Cycling can be enjoyed by all ages and is a fun way to get out and see the great outdoors. In the UK we are lucky to have a huge range of trails and routes to suit all abilities, from mountain bike trails in national parks to the more family-friendly routes. Embarking on a cycling trip during your holiday is a great way to see the countryside. You can cover more ground and bike ride routes often take you into areas where roads simply cannot.
We’ve done our research and put together a list of the best cycle routes in the UK for you, taking in Scotland and Wales and every region across England from the far north to Cornwall.
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Top UK cycle routes in the South West
Camel Trail, Cornwall | best for young families
The Camel Trail bike ride is a blissful 18 miles of Cornwall countryside, stretching from Wenfordbridge to Padstow. Mainly traffic-free and completely flat between Padstow and Wadebridge, this bike route takes you through a handful of Cornwall’s most idyllic towns and villages whilst displaying nature on the Cornwall coastline. There are many places to start the trail so feel free to pick your favourite spot to join. This is the perfect place for a slow amble or a first cycle ride with young children. All year round, this trail is very busy at the weekend - the most popular section is between Padstow and Wadebridge.
- Bike hire: Bikes can be hired from Padstow, Wadebridge or Bodmin
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (at the Bodmin end) | Distance: 18 miles
- Stay nearby: Pipits | sleeps 4 guests
Tarka Trail, Devon | best for couples
The Tarka Trail in Devon is a popular trail that for much of its length follows the course of an old railway track. The most popular section of the sealed track is the 30 miles between Braunton in the north and Meeth in the south. The course is level and for the most part, it runs through shady tree cover following the course of the Taw and Torridge rivers via Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford and Great Torrington. It's a lovely romantic UK cycle trail for couples to enjoy as well as young families and solos.
- Bike hire: Bikes can be hired from Barnstaple. You need your own bike to journey from the Meeth end as there are no facilities.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (depending on how far you plan to travel) | Distance: 30 miles
- Stay nearby: Tide Side | sleeps 4 + 3 dogs
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Top UK cycle routes on the South Coast
Worthing to Brighton, South Coast | best for seaside fun
Admire the seaside resorts of Worthing and Brighton along this 12-mile bicycle route. The trail is perfect for families due to Worthing's numerous cafes and amusements along the route to keep the children entertained. Stop at Shoreham town centre to marvel at 12th-century church, St Mary de Haura, before heading to The Red Lion for a quick pick me up and then finally finishing at Brighton’s pier and seafront. A photogenic bicycle route awaits you on the south coast!
- Bike hire: Head to Worthing's Donkey Bike rentals.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (depending on how far you plan to travel) | Distance: 12 miles
- Stay nearby: Oceans - Ferring | sleeps 8
The Strawberry Line and Cheddar Gorge, Somerset | best for wild views
So named thanks to the fruit this former railway line used to transport, the Strawberry Line is mainly traffic free and relatively flat, taking in some of Somerset’s most beautiful landscapes over 10 miles. Starting in the marshes and cider orchards surrounding Yatton, it continues through tree-lined valleys and the Mendip Hills before rewarding cyclists with the spectacular Cheddar Gorge.
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Top UK cycle routes in the Cotswolds
Cleeve Hill, The Cotswolds | best for the dedicated mountain biker
Cleeve Hill in the Cotswolds offers premium mountain-biking territory full of rocky bridleways, and muddy forest cycle routes. There are satisfying far-reaching views across the Severn Vales to the Welsh hills from the highest point of the elevated 300-metre-high track. This route begins with a long climb, continuing with grassy trails before dropping down into Brockhampton. with a final drop to Winchcombe. Serious fun for the ardent mountain biker.
- Bike Hire: Bikes can be hired from Cotswolds Biking.
- Difficulty: Strenuous | Distance: 12.5 miles
- Stay nearby: Number 41 | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
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Top UK cycle routes in the East of England
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire | best for a gentle ride followed by tea and cake
Cambridgeshire is quite rightly one of England’s national treasures due to its prestigious university reputation and architectural brilliance. Hidden deep within the countryside, this National Cycle Route takes you from the breathtaking Wimpole Estate through to Cobbs Wood. This track covers 3 miles of stunning woodland walkway, although be aware that you may get a little muddy! Once completed, head back to the estate to indulge in a well-earned pot of tea and a cake.
- Bike hire: There is no bike hire on Wimpole Estate. Take your own bike as there aren't any hire shops in the area.
- Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 3 miles
- Stay nearby: Bruno | sleeps 2
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Top UK cycle routes in the Peak District
Monsal Trail, Peak District | best for miles of fantastic countryside
The world-famous Monsal Trail in the Peak District may be well-known but you can enjoy much of this trail to yourself on off-season weekdays. Relatively short but always picturesque, this trail follows the path of a former railway track and it incorporates the famous Monsal Viaduct which is an absolute must-see. It's a fairly level trail for most of its distance as it runs the 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill and Bakewell. It's also used by hikers and horse riders too.
