Most take at least eight days, but often a good few more. As featured in Hacker News. It’s a flat, meandering, pretty trail that takes in south-west London’s bounty of parks and green spaces. The National Cycle Network is a great way to find traffic-free routes and quiet lanes. The Best Winter Hiking Boots: What to Look for When Buying, 8 of the Best Books to Gift the Adventurer in Your Life, The Sustainable Christmas Gift Guide 2020, Peak District and South Pennines: Middleton Top to Hebden Bridge (80 miles), Yorkshire Dales: Hebden Bridge to Appleby-in-Westmorland (106 miles), North Pennines and Kielder Forest: Appleby-in-Westmorland to Kielder (70 miles), Scottish Borders: Kielder to Edinburgh (96 miles), Central Belt: Edinburgh to Glasgow (52 miles), Grampian Mountains: Glasgow to Fort Augustus (162 miles), Northern Highlands: Fort Augustus to Oykel Bridge (94 miles), Sutherland and Caithness: Oykel Bridge to Cape Wrath (83 miles) or Oykel Bridge to John o’ Groats (135 miles), Westward Ho! It’s very rugged nature and weather permitting you can look out to Lundy Island. This easy 8 mile cycle route between Wicken Fen and Anglesey Abbey allows you to enjoy a section of the National Cycle Network route 11. Minehead and Dunster. The Sea to Sea is the UK’s most popular ‘challenge cycling route’. Then it’s onto Holyhead, where one of the most scenic long-distance cycles in the UK comes to an end. It starts and ends in Inverness and the views along the way are the kind of thing you see plastered in Visit Scotland adverts, soundtracked by bagpipes and dramatic violins. The likes of Bangor and Llanfairpwyllgwyngyll, the latter of course being a town which strikes fear into the hearts of spelling bee enthusiasts. Next it’s down to the North Cornwall coast, where the scenery is well documented. A large part of that is because long-distance cycling has grown enormously in popularity in general. So you can find your perfect North East England bike ride, we’ve reviewed our full collection of cycling routes in the region to deliver the top 20. It passes the Lake District, climbs through the Pennines and then descends to the railway paths of County Durham. Find other cycling routes across the UK. Must-cycle routes in Aberdeenshire 4 July 2018 In this part of Scotland, you’ll find epic cycling routes through mountains, great estates and ancient forests in Royal Deeside, along our 165 miles of spectacular coastline and even in Aberdeen city itself. I have ridden all of these mountain bike routes, which means you can be sure of a great ride. Herefordshire is a great place to get out and about on a bike. The route has become famous around the world for good reason. Parts can get busy in high season. What is behaviour change and how does it apply to cycling? Registered office: Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX. Starting in Whitehaven or Workington, the route ends in either Sunderland or Tynemouth. The West Country Way is a 250-miler that leaves from Bristol and heads west to the coast. Add your own routes using the new Cycle route planner . Sea to Sea. You should also beware of steps, ditches or bogs. Anna Hughes is the author of Eat, Sleep, Cycle: A bike ride around the coast of Britain , published by Summersdale. News 10 best bike routes in Yorkshire. Detailed mapping is required for each and every long-distance ride: Route: Inverness circular via Ullapool, Applecross, Torridon, John o’ Groats and Dingwall. With much of the mileage of this route on NCN route 6, the Manchester Cycleway and canals, it’s flat, quiet and well-surfaced and suitable for any rider with any bike. They also applied for that record, which is why it exists. But it’s also where you’ll get some of the best scenery Wales has to offer. Think everything the British seafront has to offer – fish and chips, fairgrounds and fun. It might be the most populated city in the country but you’ll find plenty of cycle routes throughout London and its leafy suburbs. The route was designed for walkers, so it’s not bike friendly the entire way (though of course, that depends how good a mountain biker you are). Cycling in London is dirty and dangerous, frequently cold and wet, and sooner or later, your bike will probably be stolen. You can do it in either direction. The trail passes through the wooded countryside of the upper Camel Valley and alongside the picturesque Camel Estuary. Photograph: Brian Cairns The number and scope of these requests greatly exceeds the funds available so we have to prioritise improvements to the schemes. Here are some suggestions to help you decide. South Shropshire may be hilly, but there are ways to spare your leg muscles and make your cycling