With cycle season just about in sight, we imagine you're already planning some gallivanting with your bikes this year! Charity rides, training and 'just for funing', so we had a wee nosy at some of the best cycle routes in the UK that are traffic free, long distance and right up your street!
Located in the rugged tips of South-West England, lies the first leg of the route! Take a leisurely pedal, or give it yaldi on each route, but don't be fooled - it covers over 960 miles, of trail - total. Whatever you choose, do it in moderation, you don't want to burn out. Though there are no rules or restrictions, it is not for the faint hearted. On average it takes around 9 days to complete (around 100-130 miles a day) - I can feel my legs screaming as I type this! And it doesn't treat you well to begin with, as the steep climbs are immediate! The statutory route is usually as follows: Lands End to Okehampton, Okehampton to Bath, Bath to Ludlow, Ludlow to Haydock, (now you're halfway) - Haydock to Penrith, Penrith to Hamilton, Hamilton to Fort William, Fort William to Kyle of Sutherland and lastly, Kyle of Sutherland to John O'Groats!
140 miles of Lakes and the Pennies; this journey is probably the most ridden route of all, passing from Whitehaven to Sunderland. It's challenging, but worth the reward! There's picture perfect views and beaches!
Hmm, I'm not sure many of you will do this 'just for fun'... I recommend you pack a hip flask or 5 and make it the strong stuff! This cycle route covers around 3,500+ miles! Surrounding 8 countries! It's just sounding worse, AHHH! You'll be part of a small bunch who can say they were bad ass enough to complete it though! Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England and Scotland are the countries you'll scoot through and take your time while you're there, say cheers to a beer and put your feet up, munch on a German hotdog and take in the breath-taking views - you'll be back in Scotland before you know it!
4. East Anglia
This route isn't so risky, popular amongst beginners or for time restricted rides. You'll dilly dally from Fakenham to Harwich (163 miles).
174 miles on your 2 wheel, leg powered machine! This route is famous for the countryside views, coastal routes and the historic Roman Forts.
A short (ish), downhill sweep covering approximately 89 miles from Biggar to Berwick-upon-Tweed. You'll have a peaceful run through quiet lanes, villages and forest trails.
This is a biggy! Routing a total of 252 miles through Cornwall to Somerset - don't worry though, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop for pasties and cake to fuel up!
Last, but certainly not least, this route will take you 102 miles around Plymouth beaches and Dartmoor National Park. Following back roads and country lanes, this route is ideal for novices and families - the wee jaunt will only take the weekend, so there's plenty of time to explore the beaches and the local life.
9. The Yorkshire Dales (bet you just said it in the accent like I did!) haha.
Dramatic landscape and beautiful views all around, this is a route that you can’t miss out on! It’s a perfect rural retreat for a leisurely pedal or for some uphill training instead – you can start as you mean to go on too; because there’s plenty of village pubs and cafes to choose from and incorporate into your pit stops. You can check out the various routes and edit to suit, right here.
Back to The Cycle Jersey Blog