Cycling in the UK has grown into one of the most popular outdoor activities, thanks to the country’s incredible mix of rugged mountains, peaceful canal towpaths, historic railway trails, beautiful coastal routes, and breathtaking national parks. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist craving steep climbs and long-distance challenges, or a casual rider looking for relaxed, family-friendly trails, the UK offers a cycling experience for every type of rider. From the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds to the dramatic Scottish Highlands, and from quiet woodland paths to iconic coastal roads, each route tells its own story through its scenery, history, and unique terrain.

This guide to the Top 50 Cycle Routes in the UK brings together the nation’s most iconic, scenic, and enjoyable paths—perfect for planning weekend adventures, cycling holidays, or training rides. Packed with a mixture of off-road trails, long-distance routes, coastal favourites, and urban gems, these handpicked routes showcase the best of what the UK has to offer. Whether you’re aiming for a challenging multi-day cycle like the C2C or looking for a gentle family outing like the Camel Trail, this list will help you discover new places, new landscapes, and new reasons to fall in love with cycling.

Top 50 Cycle Routes In The UK

1. Camel Trail, Cornwall

The Camel Trail is an 18-mile, mostly flat cycling route that runs between Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin. It follows a disused railway line, making it smooth, safe, and very family-friendly. Riders enjoy breathtaking estuary views, quiet woodland stretches, and historic railway architecture. With several cafés and bicycle rental shops along the path, it’s perfect for beginners and casual cyclists who want a scenic, stress-free ride.

2. Tarka Trail, Devon

One of the UK’s longest traffic-free cycling paths, the Tarka Trail stretches 180 miles, with the Braunton to Meeth section being the most popular for families. Cyclists enjoy estuary landscapes, wildlife-rich wetlands, old railway bridges, and peaceful countryside views. The mostly flat terrain ensures a relaxed, enjoyable experience suitable for riders of all ages.

3. Monsal Trail, Peak District

This iconic 8.5-mile trail runs through the spectacular Wye Valley. Cyclists pass through lit tunnels, towering viaducts, dramatic limestone cliffs, and river valleys. Its firm surface and gentle gradient make it perfect for families, beginners, and leisurely rides through one of England’s most scenic national parks.

4. Great Glen Way, Scotland

Stretching 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness, the Great Glen Way is ideal for adventurous cyclists. The route follows the Caledonian Canal and passes alongside famous lochs including Loch Ness. With forest trails, canal towpaths, and rugged sections, it’s perfect for experienced cyclists seeking a long-distance challenge.

5. Hadrian’s Cycleway

This 174-mile route follows the historic line of Hadrian’s Wall from Ravenglass to South Shields. Packed with Roman forts, coastal stretches, rolling hills, and charming villages, it’s a top choice for cyclists who enjoy immersing themselves in history while tackling varied terrain.

6. C2C (Sea to Sea) Route

Running 140 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, the C2C is the UK’s most iconic long-distance cycle route. It crosses the Lake District, Pennines, and Durham Dales, offering unforgettable views and challenging climbs. Ideal for cyclists seeking a multi-day adventure.

7. Box Hill Circuit, Surrey

Box Hill is one of Britain’s most beloved road cycling climbs, made famous by the 2012 Olympics. With smooth tarmac, steady gradients, and stunning views across the Surrey Hills, it’s a favourite for training rides and weekend cycling groups.

8. Bristol to Bath Railway Path

A 13-mile traffic-free cycling path perfect for families and commuters. Smooth, flat, and lined with greenery, the path links two historic cities while offering a relaxing countryside feel. Art installations and old railway remnants add charm along the route.

9. Snowdonia MTB Routes, Wales

Snowdonia National Park offers some of the best mountain biking trails in the UK. From rocky descents to forest trails at Coed y Brenin, cyclists enjoy spectacular mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and varied terrain suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.

10. New Forest Cycling Routes

With over 100 miles of cycle-friendly paths, the New Forest is perfect for leisurely rides. Expect wild ponies, ancient forests, peaceful heathlands, and quiet villages. Ideal for families, beginners, and anyone seeking a calm countryside experience.

11. Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail

A popular 9-mile circular trail offering forest scenery, gentle gradients, and smooth surfaces. Excellent for young children and beginner cyclists.

12. The Ridgeway

Known as Britain’s oldest road, this 87-mile route stretches across chalk ridges and ancient landmarks. It’s perfect for gravel and mountain bikes and offers sweeping countryside views.

13. Loch Leven Heritage Trail

A beautiful 13-mile circular path around Loch Leven. Mostly flat and accessible, it’s great for families and riders who want peaceful, waterside scenery.

14. Yorkshire Dales Cycleway

A 130-mile circular route through valleys, stone-built villages, and rugged uplands. Perfect for experienced cyclists ready for steep climbs and long rides.

15. Windsor Great Park Cycling Loop

With its serene landscapes, historic monuments, and lakes, Windsor Great Park offers a relaxing ride suitable for families and casual riders.

16. The Lakeland Loop, Lake District

A legendary 40-mile route featuring steep climbs, fast descents, and dramatic mountain and lake landscapes. Ideal for seasoned road cyclists.

