With its winding mountain paths, rich leafy forests, and endless coastlines, the UK is home to some amazing natural beauty. Here at Halfords, we reckon the best way to enjoy all these epic landscapes is from the comfort of your saddle.
Keep reading to discover some of our favourite trail-based cycling routes from across the UK to help you find your next big cycling adventure.
Cycle routes in England
High Peak to Tutbury (Pennines)
Length: 52 miles
This full-day route takes you on a journey through the Peak District. You’ll face a combination of off-road and on-road cycling, including several challenging climbs, and you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking scenery and views across the hills. Points of interest along the way include the Toddbrook Reservoir, the Peak District National Park, Dovedale National Nature Reserve and Historic Buxton.
Follow The Dog
Length: Almost 7 miles
Visit Cannock Chase, the UK’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you’ll find the Follow The Dog mountain bike loop. This tricky trail gives you seven miles of fast-flowing single-track riding, with a variety of twists and turns thrown in for good measure. Conquer the course and you can reward yourself with a well-earned break at the Birches Valley Forest Centre.
Cycle routes in Northern Ireland
Causeway Coast
Length: 23 miles
Take in the beautiful Northern Irish coastline with this 23-mile route between Castlerock and Giant’s Causeway. As well as the views across the sea, you’ll get to see the ruins of Dunluce Castle, the towns of Portrush and Portstewart, and, of course, the amazing natural rock formations of one of the UK’s World Heritage Sites. Truly a worthy end to any journey!
Craigavon Cycle Trail
Length: 35 miles
Located just south of Lough Neagh, the city of Craigavon is your starting point for this circular journey. You’ll pass through the city’s park and the Newry to Portadown Canal before disappearing into the countryside of County Armagh. The amazing vistas of Slieve Croob and the Mourne Mountains await, along with the Oxford Island Lake Reserve.
Cycle routes in Scotland
Bute
Length: 32 miles
This looping route runs alongside some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes and peaceful lochs. Starting and finishing in Tighnabruaich, the journey heads south towards the villages of Kames and Ardlamont, before working its way to Kilfinan, Glendaruel and Loch Riddon. There are plenty of clifftop photo spots along the way, so make sure you snap some shots of the Isle of Bute and Loch Fyne as you go.
The Hebridean Way
Length: 185 miles
If you want to see some of the most spectacular landscapes in the UK then this island-hopping route is a perfect fit. Beginning in Vatersay, the southern-most island of the Outer Hebrides, the route takes you through Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist and Harris before finishing in Lewis. You’ll visit 10 islands in the archipelago in total – a pretty amazing feat on a single bike ride!
Cycle routes in Wales
The Taff Trail
Length: 55 miles
Our first Welsh trail starts at the Cardiff waterfront, before making its way along the Taff corridor against a backdrop of roaring weirs, rolling hills and Castell Coch. The ancient Cyfarthfa Castle awaits in Merthyr Tydfil, while a climb up Torpantau Pass brings you to the peaceful countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park. If you’re looking for variety on your route, then you’ve definitely found it.
Celtic Trail
Length: 220 miles
This epic ride will take a couple of days to complete, but it’s well worth the investment. The route stretches across scenic south Wales, heading past sights such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Llanelli Millennium Coastal Park and Swansea Bay. Swansea awaits at the end of the journey, complete with Wales’ largest indoor market and freshly baked goodies.
This is just a handful of some of the great cycle routes you can experience across the UK. You can find the full collection of routes online, as well as our extensive range of road bikes, hybrid bikes and mountain bikes.
