On your bike: Britain’s best rural cycling routes

Yorkshire Dales Cycleway, Yorkshire Dales National Park

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. Discover cycle routes in the Yorkshire Dales that range 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.

Causeway Coast Cycle Route, Northern Ireland

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.

Windermere Bike Ride, Lake District National Park

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 cycle route around Windermere, through the villages of Ambleside, Grasmere and Elterwater, or plenty of shorter family-friendly trails along either side of the water.

Isle of Arran, Scotland

Cycling fans love the bike trails on 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. 

Tissington Trail, Peak District National Park

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.

Saddle up for spring 

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. 

Lôn Las Cymru, Wales

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.

Route YC Adventure Route, Yorkshire

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.

Exmoor Cycle Route, Exmoor National Park

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.