Colorful fields stretching to the skyline, ancient mountains and hills turning to dunes, sandy beaches on the coast, gorgeous green forests and country lanes… Britain’s nature is an explosion of excitement on the doorstep of adventure. It’s also a great way to ride your bike, experience the pleasure of speed, get some fresh air and cover a good number of kilometers while taking in the beauty of the countryside. Here are some of the best cycling routes to explore the UK.
Tissington Trail, Peak District National Park
The picturesque scenery of the Peak District on the majestic Tissington Trail. The 13-mile (21km) trail is suitable for families and offers majestic views of the lushly vegetated green valleys of White Peak near Alsop, not to mention the serene atmosphere of the amazing village of Tissington: the perfect place for a lunch break.
Exmoor Cycling Route, Exmoor National Park
Beautiful forests, vast heathlands and sand dunes along the coastline – Exmoor is everything. The Exmoor cycle route is a 60-mile route through some of Exmoor’s most beautiful countryside and is a wonderful way to explore the Devonshire countryside. On leaving Minehead you’ll pass through lovely chestnut woodland and along the North Devon coastline, overlooking the South Wales coastline across Bristol Bay. It’s worth noting that the route winds through high hills, so you should be physically prepared for the ride.
South Downs Way, South Downs National Park
The rolling hills of South Downs National Park are some of Britain’s most scenic. Colorful fields and meadows, hardwood forests, and sheep in the pastures abound here. And to even the score, there are also country pubs. South Downs Way is the 160km National Trail between Winchester and Eastbourne. It is the only national trail that is open to cycling. So you can choose to do your own stretch or cover the whole distance in a weekend.
Lôn Las Cymru (Green Route of Wales), Brecon Beacons National Park
Lôn Las Cymru (external link) – or the more prosaic name “National Cycle Route 8” – runs through the heart of Wales, from Anglesey to Cardiff, through the Wye Valley, Snowdonia National Park and the Cambrian Mountains. It is divided into two parts, north and south, totaling over 300 miles. As you may have guessed, it is not for beginners. However, if you are an experienced cyclist who is used to challenging trails, this is the most worthwhile trail of all. You’ll ride through high mountains, bright green valleys and forests, old carriage tracts and railroad tracks – a real adventure. What to say about the beautiful pictures.
Two Valleys Route, Yorkshire Valleys National Park
The Yorkshire Valleys have many calling cards, and one of them will be of particular interest to cyclists, because this is where the famous Tour de France race starts on 5 July this year. The landscape of the Valleys are ancient river valleys with high impressive hills. They are dotted with old structures and masonry walls of many villages and towns, and even the occasional castle (external link). It’s any cyclist’s dream. The route of the two valleys is challenging, but if you can conquer it, you won’t regret it. This trail braids the northern part of the Valleys, also known as the suburb of Eriot (after the famous writer (external link) who wrote his books here). It stretches east through Wensleydale Valley and west through Swailsdale Valley, offering steep climbs and downhill runs amid stunning beauty.