- Bike Hire: Blackwell Mill Bike Hire is the most conveniently located except they are closed throughout the winter.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Distance: 8.5 miles
- Stay nearby: Campion | sleeps 4
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Top UK cycle routes in the Lake District
Hardknott Pass, Lake District | best for the pro
The ominous name of this infamous Lake District route near Coniston gives an accurate impression of the challenge which faces cyclists who are brave enough to take it on! Also known as 'the King of Climbs', it winds its way 1.5 miles through rural Cumbria, delivering a hair-raising ascent and descent on the other side. Completion of this trail is a badge of honour for all experienced riders, it even proves challenging in a car!
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Top UK cycle routes in the Heart of England
Severn Valley Country Park, Shropshire | best for a tranquil setting
Cycle the tranquil banks of the River Severn in Shropshire. This award-winning park covers 126 acres of woodland and meadows, with way marked cycle trails along the National Cycle Route. Not only does the Severn Valley Country Park have beautiful scenery, but it also has a bird hide and delightful picnic areas.
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Top UK cycle routes in the North of England
Route 67, North Yorkshire | best for moorland scenery
This former railway line is perfect for a short excursion across the country. Route 67 is a popular national cycle route starting from the bustling spa town of Harrogate to the gateway of Ripley. The bicycle ride provides entrances to many National Trust sites as well as passing the Grade 2 listed Nidd Gorge Viaduct. The bike trail is also a popular route for those wanting an afternoon tea at the finish line.
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Top UK cycle routes in Scotland
The Glentress Red Route, Scottish Borders | best for daredevils
This mountain bike trail near Peebles in Scotland boasts a varied terrain, the red route has everything! Downhill sections, jumps, an elevated timber trail and obstacles are aplenty. Not only is the Glentress Red Route an interesting ride, it also benefits from some beautiful views of the Tweed Valley.
- Bike hire: You can hire your bikes from BSpoke Cycle Hire in Peebles.
- Difficulty: Difficult | Distance: 1.5 miles
- Stay nearby: Scotsonrig Cottage | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Dava Way, The Highlands | Best for long rides and Highland scenery
Linking the historic towns of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey, the Dava Way bicycle path covers 23 miles of Scottish scenery. This bicycle ride winds its way from sea level up to the Dava summit, passing Highlands woodland, moorland and farmland. Although it is a long distance, it’s worth every bit of the journey for the view alone. Some of Scotland’s most dominating skylines can be observed, reaching over to the counties of Nairn, Moray, Inverness and Ross. Don’t forget to look out for pine martens while on your travels.
The Caledonia Way, Argyll & Bute | best for touring long distance
This 46 miles ‘challenge ride’ between Oban and Campbelltown in Argyll & Bute covers part of Route 78, The Caledonia Way, and rewards adventurous cyclists with the most breathtaking views of the islands of Jura and Arran, as well as a whole host of interesting stops along the way. Take in Lorn, Knapdale, the Kintyre Peninsula and castles. If the whole 46 miles sounds like too much, you can choose to join the trail at various points and tackle a shorter section.
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Top UK cycle routes in Wales
Mawddach Trail, West Wales | best for riverside riding
Following a multi-use path, this is a great option for families with older children. Tracing the beautiful Mawddach Estuary, in Barmouth, it stretches a fairly flat 9.5 miles through southern Eryri / Snowdonia National Park in Wales. If you don’t fancy the whole trail, you can join it at several different points along the way.
- Bike hire: Hire your bikes from Coed Cae Bike Hire in Barmouth.
- Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 9.5 miles
- Stay nearby: Beudy Bach | sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Taff Trail, Cardiff to Brecon | the best for mountain scenery
Beginning in the vibrant city of Cardiff, this route will take you out into rural Wales along a mixture of major and minor roads. See stunning weirs, take in beautiful mountain views and enjoy heritage sites along the way such as Castell Coch and the Rhondda Heritage Park. The whole 55-mile route can be completed in a day, ending by passing through the incredible mountain landscapes to Brecon.
Millennium Coastal Path, Llanelli | best for sea views
A mixture of beautiful coastline and scenic woodland makes the Millennium Coastal Path one of the most spectacular parts of the Celtic Trail. Covering 7 miles of traffic-free trail ways, the path crosses from the Llanelli Discovery Centre, winding through Sandy Water Park, the Ashpit Ponds Nature Reserve and finally to Pembrey Forest. Stop along the bike trail to spot over 35 species of butterflies, migrant songbirds and birds of prey.
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