With warmer weather here (fingers crossed) it’s the ideal time to get on your bike. Whatever type of ride you’re looking for, there are plenty of options across England, Wales and Scotland. We’ve rounded up our favourites, from multi-day rides to day-long excursions and shorter adventures. Take your pick!
The best bike rides in Wales
Traws Eryri
Length: 130 miles
Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) is a brand-new cycle route that’s set to open this summer. It’s a multi-day off-road trail with 4595m of ascent – not one for the faint hearted. The north Wales route has been designed by charity Cycling UK and travels from Machynlleth to Conwy, through the wilds of Wales and Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri (Snowdonia National Park). The trail is designed for mountain bikes but can be tackled on gravel bikes too. Traws Eryri officially opens on 23rd August, so if you try it soon, you could be one of the first to cycle it! Sign up with Cycle UK to get updates about the new route.
The Taff Trail
Length: 55 miles
The Taff Trail is a well-known route in south Wales, connecting the vibrant capital of Cardiff with the market town of Brecon. The scenery is constantly shifting – great if you want variety on your cycle. You’ll take in plenty of sights, including Cardiff Bay, several castles – Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch and Cyfarthfa Castle, mountains, the towns of Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd and Brecon Beacons National Park. In need of a pit stop? Visit Wales recommends Tongwynlais’ Plan2Ride bicycle café, for a cuppa, cake and any cycle repairs.
The Peregrine Path
Length: Around 7.5 miles
According to Sustrans, the Peregrine Path is “straight out of a children’s storybook”. The family-friendly ride certainly has magical sights to see. The trail starts in Monmouth and ends at Symonds Yat Rock, following the River Wye and the Welsh/English border. Seek out the ruins of Monmouth Castle, stop at the mystical King Arthur’s Cave and look out for peregrine falcons soaring over Symonds Yat Rock at the end of your journey. Kymin is also an excellent spot for a family picnic, so don’t forget your sandwiches.
The best bike rides in England
Devon Coast to Coast, England
Length: Around 99 miles
It may be one of the lesser-known coast to coast routes, but it’s definitely worth exploring. The Devon Coast to Coast passes through one of Britain’s most beautiful counties. It starts in the seaside resort of Ilfracombe and stretches south to Plymouth, winding around Dartmoor along the way. Sustrans notes that crossing the “dizzying” Gem Bridge – which stands 24 metres above a valley – is a not-to-be-missed part of the ride. The charity also recommends a shorter section of the route called the Tarka Trail for beginner cyclists and families.
Lakeside Way at Kielder
Length: Around 26 miles
Cycling Lakeside Way is a great way to explore Kielder Forest. The trail loops around the shoreline of Kielder Water reservoir, northern Europe’s biggest man-made lake. The forest is a haven for wildlife. If you’re lucky you might spot otters, red squirrels and ospreys. Unusually, art features on the trail too, making it something quite unique. There are several pieces of contemporary art and architectural along the route – see if you can spot them all.
The Camel Trail
Length: Around 17 miles
The Camel Trail is another one of our favourites. It’s an accessible route that’s mostly traffic free, so is suitable for beginner riders. It connects the pretty port of Padstow with Poley’s Bridge. This route’s the perfect place to wonder at north Cornwall’s amazing scenery and wildlife. North Cornwall Council notes that otters, dormice and bats can all be seen along the trail, so keep a look out. There’s a bird hide for a spot of birdwatching near Wadebridge as well. Foodies will enjoy the trail too, with Rick Stein’s fish and chip stop in Padstow and the Camel Trail Tea Garden for a Cornish cream tea en route.
The best bike rides in Scotland
The Hebridean Way
Length: Around 184 miles
The Hebridean Way is all about the wild, wind-swept scenery, as you cycle across these remote islands. The trail transports you through the Outer Hebrides, from Vatersay to Lewis, through ten islands and their changing scenery. Causeways and ferries are used to move between them, adding variety to the journey. Visit Outer Hebrides recommends cycling the route over at least six days, for plenty of rest and time to savour the scenery. It’s also pulled together a useful directory of shops, restaurants and places to stay along the route.
The Water of Leith Walkway
Length: Around 12 miles
This multi-use trail is an opportunity to see a quieter side to the Scottish capital, as you follow the winding Water of Leith. One Google reviewer calls it “a tranquil gem of a route, that’ll get you where you want to go in a more serene, relaxed way”. It can be cycled as well as walked, starting at the foot of the Pentlands at Balerno and heading north to Leith docks. Make sure you stop at the scenic Craiglockhart Dell, charismatic Dean Village and historic St Bernard’s Well.
The Canada Trail
Length: Around 2.5 miles
The Canada Trail might sound like it belongs across the pond, but it’s proudly Scottish. Set in the Callendar Estate, near Falkirk, it’s a mountain bike route that runs through some wonderful woodland. It’s been graded an easy trail by the Estate, so can be tackled by even the youngest riders. Mountain bikes can be hired from the Callendar Estate Activity Centre and the trail can be self-guided or led by a qualified guide. Stop by the Estate’s Milk Barn for homemade cakes and refreshments, for a treat at the end of your journey.
Header Image Source: Phill Stasiw, Traws Eyryr
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