10 of the UK’s most beautiful cycling routes

With the 112th edition of the Tour de France kicking off on 5 July, find the inspiration you need to take a spin on your own bike. There’s no need to race on these ten beautiful routes, whether you want to discover quiet, untouched corners of the country or head straight to its famous landmarks. 

1. Camel Trail, Cornwall

Hugging the waters of the Camel River on its journey from moorland to coast, the Camel Trail follows the bed of an old train line – meaning a gratifyingly flat ride. Running for 18 miles between inland Bodmin and seaside Padstow, it’s a route that offers an easy introduction to Cornwall’s timeless landscapes – with ancient woodland, rolling hills, tidal salt marshes and that blue, blue sea on view from the saddle. Newquay is your nearest airport.

2. Hadrian’s Cycleway, Cumbria & Northumberland

To take in some of Britain’s wildest scenery and its most impressive Roman landmark, plump for Hadrian’s Cycleway. Getting to the start near Newcastle is the easy bit – you’ll need the endurance of a Roman legionnaire to tackle the next 170 miles, with 1,900-year-old Hadrian’s Wall in sight for a good chunk of it. Spend three days plus to properly appreciate the ancient forts, pretty villages and handsome pubs that dot the trail.

3. The Downs Link, Surrey & West Sussex 

With a start point in Guildford, the Downs Link is a 37-mile route, easily accessed from London and offers a largely traffic-free means of enjoying the bucolic countryside of southeast England. It trundles along disused train lines, sweeping through the woodlands of the North Downs and into the undulating meadows and coastal plains of the South Downs to end at Shoreham-by-Sea. There are plenty of historic pubs on your route to revive weary cyclists.

4. Loch Ness 360° Trail, Scottish Highlands

The deep, dark waters of Loch Ness are your companion on this route, a challenging 80-mile trail that rollercoasters around the famous lake and is best tackled on a mountain bike. The rewards for your efforts are endless, with quiet glens, ruined castles and Highland villages along the way – as well as possible sightings of that famous monster. You’re best starting and ending in Inverness, staying in guesthouses or wild camping en route.

5. Peddars Way, Suffolk and Norfolk

Tracing the route of an old Roman road, the Peddars Way kicks off in the open heather-clad countryside of Suffolk’s Knettishall Heath and ends 49 miles later in the sand dunes of Holme-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast. Highlights in between are the pine forests of the Brecks and traditional flint villages characterised by fine English pubs. Get there by train from Heathrow or Gatwick. 

6. Jubilee Greenway, London

Completed in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the Greenway is a fast-track to London’s grandstand sights. From Buckingham Palace, the route passes the canals of Little Venice and markets of Camden before swooping east to cross the Thames and land in the Royal Borough of Greenwich – a good spot for a riverside drink. The Tower of London, London Eye and Houses of Parliament await as you return west and complete the circuit. 

7. High Peak Trail, Derbyshire 

Traffic free for its 17.5 miles, the High Peak Trail is an excellent introduction to classic Peak District scenery. Repurposing a former railway line, it has the bonus of also being largely flat. From Middleton Top, pedal along the track between dry-stone walls, over limestone hills and through sheep-filled dales, stopping at Neolithic burial sites and old railway buildings, to end in the village of Parsley Hall. Manchester, to the north, is the nearest airport.

8. Viking Coastal Trail, Kent 

Cycle the Viking Coastal Trail to discover why the Isle of Thanet has drawn so many people over the centuries, from mediaeval monks to contemporary artists. There are rural spoils along the 32-mile loop, with nature reserves and bird-rich marshland to enjoy with the sea views, but its towns are just as attractive. Linger in Broadstairs, with a broad sandy beach and quaint streets, and Margate, with its thriving arts scene. Get quick access via Gatwick. 

9. North Cider Circuit, Herefordshire

A patchwork of farmland and orchards interspersed with hamlets and dotted with cider and perry producers, Herefordshire is a vision of rural England writ large. The 49-mile North Cider Circuit, mainly following quiet lanes, offers a good taste, with timber-framed ‘black and white’ villages, artisan cider mills and idyllic countryside views on tap. If your appetite has been whetted, also try the two other cider circuits in the county. Manchester airport is the closest link.

10. Taff Trail, Wales

Cardiff Bay is the launch point of the Taff Trail, a 55-mile-long, mainly traffic-free route that whisks cyclists from the capital of Wales deep into its rural heart. A mix of old railway tracks, riverside paths and back-country roads leads you from the coast to the town of Brecon, deep within the mountainous Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Ancient forests, imposing castles and remnants of the country’s fascinating industrial heritage provide ample distraction along the way.

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