October 9, 2025
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Destination: United Kingdom
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Cycling in England. A Guide to the Best Roads & Routes
Cycling is a great way to explore. Faster than walking, you can see so much more on two wheels. Whether you’re just out for a weekend cycle or a cycling enthusiast, who’s looking to take on some of the best climbs in the UK, there’s something for everyone when it comes to cycling in England.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of England’s best-known and most beautiful routes, from epic cross-country challenges like Land’s End to John O’Groats and the C2C (Sea to Sea) to scenic, shorter rides such as the Tarka Trail and Camel Trail.
Whether you’re planning a multi-day expedition or just looking for a new weekend ride, this guide to the best roads and routes in England covers some of the most memorable ways to experience the UK by bike.
So grab your helmet and start planning your next cycling adventure!
What is biking in England like?
Biking in England is a true adventure. The mix of landscapes, well-marked routes, and traffic-free roads makes it ideal for both leisurely riders and long-distance cyclists. Whether you’re cruising along the quiet country lanes of the Cotswolds, passing through market towns in the Lake District, or tackling one of the National Trails, there’s something in England for every kind of cyclist.
Popular Biking Regions in the UK
From the city of London to the rolling hills of the Lake District, the UK is packed with amazing cycling routes. When you’re planning a bike trip, the first thing to consider is where you want to cycle and what type of route you’d like to do. We’ve pulled together some of the most popular biking regions in England, to help get your adventure started.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are often the first place people think of when imagining a leisurely bike ride through the English countryside. A National Landscape, the Cotswolds is known for its gentle hills, quiet backroads, and charming villages with golden-stone cottages and cosy tearooms. Cycling here is more about taking your time than pushing your limits. It’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone wanting a scenic, low-pressure route.
When planning your route, we recommend visiting places like Cirencester, Burford, and Stow-on-the-Wold, or taking on longer rides via parts of the National Cycle Network, such as NCN Route 45.
If you’ve visited the iconic Blenheim Palace before, there are a variety of routes that go right past it – we recommend stopping for a look around or grabbing a bite to eat.
Devon & Cornwall
For a blend of winding seaside roads and forest trails, Devon and Cornwall offer some of the most enjoyable and accessible cycling in England. These counties are known for their coastal beauty.
Two of the most popular cycling routes in Devon and Cornwall are the Camel Trail (running from Padstow to Bodmin) and the Tarka Trail (stretching from Braunton to Meeth). Both offer flat, traffic-free cycling, making them perfect for families and casual riders.
If you’re after more of a challenge, the Devon Coast to Coast (NCN Route 27) connects Ilfracombe to Plymouth, offering a two to three-day ride with varying terrain.
The Lake District
Cycling in the Lake District can get pretty hilly but the views are worth it – and in the summer you can reward yourself with a dip in one of the many lakes. This national park is best known for its shimmering lakes, dramatic valleys
The roads around Windermere, Keswick, and Grasmere are particularly popular, offering scenic loops with plenty of places to stop and refuel. Routes like Whinlatter Pass and Honister Pass are not for the faint of heart but are bucket-list rides for serious road bike enthusiasts. That said, there are also valley routes and family-friendly paths like the old railway lines near Keswick.
Northumberland
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a sense of solitude, Northumberland is hard to beat. The landscape here feels open and wild, with long stretches of road and trail winding through heather-covered hills.
One of the most popular bike routes in Northumberland is Hadrian’s Cycleway (NCN Route 72), which follows the line of Hadrian’s Wall from coast to coast – starting in Ravenglass or Bowness-on-Solway and ending in Tynemouth.
National Trails & Long Distance Routes
For a true cycling adventure in England, you can’t go wrong with following a well-signposted National Cycle Route (or NCN) or giving one of the more challenging long-distance routes, like Lands End to John O’Groats, a try. Below, we’ve shared a breakdown of some of the most iconic cycling routes in the UK.
NCN Route 1
NCN stands for National Cycle Network, a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, running, and cycling. The traffic-free routes include a variety of paths, from former railway lines and canal towpaths to segregated cycle lanes and quiet country roads.
The NCN 1 Route is one of the UK’s most ambitious and scenic long-distance cycling routes, forming the spine of the National Cycle Network. Stretching from the White Cliffs of Dover to the northern tip of Scotland, this route covers a huge range of landscapes. It’s a rewarding challenge for long-distance riders and a great way to experience the UK beyond the main roads and motorways.
Start: Dover, Kent
Finish: Inverness, Scotland
Total Mileage: 1,264 miles (2,035 km)
Active England Tip: NCN Route 1 isn’t just for endurance cyclists, it’s easy to dip into for shorter sections, especially the coastal stretches in Norfolk and Northumberland, which are scenic and relatively flat.
NCN Route 4
NCN Route 4 is a major east-west artery of the National Cycle Network, stretching from London all the way to Fishguard in Wales. It links vibrant towns, historic bridges, and peaceful countryside, offering everything from riverside paths to canal towpaths and quiet backroads.