17. Holy Island Causeway Ride

A unique tidal route across to Holy Island in Northumberland. Riders enjoy sweeping coastal views and a peaceful island atmosphere—but must check tide times!

18. Marbury to Delamere Forest Loop

A scenic 20-mile ride combining lakeside views and forest paths. Suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes.

19. Cardinham Woods, Cornwall

A favourite for intermediate mountain bikers, offering flowing trails, woodland climbs, and technical singletrack sections.

20. Surrey Hills AONB Routes

Home to famous climbs like Leith Hill and Pitch Hill, the Surrey Hills offer challenging routes and rewarding viewpoints for road and MTB riders.

21. The Thames Path Cycle Route

A mostly flat riverside ride between London, Reading, and Oxford. Ideal for beginners, commuters, and long-distance leisure cyclists.

22. Pennine Bridleway

A 205-mile off-road challenge through rugged Pennine landscapes. Perfect for mountain bikers seeking adventure.

23. Cotswold Country Lanes

Rolling hills, stone cottages, and peaceful lanes define this quintessential English cycling experience. Best suited for intermediate road cyclists.

24. Salcombe to Hope Cove Route

A short but hilly coastal ride with jaw-dropping sea views. Great for experienced cyclists seeking scenic climbs.

25. Formby Coast Ride

A flat, relaxing route through pine forests and sand dunes. Riders often spot wildlife, including the rare red squirrel.

26. Plym Valley Trail

A smooth, family-friendly route from Plymouth into Dartmoor, featuring viaducts, tunnels, and forest landscapes.

27. Glentress Forest Trails

One of the UK’s top MTB trail centres, offering everything from beginner loops to advanced downhill tracks.

28. Bath Two Tunnels Greenway

A beautiful route that includes the UK’s longest cycling tunnel. Smooth, well-maintained, and perfect for leisure riders.

29. Isle of Wight Round-the-Island Route

A spectacular 65-mile coastal loop featuring cliffs, beaches, and rolling countryside. A must-do for touring cyclists.

30. Tissington Trail, Peak District

A family-friendly, traffic-free path following a former railway route through the heart of the Peak District.

31. Pembrokeshire Coast Cycle Routes

Mixing coastal cliffs, beaches, and country lanes, these routes offer amazing sea views and wildlife.

32. London to Brighton Cycle Route

A classic 54-mile challenge featuring countryside lanes and the famous Ditchling Beacon climb.

33. Brecon Beacons National Park Routes

Perfect for mountain bikers. Expect waterfalls, rugged hills, and challenging climbs.

34. Richmond Park Loop

A favourite training loop for London cyclists. Smooth roads, wide-open spaces, and free-roaming deer.

35. South Downs Way

A 100-mile off-road route with chalk ridgeways, historical sites, and far-reaching views. Best for experienced riders.

36. North Coast 500 Cycle Route

A 516-mile Scottish Highlands loop with dramatic coastlines, lochs, and mountains. One of the UK’s most epic cycling adventures.

37. Lôn Las Cymru

A 250-mile Welsh route from Cardiff to Holyhead. Mountain passes, valleys, and beautiful rural landscapes.

38. Loch Katrine Loop

A peaceful, scenic loop offering lakeside cycling on quiet, well-maintained paths.

39. Cheddar Gorge Climb

One of Britain’s most iconic road cycling climbs, passing through towering limestone cliffs.

40. Stirling to Loch Lomond

A scenic mix of castles, lochs, quiet roads, and rolling hills.

41. Brighton Undercliff Path

A flat, easy coastal route running beneath chalk cliffs. Perfect for beginners and family rides.

42. Royal Deeside Cycle Route

A gorgeous Scottish route offering forests, rivers, castles, and mountain views.

43. Rutland Water Circular Route

A popular 23-mile lakeside loop with wildlife, cafés, and smooth paths.

44. Scarborough to Whitby Cinder Track

A 21-mile coastal route along a disused railway with stunning sea views.

45. Wirral Circular Trail

A varied route including beaches, countryside lanes, and town promenades.

46. Calder Valley Cycleway

A canal-side route with gentle gradients, Pennine scenery, and vibrant Yorkshire towns.

47. Maidenhead to Cookham Path

A flat riverside ride along the Thames with beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.

48. Glen Ogle Trail, Scotland

A spectacular trail following an old railway line with viaduct views and accessible gradients.

49. Tyne Valley Cycle Route

A peaceful ride past market towns, river views, and quiet country roads.

50. Great Western Greenway

A new cycling corridor offering smooth, safe paths through open countryside—ideal for families and beginners.

Conclusion

The UK is home to an extraordinary variety of cycle routes, each offering something unique—be it stunning natural scenery, historical landmarks, wildlife encounters, or challenging climbs that reward you with unforgettable views. From beginner-friendly trails to demanding long-distance adventures, these 50 routes provide countless opportunities for exploration, fitness, and fun. Whether you’re riding along coastal cliffs, weaving through ancient forests, or tackling mountain passes, cycling in the UK allows you to experience the country in its purest form.