experience more gentle. Cycle routes in Runcorn. From Richmond Park to Hampstead Heath, it’s easy to get out for a spin and find yourself in surprisingly wild nature. The largest cycle path network in any British city is, of course, Birmingham’s 100-mile canal system – green, quiet and traffic-free. This is an area renowned for its beauty – but also for its mountain biking. Some of our favourite cycle routes from around the country. Our team of qualified and experienced instructors offer a … It’s dreamy stuff. The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, cycling, wheeling and exploring outdoors. Don’t miss: the different house-boats as you leave Little Venice Cycling Weekly takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the UK’s top cycling destinations: Part one Chris Sidwells January 14, 2013 11:40 am 32 places to ride in Britain The North Coast 500 is a route that travels 500 miles around the Scottish Highlands. Nicholas Roe suggests the best destinations for a two-wheeled adventure for families. And we’re actually being serious about that. The flat terrain of Wicken Fen is ideal for beginners. There’s nothing quite so invigorating as riding a route you’ve never tried before, and if you’re in the South of England then here are 15 great cycle routes in Surrey and Sussex for you to try. Back to the route. Hilly Route Reverse, Volcano Flat Reverse, Road To Ruins Reverse, Flat Route Reverse, Big Loop Reverse, Three Sisters Reverse, Greater London Loop Reverse, London Loop Reverse, London 8 Reverse, and Greatest London Loop Reverse. Whether you want to commute to work or enjoy a leisurely scenic bike ride, we have a number of cycle routes around the county, as well as network routes passing through the area.. We also offer Park and Cycle facilities if you live further afield but would still like to cycle for your daily commute. Cycling route: follow the Grand Union Canal all the way to Hayes. Kesh (24 miles), Milngavie – Inverarnan (39 miles including ferry crossing). Or if you’re experienced, like a good pace and a challenge, it is possible to ride in a day of 17+ hours riding. C2C is also the kind of slightly embarrassing text-style abbreviation probably thought up by someone who ends text messages to their kids by saying ‘LOL’ (thinking that it means ‘lots of love’). This 4-mile route takes advantage of Edinburgh’s traffic-free cycle infrastructure on the north side of the city. It starts at London Cycling Campaign’s new home at Wapping Wall but can be picked up at many easily accessible points. Machynlleth is an ancient capital of Wales and comes as you enter Snowdonia. All mileage information is approximate and the routes should, of course, be researched further and extensively before riding. It’s sensible to ride a full-suspension mountain bike or fat bike to ensure you’re well matched for the terrain, though. Expect fantastic viewpoints, pretty houses and fun descents as a rich reward for those manageable hills. Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire. This one is in the West Midlands and is one of Brockmoor’s Community Cycle Club’s favourites – on a canal pathway to a great pub. View the Moravian Settlement and Manchester Velopark route. Of course, more than one segment can be done per day. There are a wide variety of routes from quick blasts around the hills to multi-day epics. There are plenty of places to stay along the way, so plan and book in advance if you want secure indoor lodgings. Rumour has it that if you don’t dip your wheels, you’ll be cursed by flat tyres on your next cycle (we did make that up, but why risk it?). 6. You then pass through the outskirts of Chester on road before coming to the zoo. Find your perfect cycling route, create your own bike trails, and discover the most stunning cycling destinations. They were on small wheels which meant they had to work much Find your perfect route We’ve made it easy for you to find National Cycle Network routes by region, distance and whether they’re traffic-free. It’s worth noting, though, that this itinerary would require an expert level of fitness and cycling experience. Cycling in Devon means skimming through wonderful scenery on amazing cycle routes, through unspoilt villages and wild moorlands - there are nearly 150 miles of the National Cycle Network in Devon. Cycling in lake District - South Lakeland. We specialise in Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddle boarding, Rock Climbing, Coasteering, Archery, Axe & Knife Throwing! The trail is well served by public transport and is traffic-free. 20 Great British Rides At the time our two boys were 6 and 8 years old and able to ride their bikes independently, but were too