For an energetic yet intimate way to see Britain’s best sights, get on your bike. From mountains to moorland, rolling hills to sandy beaches, everything is accessible on two wheels. With cycle paths running from country to coast, there’s a route for everyone. Whether it’s a cross-country adventure or exploring the seaside from your saddle, here are a few routes to get you in gear.
Dramatic coastline and beautiful hidden beaches. Add sweeping moorlands dotted with wild ponies and you have just some of the sights rewarded to cyclists on the Exmoor National Park route. The Exmoor Cycle Route is a challenging 62-mile (101km) circuit running through some of Exmoor’s prettiest parts, and is a great introduction to the Somerset and Devon countryside. Starting at Minehead, you’ll pass through grand chestnut forests and along the dramatic north Devon coast. From there you can glance across the Bristol Channel to the coast of south Wales. Be warned: the hills are big, but so are the rewards.
Cycling fans love the Isle of Arran, off the stunning west coast of Scotland. Arran has beautiful rolling hills and may seem small but is packed to the seams with all manner of trails ranging from easy to severe, so there’s something for everyone. From road-cycling to mountain-biking and gravel-riding, it’s a cyclist’s paradise. The distances vary too, from simple six mile (10 km) trails if you’re on a family day out, to 21-mile (34km) trails with extreme hills for those looking for more of a challenge.
The Peak District is one of the most popular National Parks in Britain and the best way to see it is on two wheels. You can follow the dramatic Derbyshire landscape on the magnificent Tissington Trail. At 13 miles (21km) it follows the line of an old railway from Buxton to Ashbourne and so is suitable for individuals or families. You’ll be able to take in grand views across the lush green dales of the White Peak near Alsop-en-le-Dale, not to mention soaking up the peaceful atmosphere in the stunning village of Tissington itself, which is a great place to stop for lunch.
For a real challenge, Lôn Las Cymru passes through the heart of Wales from Cardiff to Anglesey through the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park and Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. The full route is 243 miles (392km), but it is split into two, north and south paths. If you’re an experienced cyclist used to challenging trails, it’s one of the most rewarding routes you can do, as the terrain you cover – towering mountains, lush green valleys and forests, ancient coach roads and railway paths – is truly the stuff of adventure. Not to mention great photographs.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park, with its ancient landscape of river valleys and magnificent hills, criss-crossed by drystone walls, bucolic villages and towns, is a dream come true for cyclists, and full of cycle routes from short to challenging. One of the most unforgettable is the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway, a challenging 130 mile (210km) circular route that starts and finishes in Skipton and takes up to six days. You can also choose shorter sections for day rides.
The beautiful Lake District National Park is among the most popular places to visit in the UK, and Lake Windermere its most famous lake. One of the most enjoyable ways of seeing the region which so inspired William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, is by bike. There is a 28 mile (45km) circular route around Windermere, through the villages of Ambleside, Grasmere and Elterwater, or plenty of shorter family-friendly trails along either side of the water.
With breathtaking views of the North Atlantic coast from Castlerock to the famous Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, The Causeway Coast Cycle Route is a bucket-list bike ride. The route is 23 miles (37km) and is full of spectacular sea views, including over to Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre. It finishes at the geological formation Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site.
Embark on an epic cycling adventure around the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Coast, from Whitby to Spurn Point. Pass cliffs and beaches, travel through remote moors and meet Yorkshire’s famously friendly people in every town you stop. Pick up speed along flat stretches and challenge yourself as you push up the region’s hills. The mixed terrain is perfect for gravel bikes but just as fun on a mountain bike. Route YC’s Adventure Route offers a real taste of Yorkshire.
Escape into nature on a spring cycling adventure, taking in Britain’s greenest corners. For mountain biking for all the family, head to the Forest of Dean. Green, blue and red cross-country trails, 14 downhill trails and a pump track await adrenaline junkies, while the circular Colliers Trail is great for younger bikers.
In Wales, the Mawddach Trail follows an old railway line through southern Snowdonia (Eryri). Look out for rare flowers and hovering birds of prey along the estuary as you go.
See the Outer Hebrides from the saddle on the Hebridean Way Cycling Route. Spread across six days and 10 islands, it’s a challenge that’s richly rewarded with breathtaking sandy beaches, farm-to-fork feasts and stargazing spots.
Exploring new places from your saddle has never been easier. For the saddle-sure, there’s the likes of the 14-day adventure from Land’s End to John O’Groats – a ride of 874 miles (1,407km) from the bottom of Britain to the top. But there’s plenty for the saddle-shy too. Check out forest trails or action-packed mountain-biking adventures, city sightseeing tours to gin-tasting on wheels, history trails to well-being tours including anything from yoga to forest bathing. Whether you’re pedalling through the heart of Wales, mountain-biking the arêtes of Arran, or simply coasting along the cliffs of south England, Britain is brimming with pedal-powered possibilities.
Britain’s coast and countryside have played a starring role on screen and our brilliant bike tracks will whizz you to the heart of the action. Criss-crossed with trails, the Forest of Dean is no stranger to the spotlight thanks to Sex Education (2019–2023). Saddle up for the circular Family Cycle Trail (9 miles/14.5km) and make a detour to Mallards Pike Lake, as seen in the show.
Monsal, Tissington, High Peak: Which Peak District cycle trail will you choose? Whatever your pick, you’re guaranteed epic views of the area’s hills, valleys and meadows. Film fans will love the Chatsworth Loop, where you’ll spot the stately home that’s starred in Pride and Prejudice (2005).
For a sea-breezy cycle, Pembrokeshire’s Heritage Coast Trail has you covered. This long-distance ride (51 miles/81km) passes Freshwater West, the vast sandy beach that’s a favourite of filmmakers: recognise it from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010)?
