR Bike Park - known as Go North and Ride, opened on June 28, 2016.

It was created to be used as both a bike park and a mountain bike training facility.

The woodland route reopens on Saturday, April 6.

A Facebook page has been set up with updates for users, visit: facebook.com/gnarbikepark

The area was recommended by reader Mark Linnard.

5: LANERCOST TO BEWCASTLE

Emma Skelton tweeted her thoughts on this route.

She posted: “Lanercost, Birdoswald, Bewcastle, Walton (for cafe stop).

“Stunning quiet roads amongst some of the counties most historical and beautiful landscapes.”

According to Google Maps, it would take just under an hour to cycle the 8.3 mile route.