Best Cycle Routes UK. The UK is home to many beautiful cycle routes, ranging from leisurely rides through scenic countryside to more challenging mountain biking trails. Here are some of the best cycle routes in the UK:
- The Camel Trail – Cornwall: This 18-mile route runs along an old railway track from Padstow to Bodmin, offering beautiful views of the Cornish countryside.
- The Tarka Trail – Devon: The Tarka Trail is a 180-mile route that takes you through the beautiful North Devon countryside, following the route of Tarka the Otter.
- The C2C – Coast to Coast: This 140-mile route runs from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, crossing through the beautiful Lake District and North Pennines.
- The Trans Pennine Trail: This 215-mile route runs from Southport on the west coast to Hornsea on the east coast, passing through a variety of landscapes including the Peak District, the Pennines, and urban areas.
- The West Highland Way – Scotland: This 96-mile route takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland, from Loch Lomond to Fort William.
- The Camel Estuary – Cornwall: This 12-mile route takes you along the picturesque Camel Estuary, passing through the charming towns of Padstow and Wadebridge.
- The Forest of Dean – Gloucestershire: The Forest of Dean offers a range of mountain biking trails, including the famous Verderers’ Trail, which is a 12-mile red graded route.
- The Hadrian’s Cycleway – Northumberland: This 174-mile route follows Hadrian’s Wall, taking you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Northumberland.
- The Way of the Roses – Lancashire and Yorkshire: This 170-mile route takes you from Morecambe on the west coast to Bridlington on the east coast, passing through the beautiful countryside of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
- The South Downs Way – Sussex: This 100-mile route takes you through the beautiful South Downs National Park, offering stunning views of the Sussex countryside.
Other important UK cycle rout information you il need:
What is the best cycle route planner UK?
There are several great cycle route planners available for use in the UK. Some of the best options include:
- Komoot – Komoot is a popular app and website that provides users with detailed cycling route plans, as well as information on terrain, elevation, and distance. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
- CycleStreets – CycleStreets is a free website that allows you to plan your cycling route based on your preferences, such as the fastest or quietest route. The website also provides information on bike parking, bike shops, and other cycling-related services.
- Google Maps – Google Maps is a popular mapping app that also offers cycling directions. Users can select the cycling option when looking up directions, and the app will provide a suggested route based on bike lanes and other bike-friendly roads.
- Bikemap – Bikemap is another popular cycling route planner that offers routes based on user preferences, such as the most scenic or most popular routes. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
- Sustrans – Sustrans is a UK charity that promotes cycling and walking. Their website provides a range of cycling route options across the UK, including long-distance routes and family-friendly routes.
All of these options offer different features and benefits, so it’s worth trying out a few to see which one works best for your needs.
What is the longest traffic-free cycle route UK?
The longest traffic-free cycle route in the UK is the National Cycle Network Route 1 (NCN1), which runs from Dover in the southeast of England to the Shetland Islands in Scotland, covering a distance of approximately 1,695 miles (2,725 km).
While much of NCN1 is on quiet roads, the route also includes significant stretches of traffic-free paths, including the Lochs and Glens Route in Scotland and the Tarka Trail in Devon. Other traffic-free sections of NCN1 include parts of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, the Wye Valley Greenway in Wales, and the Fallowfield Loop in Manchester.
NCN1 is a part of the National Cycle Network, which is a network of cycling routes across the UK. The network currently covers over 16,000 miles (25,750 km) of routes, including both on-road and traffic-free paths.
What is the cycling capital of the UK?
The cycling capital of the UK is generally considered to be Cambridge. The city has a long history of cycling, with the first cycling club in the UK formed in Cambridge in 1874. Today, cycling is a popular mode of transportation for residents and students, with many of the city’s streets and roads designed to accommodate cyclists.
Cambridge has an extensive network of cycle paths and lanes, including the “Backs” cycle route, which runs along the backs of the city’s famous colleges. In addition, many of the city’s main streets have dedicated cycle lanes, and the city centre is largely car-free, making it easy and safe for cyclists to get around.
Cambridge has also been home to several cycling-related initiatives and events, including the annual Cambridge Cycle Challenge, which encourages residents to cycle to work, and the Cambridge Cycling Campaign, which advocates for better cycling infrastructure and safer roads for cyclists.
Other UK cities that are often cited as being cycling-friendly include Oxford, York, Bristol, and Edinburgh.
Do cyclists have to obey speed limits UK?
Yes, cyclists are required to obey speed limits in the UK. The speed limits for cyclists are the same as those for motor vehicles, and these limits vary depending on the type of road and location.
