8 of the Best Cycling Days Out in the UK

Wondering what some of the best cycling days out are in the UK? We’ll be exploring eight of the most popular ones in this article…

Cycling is a brilliant sport that not only makes for a fantastic all-body workout, but also gives you the opportunity to explore the world around you. One of the biggest drawbacks when it comes to cycling, however, is safety. Especially if you’re cycling with kids, you may be concerned about accidents along the way.

Of course, cycling accident claims can be sought if you are injured, or you injure someone else, en route whilst cycling. However, if you wish to enjoy a cycle through the beautiful British countryside, taking a designated cycle path is perhaps your best port of call.

In this article, we’ll be exploring eight of the best cycling expeditions for you, and perhaps some of the family, to head on together. Take a look…

1. The Camel Trail, Cornwall

Starting in beautiful Padstow, The Camel Trail is an amazing coastal cycle that allows you to take in the views of the Camel Estuary. This flat route takes you through various tourist areas, including Bodmin and Wadebridge, giving you the opportunity to sight-see along the way.

As a path made for pedestrians, it’s the ideal stretch for families who want to ensure the kids remain safe throughout. To add to the appeal for children and adults alike, you may even get the opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife. With otters and kingfishers just some of the amazing creatures in this neck of the woods, you should be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

2. Merthyr to Brecon

Beginning in Merthyr Tydfil - the industrial centre of Wales - this route takes you through some of the most key areas of this beautiful country. Being one of the longest cycle routes in the UK, it takes you past the River Taff, the Cefn Coed Viaduct, and the Brecon Canal, amongst other landmarks.

The Brecon Beacons itself has plenty to offer, so save some energy to explore this region whilst you’re at it. In fact, we’d suggest you invest more time into this journey, and perhaps take it as an opportunity to make some pitstops along the way.

3. Bristol to Bath Cycle Path

The Bristol to Bath cycle path is a popular one for walkers and cyclists alike. It is a relatively simple cycle for beginners, as it’s only around 15 miles long, and flat all the way. That said, despite the simplicity, it has lots to offer.

After all, once you’ve arrived in either city, there’s plenty to do. Heading to Bristol, you’ll be inundated with places to eat after all that exercise. Although Bath doesn’t necessarily offer the same cosmopolitan appeal, its historical qualities make it no less appealing.

There are even some lovely pitstops throughout the trail, including a quaint roadside coffee shop, a restaurant set in an abandoned train, and a river spot for taking a dip.

4. New Forest

Based in the southern-most part of England, the New Forest is a picturesque adventure for people who want both beginner cycles or more advanced journeys. What’s great about this trip is it’s predominantly flat and is mostly on cycle paths. This makes it an enjoyable one to take the kids on.

To add a bit of extra fun, wild horses roam these regions, so you’ll likely have a fair bit to keep you entertained throughout.

Photo by Martin Magnemyr on Unsplash

5. The Lakeland Loop, Lake District

A long-haul journey for the most experienced cyclists is the Lakeland Loop. Although there are plenty of potential routes in the Lake District, this 65-kilometre stretch is not for the fainthearted.

To add to this distance, we can’t forget about the steep slopes you’ll be trekking up. Reaching gradients of 30 percent, it’s sure to bring a sweat to even the most experienced cyclists. That said, you’re sure to have a huge amount of outstanding natural beauty to keep you distracted.

6. Yorkshire Wolds

The Yorkshire Wolds is one of eight ‘Big Skies Bike Rides’, which is a series of loops created in 2010. They explore the rolling chalklands, beautiful villages, Neolithic burial mounds, churches, unspoilt countryside, and more, of the Yorkshire area.

7. Hadrian’s Cycleway

Hadrian’s wall is a historical landmark that still stands, in part, today. Hadrian’s Cycleway runs for 174 miles through this area, from Cumbria to Tyne and Wear. With so many amazing attractions to stop at along the way, it’s certainly one to enjoy as a long cycle holiday of its own.

Although parts of it are nearby to some traffic-filled areas, most of it takes part on cycle paths. Along the way, you’ll be greeted by many stunning country views of Scotland too.

8. Applecross Peninsula

Speaking of Scotland, our final UK cycle path takes the Northwest Scottish Highlands. This single-track route is somewhat similar to the alps, linking the remote Applecross village with civilisation.

With one of the longest climbs in Britain, it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. Experts suggest you keep an eye on the weather, so you don’t get stuck in the mist and cold.

Photo by David Marcu on Unsplash

Ready to Cycle?

As you can see, the UK has so much to offer if you’re looking for a more controlled setting for your cycling adventures.

You can find various other articles out there that give you even more insight into the best cycle routes in the UK. It really just depends whether you’re looking for something simple and family-friendly, or long-haul and expert.

Have you ever taken any of these routes yourself? Be sure to leave your experiences in the comments down below.