The best cycling routes in the United Kingdom

With four countries, 15 national parks and landscapes ranging from behemoth mountains and vast moorlands to low-lying fens and rolling countryside, cycling in the UK is always a wonderful adventure. An archipelago, you can explore the vast coastline with ease, from Cornwall’s stunning cliffs to Scotland’s mountain-backed beaches. The country is packed with quiet lanes and charming villages too, so it’s not hard to leave the traffic behind and pedal from place to place in peace. 

Hundreds of miles of traffic-free cycle paths exist thanks to converted railway lines as well as canal towpaths, so flat, car-free routes are everywhere. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly cycle routes in the UK, as well as long-distance National Cycle Network (NCN) routes and other designated trails to explore. With an abundance of train stations as well as cafes and pubs, you can reach rides easily and always find a bite to eat.