young to ride on the road with busy traffic. Family: York Solar Cycle. This short stint is a great one for lunchtimes or after hours. Free cycling routes covering a variety of difficulty levels are available to download below. Improve your cycling confidence in the flattest part of the English countryside! The rest belongs to various landowners, who are ultimately responsible for their own stretch. This Bimble (noun: a leisurely walk or journey) in north Dorset loops out from Gillingham Station and back. You can do the 30 miles at whatever speed you like; the route is mostly quiet lanes, taking in fields of pigs, an old mill pond perfect for a dip, and plenty of places to stop for beer and local produce. Over 1,000 free cycle routes; Lots of safe, traffic-free rides; Free to download; Upload routes to your cycle computer or app; Chosen and risk-assessed by British Cycling; Find a local cycle route . Family cycle routes in Lancashire are plentiful, and there is no doubt that this is a beautiful and varied county. For full maps of each of the sections on The Great North Trail, head to the official website. Cycling UK continues to support the UK to cycle, This remains true during this difficult period with the ongoing threat of coronavirus Covid-19, Join Cycling UK to help us change lives and communities through cycling, Membership gives you peace of mind insurance, discounts in cycle shops, rides & routes, 10% discount off cycle related products in Halfords stores, 15% off BikeRegister security marking kits, Cycling UK Incident Line - Free Cycling Related Legal Advice, 10% off when you spend £100 or more at Freewheel, 10% discount on Cycling UK training courses, £5 off boxed cycle carriage with Eurostar, 20% off of Havebike’s Collect & Return bicycle servicing, 50% off a Singletrack print and digital subscription, £75 worth of free accessories with Raleigh, Getting sponsorship to cycle for Cycling UK. It’s accessible to everyone – it’s used by Cycling UK’s inclusive cycling project, Edinburgh All-ability Bike Centre – and still boasts beautiful views across the sea and a range of pubs, cafes and fresh seafood restaurants. 2. And though the city’s roads have never been renowned for their bike-friendliness, the picture is improving. This famously flat part of the UK is great for cycling, and there’s a guide to Cambridge cycle routes with plenty of helpful information. Well, you’re in the right place. We have produced a series of 20 walking and cycling maps to help you explore the county using a network of off- and on-road routes. Tradition dictates that if you are to do the route, you should dip your back wheel in the Irish Sea before starting, and your front wheel in the North Sea when you finish. Heading out on your first cycle touring adventure can be a daunting prospect. Coast and Castles Cycle Route; Pennine Cycleway North; Pennine Cycleway South From here the route passes on through the Roe Valley to the north coast, at Castlerock. Work in East London? This list of routes is especially for beginners or those returning to cycling – they’re on quieter roads and shorter in length, but still make a fantastic trip. The trail is well served by public transport and is traffic-free. Route profile by ZwiftHub – the place to plan and track your route achievements!. C2C Coast to Coast Cycle Route; Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route; Other coast to coast cycle routes. It’s the only town in the British Isles with punctuation in its name. I have ridden all of these mountain bike routes, which means you can be sure of a great ride. A cycling oasis amongst England's capital, there's no denying that Richmond Park is one of London's most popular cycle spots. Going hiking in Scotland? As custodians of the National Cycle Network, it's our role to care for it, improve it and champion a long-term vision for its future. Bedgebury Pinetum Sticking a bell on your bike isn’t a bad idea, since you’re likely to be seeing a lot of walkers – and hiker consideration needs to be taken into account throughout the long-distance route. Here’s a casual eight day itinerary suggested by The West Country Way and Sustrans: For more detailed check out the official website of The West Country Way. East London and Essex offer flat and fast routes, perfect for anyone looking for a quick spin or to increase their mileage with few challenging hills. For an easy introduction to cycle touring the Thames Valley route from London to Oxford is a great way to start. Luckily the UK hosts some fantastic routes for cycling that can be easily completed by beginners.. This is a 30-mile traffic-free section of the road using old railway lines. Start / End: London / Oxford