Cycling has captivated the hearts and minds of the UK public and people are willing to spend vast amounts of money to book the perfect cycling trip abroad – but there are plenty of cycle routes a little closer to home to try. We’ve collected some fantastic ideas for cycle routes and bike trails in the UK that are yet to have their full cycling potential explored.
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Cycle routes across the UK
1. Bourton on the Water, The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is perfect for cyclists as there is a vast network of quiet country lanes to explore and plenty of picturesque country towns and villages to stop at and have a cup of coffee en-route. The area can vary between rolling country lanes to steep, sharp, but ultimately short climbs.
Bourton-on-the-Water or the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, was once voted one of the prettiest villages in England, and with its honey-coloured stone architecture and idyllic village scenes, it’s definitely worth planning a route around.
2. Bwlch and the Rhigos, Wales
There are three main approaches to the village of Bwlch and the Rhigos mountain in the Brecon Beacons and they’re seen as somewhat of a rite of passage by cyclists in the area. The climb from Hirwaun is as close to the famous Alpe d’Huez as you’ll get in south Wales, as the three-mile climb curves around one side of the mountain, with hairpin turns towards the summit. Alternatively climb from Nant y moel or Cymmer.
3. Callander, Scotland
Even though it is sometimes classified as a Mountain Bikers’ paradise, Scotland offers some of the best road cycling in the UK. The small and pretty town of Callander is situated on the River Teith in Stirling. It has often been described as the gateway to the Highlands and offers visitors a chance to explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Make sure to attempt the summit of the Duke’s Pass, located 13 miles from the centre of Callander. The more difficult side to ascend is from the village of Aberfoyle to the south of the pass. Be prepared for long days in the saddle as you won’t have many route options to shorten your loops, but the roads are rolling and certainly not mountainous.
4. The heritage coast, Wales
If you’d rather have views of the sea instead of green hills, this ride takes in some of the beautiful sites of the Vale of Glamorgan – just west of Thomas’ hometown Cardiff. For the best known 6.8 mile route, start at Ogmore Castle and take the coastal roads to Dunraven Bay.
5. Blissford Hill, The New Forest
If you want woodland, wildness and coastline, as well as some of the UK’s best cycling, then the New Forest is your place. With over 100 miles of car-free cycle trails, it’s ideal for the whole family. The legendary Blissford Hill, known for its short steep 20+% gradient, is sure to test the legs, but the views across the valley make the climb worth it.
6. The Ironman route in Pembrokeshire
As the Ironman competition goes, the Welsh version is one of the toughest you can do. The triathlon (a 2.4-mile sea swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26 mile run in one go) takes athletes through the hilly Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, finishing in Tenby – but the gruelling cycle is a famous route in itself. One particular climb in Saundersfoot, St Brides Hill, is known locally as Heartbreak Hill because it takes out even the most hardened of athletes and decides the ‘King of the Mountain’ title in both the Ironman and Long Course Weekend races. The preceding Wiseman’s Bridge Hill is considered by some to be even tougher.
7. The Devil’s Elbow, Brecon Beacons, Wales
With its jaw-dropping geography in combination with its rich and varied mythology and culture, the Brecon Beacons should be top of your list for cycling in the UK. In particular, the towns to the east of the National Park offer a great place to base yourself for some of the best riding that can be done in not only Wales, but throughout the UK. Take on the Tumble – better known as the ‘Devil’s Elbow’ – which is a monster of a climb.
8. The Mawddach Trail, Wales
This route from the grey stone town of Dolgellau in Snowdonia National Park follows an old railway line past the Cadair Idris mountain, and along the Mawddach Estuary, to the beautiful seaside town of Barmouth, is a much easier option. The 9-mile route has been dubbed one of the best short cycle rides in Wales and is mostly dust paths before it reaches roads in Barmouth, so take a mountain bike or hybrid.
9. The Denbies, The Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills, just located outside the M25 and the hustle bustle of London, has the famous Box Hill. However, avoid the crowds and climb the Denbies instead; it’s a less well-known climb and a perfect leg burner located just north of Dorking.
10. Lon Las Cymru, Wales
If you want a challenge and have two to three days, this route from Holyhead in north Wales, to either Cardiff or Chepstow runs 250 miles down the length of the country. It’s one of the toughest long distance routes on the National Cycle Network, passing through two national parks and three mountain ranges. Starting in rural Anglesey, highlights include the Coed-y-Brenin Forest, the Wye Valley and the Gospel Pass through the Black Mountains, with many castles and cathedrals along the way.
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