Pedal Through Paradise: Discover the UK’s Most Iconic Cycling Routes

Whether you’re an aspiring roadie or planning a holiday for the cyclist in your life, the UK is teeming with iconic routes.

Many of these cover spectacular scenery and mountain passes, covering beautiful natural spaces like the Lake District National Park. Some are intensely challenging, while others promise a gentle recovery ride.

To help you cover some of the most impressive miles the country has to offer, we’ve listed five of our favourite routes below.

  1. The Lake District loop

This difficult yet rewarding loop offers stunning views and top-rated climbs, starting in Grasmere. As many riders know from taking the fearsome Fred Whitton Challenge, riding in the Lake District isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Luckily, you can ride the same route without entering the official challenge. Download the GPX and prepare yourself to face the likes of fierce climbs like Honister and Hardknott Pass. They’re steeper than you think!

With some careful training, astute physical preparation, and a finely tuned bike, you can get exploring and take on this monumental challenge in your own time.

  1. The Cotswolds classic

You can’t go wrong with a classic Cotswolds route. This traditional part of the country is perhaps best known for its picturesque villages, gentle hills, and charming rural pubs.

With its smooth tarmac and consistent gradients, this route is perfect for trying out new road bikes with the latest groupsets. You don’t need to test a new bike to the extremes to get a feel for it: with great scenery and a clear A to B route in mind, you’ll get to know your new set of wheels.

Castle Combe and Bourton-on-the-Water are worth passing through, offering a chance to enjoy a drink in the sunshine along the way.

  1. The North York Moors coast

No matter your level of experience or fitness, the North York Moors National Park promises a technical and tricky ride. With gorgeous, smooth roads that weave around the cliffs and cut through rolling, heather-lined hills, you should expect some of your most beautiful rides yet.

Some of the more challenging climbs in the area are very competitive on Strava, which keeps the Moors popular with professionals and keen amateurs. As you ride through the landscape, you’ll discover charming fishing villages, sandy beaches, and striking views of rugged cliffs.

For a dose of British history and delicious fish and chips, stop at Whitby and explore the derelict Abbey there.

The North of England on a Bike

  1. The South Downs Way

If you’re ready to flock to the warmer climes of the south coast, the South Downs Way could lead you to memorable, sunny days on the bike.

This long-distance trail offers brilliant road cycling and mountain biking opportunities, with a landscape shaped by rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and views of the English Channel. It’s also extremely suitable for gravel bikes, so it could make a brilliant choice if you’re looking to test out your new setup.

Cycling is part of the lifestyle in Sussex, so you should expect to find plenty of bike-friendly accommodation options while you’re there.

  1. The gentle Norfolk Coast

Finally, for older riders or beginners, the gorgeous Norfolk coastline offers an easy retreat. With quiet, country lanes that either gently undulate or stay totally flat, you can cruise at your own pace and take in the fresh sea air.

Norfolk is a fantastic place for birdwatching, enjoying freshly caught seafood, or sampling gourmet cuisine in the many esteemed gastropubs and Michelin restaurants. Cromer is best known for locally caught crab meat, while the Brancaster area is perhaps best recommended for fine dining.

Whatever you’re looking for, you can relax and unwind during and after your bike rides along the beautiful Norfolk coast. Expect a unique landscape with salt marshes, wide sandy beaches, and grassy nature reserves.