Spring is a great time to freshen up your cycling and find new challenges in preparation for your summer season.
If you’ve been clocking up the miles over the winter or are just looking for a new adventure, here are some of the best cycling routes across the UK to put a spring in your step. Ranging between 23 to 85 miles and different levels of difficulty, we’ve chosen some great cycling routes for every rider and across the UK.
England
Tour de Yorkshire (Stage 2) – 84 miles
Take a steady ride through the countryside of Yorkshire – skirting around Leeds and finishing up in Doncaster. You can follow the pros on this route, taking on the hilly section midway to challenge your cycling endurance and try to gain some KOMs.
For an easier route, finish at Knottingley halfway and cycle back; same mileage without the climbs.
The Colliers Way – 75 miles
This ride is based on National Cycle Route 24 and runs through the most southerly part of the Cotswold AONB. This route offers challenging hills to climb and beautiful Somerset scenery to cycle through when you’re on the other side.
Devon Coast to Coast – 99 miles
Cycle through the Devonshire countryside along Route 27 for beautiful panoramic views. 99 miles not a big enough challenge for you? Catch the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry to continue your adventure along the Velodyssey down the west coast of France to the Spanish boarder.
Wales
Taff Trail -55 miles
With this ride, you cover the Brecon Beacons National Park in a traffic-free environment with beautiful scenery. Crossing disused railways and tramways, you can travel through the heritage of Welsh countryside and industry alike. This trail is suitable for mountain or cyclo-cross bikes!
Cardiff – Abergaveny –Cardiff – 85 miles
Starting from Cardiff city centre gives you an excellent opportunity for a weekend break; explore the city and the countryside with this road route with varied terrain. Complete with challenging climbs, this ride will be an excellent weekend challenge; head out there this weekend with our Wales Cycling Jersey.
Scotland
St Andrews, Fife – 37 miles
Taking a short tour of the eastern peninsular of Fife, this route takes you through the stunning natural harbours and fishing villages of the area. On route you’ll find Anstruther, perfect for a bite to eat and a pit stop at the local bike shop.
Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway – 23 miles
Just a short ride for you to complete, but it includes beautiful scenery and a phenomenally geographically gifted Irish coastline with the Atlantic. This signposted route is mostly traffic-free and passes conveniently by the Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery.
There we have it, seven cycling routes you may never have come across. You’re welcome!