The Bridleway from Honister slate mine towards Castle cragg has recently been repaired, so is a bit nicer to ride now.I still prefer the permitted Bridleway climb from Seatoller though.
As Boxelder says the route gets busy with walkers on a weekend so I would avoid the footpath options,and ride these in the evenings.
A good tip would be to start in Grange, and do the Allerdale ramble Bridleway (North) first,this avoids the numerous walkers in the afternoon, and means the legs are nicley warmed up for the steep Watendlath road climb.
If you do get a mechanical/punctures these are most common on the Castle cragg, or Frith wood decents,and Grange is in the right spot if you need to bail out!
Theres a cracking cafe in Rosthwaite, or you can use the ones in Grange at the end of the ride.
Its possible to ride from Watendlath via frith wood to Langstrath off road,its an exellent winter ride as theres no bog or major river crossings.
have a good one..
ps.. Skeddadle Bike Holidays, have a big ride out on the Borrowdale bash on Sunday so expect a few bikes around! 🙂