Start: London (Greenwich)
Finish: Fishguard, Wales
Total Mileage: 430 miles (632 km)
Active England Tip: NCN 4 is ideal for a scenic long-distance ride passed through cities and towns like Bath, Bristol, Reading, Newport and Swansea. Many people split this up into stages but you can also ride just one stage of the route, like Bath to Bristol.
Lands End John O’Groats
Perhaps the most legendary British cycling challenge, this coast‑to‑coast ride spans the entire length of mainland Britain. The best route for this journey is often disputed. Some riders prefer to go direct and fast via A-roads whilst others like to take the more scenic route. The traditional distance by road is usually around 874 miles (1,407 km), but the distance can vary massively depending on the goal of your trip. If you want coastal views, rolling hills, and quiet roads, we recommend a longer route.
Start: Land’s End, Cornwall
Finish: John o’ Groats, Scotland
Total Mileage: 1,189 miles (1,913 km)
Active England Tip: If you’re hoping to do this route in one go, we recommend splitting it int
Trans Pennine Trail
Crossing England from coast to coast on a predominantly traffic-free corridor, the Trans Pennine Trail links the Irish Sea and the North Sea through a rich tapestry of landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant cities. This multi-use path is ideal for cyclists and walkers offering a unique way to experience the diverse beauty of northern England.
Start: Southport (Sefton coast) or Liverpool
Finish: Hornsea (East Yorkshire coast)
Total Mileage: 207 miles (333 km)
Active England Tip: Whilst this route is long, the gentle gradients make it an accessible option for all cycling abilities – perfect for a family day out.
C2C or Sea to Sea
The UK’s most popular challenge cycle route, the Sea to Sea (C2C) takes cyclists from the Irish Sea across the Lake District and Pennines to the North Sea, weaving traffic‑free paths and quiet lanes. This climb has some notable climbs, such as Hartside and Black Hill, so a good level of fitness is required.
Start: Whitehaven or Workington (west coast)
Finish: Sunderland or Tynemouth (east coast)
Total Mileage: 137 miles (220 km)
Active England Tip: Most riders follow the tradition of dipping their back wheel in the Irish Sea at the start of the journey and their front wheel in the North Sea when they finish.
Hadrian’s Cycleway
Also known as National Cycle Route 72, Hadrian’s Cycleway traces the ancient line of the Roman frontiers and stays close to Hadrian’s Wall in parts. The route is packed not just with dramatic landscapes, but with history at every turn, including highlights like Birdoswald Roman Fort, one of the best-preserved forts along the Wall. From sweeping coastal views to rolling countryside, this ride is as rich in stories as it is in scenery.
Start: Ravenglass, Cumbria
Finish: South Shields, Tyne & Wear
Total Mileage: 174 miles (280 km)
Active England Tip: Most cyclists complete this route in 3–7 days. There are train stations in many of the towns and accommodation, too, making it easy to split this into stages. It’s a great cycle for riders of varying fitness levels, as most of the route is easy riding on quiet lanes and paths.
King Alfred’s Way
King Alfred’s Way is a newer, off‑road loop route around Wessex. This trail immerses cyclists in Anglo‑Saxon and prehistoric landscapes, linking ancient sites such as Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, and Avebury. With a train station in Winchester, the route is easily accessible.
Start: Winchester (King Alfred statue)
Finish: Winchester (loop)
Total Mileage: 217 miles (350 km)
Active England Tip: The name of the trail is inspired by Alfred the Great, who ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. The trail starts and ends at King Alfred’s statue in Winchester, where he is buried.
The Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail incorporates one of the country’s longest, continuous traffic-free, shared use paths, ideal for cycling. It forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route. The figure of eight route is mostly flat and easy to cycle for people of all ages and abilities. The name was inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter in the famous novel by Henry Williamson.
Start: Braunton
Finish: Meeth
Total Mileage: 180 miles (290 km)
Active England Tip: If you don’t want to complete the whole route, then the 31 mile stretch between Braunton and Meeth offers a great day out for all cycling abilities.
The Camel Trail
The Camel Trail follows a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary in Cornwall (which is how it got its name). This flat and picturesque trail is another popular cycling route in England, due to its great accessibility and shorter distance.
Start: Padstow
Finish: Wenford Bridge (via Wadebridge and Bodmin)
Total Mileage: 18.3 miles (30 km)
Active England Tip: If you’re riding with Children, Wadebridge to Padstow is a 5.5 mile section of the Camel Trail, with no road crossings.
What’s the best bike ride in England?
It’s hard to say exactly what the best bike ride in England is, not only because we have so much variety but because some people prefer off-road adventures and others rolling hills and country lanes.
The C2C (Sea to Sea) is perhaps one of the most popular choices, due to the beauty of the route and varying landscapes. The hills are challenging but the views are worth it. There are also plenty of country pubs and quaint villages to take a breather in.
