Best UK Cycling Destinations: Epic Routes for Every Rider & Skill Level

As cyclists, we know that feeling that you get from cycling gentle riverside paths to formidable mountain ascents. The UK offers a staggering variety of cycling destinations that cater to every ambition and ability. The landscape of British cycling is more vibrant than ever, with participation in England alone growing by over 28% between 2016 and 2021. Even when we are out on the streets, we can see that more people are taking up cycling.

Whether you're planning family-friendly cycling holidays, seeking the thrill of a challenging road cycling climb, or embarking on a legendary end-to-end journey, we know that the perfect ride is waiting to be discovered. Using our experience of cycling for more than 20 years, our guide explores the UK's most epic cycle routes, breaking them down by skill level to help you find your next two-wheeled adventure.

Your UK Cycling Adventure Awaits: A Journey for Every Rider

The Unrivalled Allure of UK Cycling

The UK's charm for cyclists lies in its compressed diversity. Within a few hours, you can trade rolling green hills for rugged coastlines or dense forests for dramatic mountain passes. This rich tapestry of landscapes is crisscrossed by thousands of miles of signed cycle routes, including the extensive National Cycle Network, which provides a framework for countless journeys. From the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands, these paths unlock historical sites, charming villages, and breathtaking natural wonders, making the UK a premier destination for cyclists worldwide.

What You'll Discover: Routes Tailored to Your Skill and Style

This guide is structured to match your experience level. We have cycled all these paths ourselves and know exactly the challenges you'll face. We begin with gentle, traffic-free trails perfect for beginners and families, progress to the scenic and moderately challenging routes for intermediate riders looking to explore, and culminate with the epic climbs and long-distance adventures that test the most seasoned cyclists. You'll find iconic routes, hidden gems, and all the inspiration you need to plan your next trip.

Gentle Pedals & Family Fun: Beginner & Traffic-Free Routes

Embrace the Ease: Perfect for Novices and Families

For those new to cycling or riding with young children, traffic-free trails offer a safe and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors. These routes, often following disused railway lines or canal towpaths, are typically flat and well-surfaced, allowing you to focus on the scenery and the simple joy of pedalling. They are the ideal starting point for building confidence and creating lasting memories.

The Camel Trail, Cornwall: A Coastal Gem

Arguably the UK's most famous family-friendly cycling route as voted by Sports Engineer UK, the Camel Trail runs for 18 miles along a disused railway line from Padstow to Wenfordbridge. The most popular section, between Padstow and Wadebridge, follows the stunning Camel Estuary. This almost entirely flat, traffic-free trail offers beautiful views of the River Camel, abundant birdlife, and easy access to local cafes. It's the perfect day out for riders of all ages.

Bristol to Bath Railway Path: History on Two Wheels

This 13-mile, paved, and completely traffic-free path is one of the UK’s first major greenways. Connecting two iconic West Country cities, it follows the route of the old Midland Railway. The journey takes you through a varied landscape of riverside sections, wooded corridors, and historic Victorian engineering. It’s a fantastic, accessible ride that combines gentle exercise with a dose of industrial heritage.

Thames Path National Trail (Selected Segments): Riverside Serenity

While the full Thames Path is a walking trail, several segments are open to cyclists and offer serene, flat riding. The section from Richmond to Hampton Court Palace is particularly popular, providing beautiful riverside views, iconic landmarks, and plenty of places to stop for a picnic. It’s a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Thames away from the hustle of central London.

More Accessible Options: Discovering Gentle Paths

Across the UK, countless other accessible cycle routes await. The New Forest in Hampshire offers a network of gentle gravel tracks through ancient woodland, where you can cycle alongside free-roaming ponies. In Northern Ireland, a short ride around Strangford Lough can lead to the historic Scrabo Tower, offering panoramic views. Cornwall's industrial past can be explored on the Clay Trails near St Austell, a network of paths offering unique scenery.

Rolling Hills & Scenic Wonders: Intermediate Routes for the Explorer

Step Up Your Ride: Moderate Challenges, Maximum Views

Once you're comfortable with gentler paths, the UK’s intermediate routes offer the next level of adventure. These journeys introduce rolling hills, longer distances, and mixed terrains, rewarding your effort with spectacular vistas and a profound sense of accomplishment. They are perfect for the developing cyclist looking to expand their horizons and experience more of Britain's iconic landscapes.

The Lake District: Loops of Lakeland Beauty

The Lake District is a world-renowned cycling destination, offering a mix of challenging climbs and rewarding valley roads. An excellent intermediate loop is the 28-mile circuit around Coniston Water. This route involves some moderate climbs but rewards riders with breathtaking views of the lake and the Old Man of Coniston fell. The quiet country lanes and classic Lakeland scenery make it a must-do ride.

Yorkshire Dales National Park: Classic Dales Cycling

Made famous by the Tour de France and the annual Tour de Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales are a heartland for UK road cycling. A classic intermediate route is the 25-mile loop from Hawes, taking in the picturesque villages of Askrigg and Aysgarth. You'll experience the signature Dales landscape of drystone walls, rolling green valleys, and some testing but manageable climbs.

South Downs Way: England's Chalk Spine

Stretching 100 miles across the chalk hills of Hampshire and Sussex, the South Downs Way is a premier off-road challenge. While riding the entire route is a significant undertaking, tackling a section like the 20-mile stretch from Amberley to Devil's Dyke offers a perfect intermediate day ride. The undulating bridleway provides incredible panoramic views of the English Channel and the rolling countryside.

