This weekend sees the start of National Bike Week which encourages everyone from novices to seasoned cyclists to dig out their bikes and get out on the saddle. In the wake of Wiggo’s Olympic glory in 2012 and with next year’s Tour de France starting in Yorkshire, England is experiencing something of a cycling revolution.
Here, VisitEngland rounds up 10 of the country’s most scenic cycle routes:
Tudor Trail, Kent: You needn’t worry about cars on this family cycle route, as it’s almost entirely traffic-free. From Tonbridge, pass through Haysden Country Park along the peaceful River Medway (where there’s a slight climb), before heading towards the glorious Penshurst Place and the delightful village of Chiddingstone, past Chiddingstone Castle and on to Hever Castle.
Time Taken: 1 hour Rating: Suitable for all
Bath to Reading: The Kennet and Avon Canal makes its way through some of the loveliest landscapes in the south. Starting in Bath, with its crescents and colonnades, the route passes two viaducts and the dramatic Caen Hill Locks at Devizes. Here, you briefly leave the towpath to follow the country lanes around the Vale of Pewsey, before reuniting with the canal at Marsh Benham for the rest of the route.
Time Taken: 10hrs Rating: Intermediate
Way Of The Roses: Morecambe Bay to Bridlington Bay: Ever wanted to cycle the breadth of England? This coast-to-coast cycle route is the way to do it. Starting in the “red rose” county of Lancashire, cycle through the “white rose” territory of Yorkshire, passing through Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the Yorkshire Wolds along the way, before reaching the North Sea. Get ready for those hills…
Time Taken: 2-3 days Rating: Difficult
Round the Island Cycle Route, Isle of Wight: This 62-mile cycle route sticks to quiet roads, with sea views and pretty villages. It’s up to you whether you go round clockwise or anti-clockwise – either way, it’s well signposted (with Round the Island blue signs), and is reassuringly flat.
Time Taken: 2-3 days (at a leisurely pace) Rating: Intermediate
http://www.sunseaandcycling.com/isle-of-wight-cycle-routes.aspx
Swinley Forest: This 2,600-acre pinewood forest has hard track trails for all abilities. The mellow woodland paths are ideal if you’re with the family, or try out the specific ‘expert’ mountain biking area for a white-knuckle ride. One condition of cycling here is that everyone over 16 needs a riding permit, costing just £2.
Time Taken: Various Rating: Mixed
http://www.gorrick.com/downloads/swinleyforestmap.pdf
West London Thames Ride: A great way to get out of the city, this waterside cycle route starts at Kingston and takes you to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace via a smooth riverside path, before you get to the houseboats of Taggs Island and the former racecourse at Hurst Park. By the time you get to Egham the traffic and noise of the city will seem a million miles away (though the full ride is only 18 miles).
Time Taken: 2 hours Rating: Suitable For All
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/london/easy-rides-in-london/west-london-thames-ride
The Manifold Trail, West Midlands: You have a disused railway line to thank for this rather pretty cycle trail. The route follows the old track through the dramatic limestone gorges of Beeston Tor and Thor’s Cave – the latter a 10-metre opening where ancient stone tools have been found. The going’s pretty easy but if you do find yourself in need of a rest, there’s a pub and visitor centre at Hume End.
Time Taken: 2 hours Rating: Suitable for all
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/supporters/autumn2006/pdf/westmidlands.pdf
West Country Way: It may be 240 miles long but there’s plenty to see if you’ve got the stamina. Starting with Padstow Harbour and the famous Camel Trail, you make your way onto the vast expanse of Bodmin Moor. From Exmoor onwards, things flatten out on the Somerset Levels, towards Glastonbury, before the last push takes you over the Mendip Hills to either Bath or Bristol – whichever you prefer.
Time Taken: 8 days Rating: Difficult
Coast to Coast, Lake District: No list of great rides would be complete without mentioning the Lake District, and the C2C (or ‘Sea to Sea’) is the UK’s most popular ‘challenge’ biking route. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world (or at least of England) as you pass through the northern Lake District before dropping in on the Pennines and descending to the east coast, via the railway paths of County Durham.
Time Taken: 5 Days Rating: Difficult
https://cycleactive.com/index.php/cycling-tour/uk/classic-c2c
Melksham, North Wiltshire Rivers Route: There are plenty of sights to satisfy the kids along this 25-mile stretch of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route, including Lacock Abbey (which appeared in the Harry Potter films), Cherhill White Horse and the mysterious ancient stone cycles at Avebury.
Time Taken: 3 hours Rating: Suitable for all
For more cycling ideas, visit www.visitengland.com