Places to Stay When Biking in England
Whether you’re gearing up for a multi-day adventure or planning a scenic day trip, having cyclist-friendly accommodation can make all the difference. Here are some of our top places to stay when biking in England, from Devon to the Lake District.
Hollamoor Farm is a 300 year old farm house, nestled in the Devon countryside. They welcome cyclists and hikers with open arms, providing plenty or room for bike storage, as well as comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast, made from local produce.
The White Horse Inn Bunkhouse, Keswick
The C2C passes right by the White Horse Inn, making it a popular stop for cyclists. Expect comfortable accommodation, hearty food and safe bike storage
Barrington Bunkhouse, Rookhope village, County Durham
Barrington Bunkhouse is the perfect place to spend the night if you’re a cyclist on one of the main routes up north. Being on The Weardale Way, the Pennine Journey, and directly on the cycling Coast to Coast cycle route, it couldn’t be in a more perfect spot. The bunkhouse provides a relaxing space with 15 beds in total and an area for camping if that is more your style.
Finch Cottage is a great start/finish point if you’re tackling King Alfred’s Way. Located directly on the route, they have a garage to store your equipment and bikes overnight and have a hose, tools & bike-pump on-site, too.
A great mid-way stop for cyclists, The Green Dragon is directly on the route, between Salisbury and Avebury. There’s a hose for your bike as well as safe storage, as well as comfortable beds and good food.
This centrally located, boutique-style hotel sits beside the River Thames and the Thames Path, convenient for those linking the NCN 4 route with city attractions. Guests benefit from secure cycle storage, luggage services, a bike wash, and delicious breakfast.
Weather in England
The weather in England can be quite changeable but generally the summers are warm, springs moderate, winters cold, and autumns moderate too.
For cyclists, each season brings its own challenges. In winter, rain can make off-road trails boggy and even in summer, the UK is known to have some wet days, too. If you’re planning a multi-stage, long-distance cycle, we recommend including some extra days, in case you need to take an unplanned rest day due to bad weather.
When to go Biking in England
The weather plays a huge part in planning your cycling trip, as rain can make your ride increasingly challengeable – as well as dangerous. The best time to go biking in England is during late spring, summer, and early autumn. This is when the weather is warmest, days longer, and the chance of rain is lower.
If you’re doing a long-distance route, we recommend tackling it in July and August, when summer’s long days and moderate temperature create the ideal conditions.
What bike do I need for biking in England?
For most of the routes, hybrid, gravel or touring bikes are recommended, although adding slightly thicker, wider tyres to a road bike will be suffice in most cases – we recommend checking your route before you go to see how much gravel/road there is. E-Bikes are also a great option if you’re looking to cover miles a little faster or need an extra boost on the hills.
What to wear
Most keen, regular cyclists will have all the gear, with technical, sweat-wicking lycra, allowing them to stay warm while keeping as aerodynamic as possible. But, as long as you’re comfortable and safe, that’s really all that matters, especially if you’re doing shorter rides.
Here are some key items we recommend wearing to keep your ride as smooth as possible:
- Padded cycling shorts or bib shorts – if you’re spending a while in the saddle, the padding will make this much more comfortable.
- Cycling jerseys with pockets – cycling jerseys are great as they have multiple pockets on the back where you can place your phone, keys, snacks, and even a pump if it’s small.
- Cycling shoes – clip-in shoes help with efficiency, allowing you to both push and pull on the pedals. For shorter rides, trainers are more than sufficient, but anyone thinking about tackling a long-distance bike ride will notice a big difference using clips.
- Waterproof – be prepared for changeable weather and take a waterproof/windproof jacket.
- Cycling gloves – gloves aren’t just for winter; they protect your hands from blisters, especially on the longer days in the saddle.
- Helmet – we’d always recommend wearing one when getting on a bike.
Guided Biking Tours in England
Guided bike tours in England are a great way to tackle some of the longer cycling routes in England.
Joining a guided bike tour not only takes all the stress out of the planning (particularly important if you’re visiting from abroad) but it builds a community of riders, so you don’t have to tackle the long ride alone.
There are guided bike tours all over the UK, with experienced, professional guides leading the way, setting the pace, and navigating the group.
Moreover, on a guided bike tour, all your accommodation and refreshment stops are sorted for you. In some cases, tour companies will even take your luggage from location to location, so you don’t have to ride with all your gear, only the necessities.
At Active England, we have a variety of cycling tours, in popular places like the Cotswolds, Devon, and Northumberland.
Self-Guided Biking Tours in England
A self-guided bike tour is where you ride independently, but your route, accommodation, and logistics (like luggage transfer) are pre-arranged by a tour operator. This means you can focus on the beauty of the route.
This is a great option for confident riders or groups of friends, as well as those who enjoy more flexibility on a trip.
Take a look at our self-guided tours, which we arrange for both cycling and hiking, across some of the most iconic trails in the UK