For example, in built-up areas, the speed limit for all vehicles, including bicycles, is typically 30 miles per hour, although some areas may have lower limits.
On single-carriageway roads outside of built-up areas, the speed limit for bicycles is also 30 miles per hour, but on dual carriageways or motorways, cyclists are not permitted and are restricted to using alternative routes.
It’s worth noting that many factors can affect a cyclist’s speed, such as the type of bicycle and the fitness and skill level of the rider. It’s important for cyclists to ride at a safe speed for the conditions and to adjust their speed according to the road and traffic conditions.
Cyclists who exceed the speed limit can be subject to penalties, such as fines and penalty points on their driving license, just like drivers of motor vehicles.
Can cyclists ride in the middle of the road UK?
In general, cyclists are required to ride as close to the left-hand side of the road as is safe and practical in the UK. However, there may be situations where it is necessary or safer for a cyclist to ride in the middle of the road.
For example, a cyclist may need to move into the middle of the road to avoid hazards such as potholes or debris on the road.
Cyclists may also ride in the middle of the road to assert their position in traffic, particularly if there is no dedicated cycle lane or if the road is too narrow for a vehicle to safely pass.
However, cyclists should not ride in the middle of the road unnecessarily or without good reason. If a cyclist is riding in the middle of the road and there is a vehicle behind them, they should move to the left-hand side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so to allow the vehicle to pass.
It’s important for cyclists to be aware of their surroundings and to consider the safety of themselves and other road users when deciding where to ride on the road.
What is the hardest cycling climb in the UK?
There are several challenging cycling climbs in the UK, but one of the most difficult is widely considered to be Hardknott Pass in the Lake District of England.
Hardknott Pass is a steep and narrow road that climbs through the Western Lake District, with gradients of up to 33%.
The road is only 1.3 miles long, but the ascent is a punishing challenge for even the fittest and most experienced cyclists.
Another notoriously challenging climb is Bealach na Bà, located in the Scottish Highlands. Bealach na Bà is a steep and winding road that reaches an elevation of 2,054 feet (626 meters) and includes several hairpin turns. The climb is almost 6 miles long and has an average gradient of around 7%.
Other notable challenging climbs in the UK include Great Dun Fell in Cumbria, Winnats Pass in the Peak District, and the notorious Box Hill in Surrey, which was included in the 2012 Olympic road race route. These climbs all feature steep gradients and long, challenging ascents, and are popular with experienced and adventurous cyclists looking for a demanding challenge.
Which is better ride with GPS or Strava?
Both Ride with GPS and Strava are popular cycling apps that offer a range of features for tracking and analyzing your rides. The app that is “better” for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Ride with GPS is a comprehensive cycling app that offers detailed route planning and navigation features, including turn-by-turn directions and voice guidance.
The app also includes a range of training and analysis tools, including the ability to track heart rate, power, and other performance metrics. Ride with GPS is a good choice for cyclists who prioritize route planning and navigation features, and who want to track a wide range of performance data.
Strava is also a popular cycling app, known for its social features and community of users. Strava allows cyclists to track their rides and compare their performance with others, including friends and other users in their local area.
The app includes a range of analysis and training features, such as the ability to track heart rate, power, and other performance metrics, and provides real-time feedback during rides. Strava is a good choice for cyclists who enjoy the social aspects of cycling and who want to compete with others or see how they stack up against local riders.
Ultimately, the choice between Ride with GPS and Strava will depend on your specific needs and preferences. You may want to try out both apps and see which one works best for you.
To conclude this article please don’t forget that there are great cycle routes everywhere and you will find some excellent ones on your door strep if you do some research.
There are several ways to find cycle routes near you:
- Use a Cycling Route Planner App: You can use a cycling route planner app, such as Ride with GPS, Komoot, or Strava to find cycle routes near you. These apps allow you to search for routes based on your location and specific criteria, such as distance, elevation, and terrain.
- Check Local Cycling Clubs: Local cycling clubs often have organized group rides, and they may also have information about popular cycling routes in the area. You can search online for local cycling clubs and contact them for information about routes.
- Use a Map: You can use a map, such as Google Maps, to find cycling routes near you. Simply enter your location, select the cycling option, and the map will display available cycling routes in your area.
- Ask Local Cyclists: If you see other cyclists on the road or at local cycling shops, they may be able to recommend popular cycling routes in the area. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and ask for advice.
By using one or a combination of these methods, you should be able to find cycling routes near you and start exploring the roads and trails in your area.
Have fun exploring!
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike” – John F Kennedy