Distance: Approx. View the steepness of the roads along the way. Don’t be disheartened – England’s highest summits of the Northern Fells can still be enjoyed by those new to cycling, thanks in part to the C2C cycle trail. Ha!’ in Quebec holds that. View the Portsmouth Harbour to Hayling Island route. Put in the start and destination of your route. Directions are clear and precise, the path is flat and unspoilt by traffic, and there’s plenty of points of interest for shopping, photographs and picnics. That means routes away from the kind of traffic you might experience on the likes of the North Coast 500. Discover the ancient myths surrounding Eggardon Hill and explore the picturesque villages of Loders and Powerstock on the way. The rest of the route, you may find yourself walking with the bike on some select steeps, but you’ll be rewarded with technical downhills. Mark Beaumont – the man who holds the current world speed record for circumnavigating the globe on a bicycle – completed the 500 miles in 38 hours. The route starts by the railway station in Chester and soon joins the Shropshire Union Canal for some pleasant waterside riding. All in all, it’s a beautiful scenic route built for those who love coastal views. Coast to Coast. Traffic-free routes are a perfect day out for families with young children. Sustrans only owns around 500 miles, or 4%, of the Network. Needless to say, there’s a good bit more climbing to come now that you’re in Snowdonia. Use our cycle map, explore leisure routes and Cycleways, and find cycling inspiration. Crewkerne. Over 90 mountain bike route guides covering North Wales and the North West of England, including Snowdonia, the Peak District, the Lake District and the Pennines. The Lake District's South Lakeland is a great place to explore by bike. The route can be broken up as much as you see fit, with all distances approximate: For detailed itineraries become a member of the North Coast 500 on the official website. It’s often referred to as the C2C, because the letter ‘c’, when said out loud, sounds like the word ‘sea’. Three years ago, my husband and I decided to up sticks, leave the suburban life behind and move our family to Cumbria in search of a more outdoor and active lifestyle. It is a great route for all the family, and passes by all the sea front attractions. These routes are mostly flat, traffic free and on a hard surface and are perfect for individuals, groups and families. You can choose from walking, biking, or driving. The soaring popularity of cycling is testament to its clean, green appeal. The coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful in the world. Think rolling hills, golden beaches and ocean views. The C2C route goes 137 miles between the Irish Sea and the North Sea. Regardless if you’re after a physical challenge or a chance to relax and stretch your legs, these attributes make for perfect stress free days in the saddle. Starting in Finsbury Park, the flat … Bikemap is the world's biggest bike route collection. It’s a perfect statistical example of just how much interest in long-distance cycling has grown. It’s every bit as beautiful and wild as you probably imagine it to be from that lovely Welsh name. Here’s a potential three-day route. Here’s a vague breakdown of the route that you would take through Wales: For a detailed stage-by-stage route check out the guide to Lôn Las Cymru on Cycle Touring. Exmoor is a really beautiful open moorland area in west Somerset and north Devon. Next you’ll ride along the Foyle River toward Derry/Londonderry City – the only walled city in Ireland. And flat cycle routes do not mean dull and dutiful. This might not be Santa’s workshop, but it’s the next…. Lôn Las Cymru opens with 50 miles of railway paths leading to the hilly Brecon Beacons. Plymouth’s cycling map Plymouth has a growing network of routes across the city so why not start planning your journey by bike using the Plymouth cycling map. to Bude, Cornwall (45 miles), The Valleys – Cardiff to Talybont-on-Usk (47 miles), Usk, Wye and Severn – Talybont-on-Usk to Machynlleth (92 miles), Snowdonia – Machynlleth to Caernarfon (75 miles), Menai and Anglesey – Caernarfon to Holyhead (39 miles), Ballyshannon-Pettigo via. nr Bridport. Finally, the road then follows the coast and will eventually drop you off at Larne. The path runs from West Byfleet in Surrey where it joins the River Wey and goes through Woking, Brookwood, Mytchett, Ash, Fleet, Church Crookham and … With much of the mileage of this route on NCN route 6, the Manchester Cycleway and canals, it’s flat, quiet and well-surfaced and suitable for any rider with any bike. 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