There are few things better than a bike ride through the great British countryside.
If you love riding two wheels and you’re looking to plan a holiday with a difference this year, why not consider exploring your home country at a slower pace, with a cycling holiday? You’ll experience quaint villages, sweeping valleys and remarkable wildlife – with some essential stops for tea and cake along the way, of course.
Here are some of the most popular cycle routes in the UK to consider for your next holiday…
Way of the Roses
This 170 mile route runs West to East in the North of the country, from Morecambe on the Lancashire coast to Bridlington, a coastal town in East Yorkshire. Lancashire is commonly known as the Red Rose County and Yorkshire the White Rose County – hence the name. During your three to five day adventure, you’ll pass through dramatic valleys, quaint towns with delightful pubs and tea rooms, and of course the Yorkshire Dales.
The Caledonia Way
This route takes in 235 miles of Scotland’s most iconic scenery. Running from Campbeltown up to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, you’ll be treated to spectacular views along the Kintyre Peninsula and the Great Glen Way. You’ll also see Loch Ness and Ben Nevis, as well as famous castles, west coast islands and remote forests. A perfect way to experience Scotland’s breath-taking landscapes, it’s a great choice for the adventurous cyclist. For a shorter route of 115 miles, try starting out at Oban.
Devon Coast to Coast
This one’s got it all – 99 miles of rivers, lush valleys, sweeping vistas, country lanes and beautiful bays. Most of the route is along three converted railway paths, so you can enjoy a traffic-free ride as you cycle from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, via the stunning western edge of Dartmoor. A lot of the route is flat, so it’s a great option for the less experienced cyclist.
Coast to Coast or Sea to Sea
This iconic cycling route will take you on a 137-mile adventure between the Irish Sea and the North Sea, passing through the Lake District before climbing the Pennines and descending into County Durham. You can start at either Whitehaven or Workington and end your trip in Sunderland or Tynemouth. It’s tradition to dip your back wheel in the Irish Sea as you kick off your journey and your front wheel in the North Sea when you finish – so don’t forget.
Hadrian’s Cycleway
This impressive cycle route stretches the length of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site and promises 170 miles of beautiful coastal views and countryside. Kicking off at Glannaventa Roman Bath House in Ravenglass and ending at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields, it’s doable in three days – but there’s so much to look at and so many historic attractions along the way, you may need to put aside a little more time.
