Are you struggling to pick your next cycling route? Then look no further. We have complied a list of exciting bike routes, which are waiting for you to explore!
When it comes to picking where you will go on your next ride, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of sticking to what you know. But the UK is jam packed with great cycling routes and with COVID restrictions easing, there is nothing holding you back from going to explore them.
Whether you’re new to the cycling world or you’re a hardened cyclist, nothing beats exploring the country on two wheels and we have put together a list of thrilling routes for you to do just that.
The Lakeland loop, Lake District
Distance = 65km
Elevation gain = 1,393m
The Lakeland Loop has previously been voted Britain’s best cycling route
This one is definitely not for the faint hearted, but if your legs can hack this 65km ride, you will be rewarded with some incredible views along the way.
Once voted Britain’s best cycling route, your ride will take you past the tranquil shores of Coniston Water, with amazing views across the lake, followed by a steep incline to the top of Wrynose pass and, when we say steep, we really mean it! The 30% gradient really is a killer and keeping your legs spinning fast is the only way you will make it to the top without walking.
As well as the stunning views across the Lake District, this route also brings you past a few cafes and pubs, providing a welcoming pitstop along your journey. The beauty of this route is that only half a mile is on a main road, with the rest being on exceptionally quiet roads, which leads to a peaceful and undisturbed cycle.
The average time spent to complete the route varies from 3 and half hours all the way up to 10 hours; it really depends on your fitness level and what you are looking to get out of your ride.
Assynt Achlitibuie Circuit, Scotland
Distance = 121.8km
Elevation gain = 2,079m
The beauty of the Scottish Highlands is the freedom on the roads
Unknown to many, Scotland has many undiscovered cycling gems, packed with natural beauty. The untapped highland roads provide the perfect location for a challenging ride, accompanied by some stunning coastal scenery.
Expect a lot of ups and downs (and maybe even a few sheep) as you cycle through this mountainous landscape on a mixture of single track and A class roads.
The beauty of the Scottish Highlands is the freedom on the roads, with many not realising the potential the highlands provide for cyclists, prepare to cycle to your heart’s content, or until your legs can’t take it anymore!
Box Hill Olympic Circuit, Surrey
Distance = 16.8km
Elevation gain = 266m
Box Hill has become one of the most ridden hills in Britain
Featuring in the 2012 Olympic games, the Box Hill Circuit has become one of the UK’s must ride locations.
Suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders, the route represents a sizeable challenge and has a mixture of A and B roads, as well as some country lanes with many hills along the way.
It is important to note that this route does follow some dual carriage ways, which have cycling paths running alongside them, so if you’re looking for a traffic free ride this may not be the one for you.
North Coast 500
Distance = 804km / 500 miles
Elevation gain = 9,753m
If you can spare a week, you won’t be disappointed with the NC500
If you’re looking for a cycling adventure, the North Coast 500 is the one for you! Taking around 7 days to complete and spanning 500 miles of Scottish Highlands, this route provides some dreamy views.
Often described as Scotland’s Route 66, the NC500 starts and ends in the Highland Capital of Inverness, and as challenging as it sounds. the landscape will take your breath away and leave you eager to jump back in the saddle every day.
The Camel Trail, Cornwall
Distance = 19.1km
Elevation gain = 68m
The Camel Trail in Cornwall can be fun for the whole family
Running the length of a disused railway, The Camel Trail in Cornwall is prefect for all abilities. Spanning 19km of Cornish countryside, the route is largely traffic free and provides a beautiful landscape for a carefree ride.
The trail follows the Camel Estuary from Padstow to Wadebridge before continuing through a beautiful woodland landscape all the way to Bodmin.
Your ride will be full of breath-taking scenery and wildlife, as well as the opportunity to explore quant seaside towns filled with a vast array of pubs and shops just waiting to be discovered.
For the more experience cyclists, there are opportunities to veer of the route and explore the many villages and country lanes which lie close to the trail.
Richmond park, London
Distance = 10.8km
Elevation gain = 108m
Richmond Park is a cycling haven in London
Covering 2,500 acres, Richmond park is one of London’s most popular cycling spots and with good reason.
The park’s 10.8km loop has a lot to offer, whether it’s an easy lap around the peaceful surroundings, or a multi-lap training session, Richmond park is truly a cycling haven in the heart of England’s capital.
It provides an ideal location for those just starting out, as well as club riders with a choice of completing the route clockwise or anticlockwise. Both directions come with their own challenges, but arguably, taking the clockwise route is said to be harder, as you encounter the climb up Broomfield hill.
Along your ride, be sure to look out for the beautiful sites of St Paul’s Cathedral and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the park’s famous deer.
The Settle Circular, Yorkshire
Distance = 64.2km
Elevation gain = 1,142m
Yorkshire was firmly placed on the cycling map after the Tour de France started here in 2014
When it comes to cycling, Yorkshire is one of the world’s best location. Since the Tour de France came hurtling through the region in 2014, Yorkshire has gone straight to the top of many cycling enthusiasts’ bucket lists.
This leg aching 64km loop is one of Yorkshire’s most challenging, but incredibly beautiful circuits. With rapid descents, sharp climbs and mesmerising views, this route is definitely one not to be missed.