Isle of Wight: A Cyclist's Island Paradise

The Isle of Wight is a compact paradise for cyclists, offering a network of well-signed routes. The 'Round the Island' route is a challenging 65 miles, but shorter sections are ideal for intermediate riders. The 'Chalk Ridge Extreme' East loop, for example, provides a 25-mile taste of the island's coastal paths, chalky downland, and quaint villages, with hills that will test your legs without breaking your spirit.

Surrey Hills (AONB): London's Backyard Challenge

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on London’s doorstep, the Surrey Hills offer some of the best road cycling in the South East. Made famous by the 2012 Olympics, the iconic climb of Box Hill is a rite of passage. A 30-mile loop incorporating Box Hill and other scenic climbs like Leith Hill provides a fantastic day of challenging riding through beautiful wooded lanes.

Wye Valley (AONB): A River Runs Through It

Straddling the border between England and Wales, the Wye Valley offers stunning scenery and rewarding cycling. An intermediate route could follow the river from Monmouth to the historic Tintern Abbey and back. The route uses quiet country lanes that rise and fall with the valley sides, offering beautiful views of the River Wye and the dense surrounding forests.

Conquer the Giants: Advanced & Epic Adventurer Routes

The Ultimate Test: Challenging Climbs and Legendary Journeys

For experienced cyclists seeking the ultimate physical and mental challenge, the UK's advanced routes deliver in spades. These are the journeys of legend: formidable mountain passes, epic coast-to-coast adventures, and multi-day epics that push your limits against a backdrop of the nation's most dramatic and remote landscapes.

Bealach Na Ba, Applecross (Scotland): The UK's Toughest Climb

Often compared to an Alpine pass, the Bealach Na Ba ("Pass of the Cattle") is the UK's most iconic and formidable road climb. This single-track road in the Scottish Highlands features a relentless ascent with gradients reaching 20%, hairpin bends, and exposure to the elements. The reward for conquering this beast is an unforgettable descent and panoramic views over to the Isle of Skye.

North Coast 500 (Selected Challenging Segments), Scotland: Highlands Grandeur

While cycling the entire North Coast 500 is a multi-day epic, tackling its most challenging segments is a goal for many serious riders. The section from Durness to Tongue is particularly tough, featuring a series of sharp, steep climbs along a rugged and breathtakingly beautiful coastline. This is remote, wild cycling at its finest, demanding fitness and self-sufficiency.

Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales: Mountainous Majesty

The Brecon Beacons National Park is a playground for cyclists who love to climb. The Abergavenny to Hay-on-Wye route via the Gospel Pass is a Welsh classic. It includes the highest paved road in Wales, offering a long, grinding ascent through the Black Mountains. The spectacular views from the summit over the Wye Valley and surrounding peaks are a worthy prize for your effort. The Taff Trail, which runs 55 miles from Cardiff to Brecon, offers a less severe but equally scenic journey into the heart of the park.

Peak District National Park: Gritstone Gradients

The Peak District is synonymous with tough, gritty road cycling. Climbs like Winnats Pass and Holme Moss are legendary. A classic advanced loop from Castleton tackles Winnats Pass's brutal gradients before exploring the quiet, windswept roads of the Dark Peak. This area tests handling skills and climbing legs in equal measure against a backdrop of stark, beautiful moorland.

The Ultimate UK Cycling Pilgrimages: Coast-to-Coast and End-to-End

For the ultimate challenge, nothing beats a long-distance pilgrimage. The Sea to Sea (C2C) route from Whitehaven to Tynemouth is a classic 140-mile coast-to-coast ride. For the truly epic, the Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG) is the definitive UK cycling adventure, a journey of nearly 1,000 miles through the entire length of Great Britain. These are not just rides; they are life-affirming experiences.

Beyond the Routes: Essential Planning for Your UK Cycling Trip

Maximising Your Adventure: Practical Advice and Resources

Proper planning is the key to a successful cycling trip. Before setting off, research your chosen cycling routes thoroughly. Utilise resources like Sustrans, which manages the National Cycle Network, for detailed maps and route conditions. Local tourist boards and cycling clubs are also fantastic sources of information on bike hire, accommodation, and the best cafes for a mid-ride coffee and cake.

Best Time to Visit: Timing Your Ride

The UK's weather is notoriously unpredictable, but the best months for cycling are generally from late spring (May) to early autumn (September). During this period, you can expect longer daylight hours and warmer, drier conditions. However, be prepared for rain at any time of year, especially in mountainous regions like the Lake District and Scotland.

What to Pack: Essentials for Every Ride

For any ride, a helmet, water, and snacks are non-negotiable. Always carry a puncture repair kit and a multi-tool. Layering your clothing is essential; a lightweight waterproof jacket is a must-have, even on a sunny day. For longer rides, a GPS device or smartphone with your route downloaded is invaluable. Planning and packing correctly ensures you can handle minor issues and focus on enjoying your ride.

Conclusion

In our opinion, the UK is a cyclist’s paradise, offering an incredible spectrum of experiences packed into one island nation. Some of us have cycled for more than 20 years and have vast experience in finding the best routes. From the family-friendly Camel Trail to the epic ascent of Bealach Na Ba, there are world-class cycling destinations to match every rider's dream. The key is to find the journey that excites you. Use this guide as your starting point to explore the diverse landscapes, challenge your limits, and create unforgettable memories. The UK’s best cycle routes are out there—all that's left is for you to get on your bike and ride.