Ride Guide: 6 of the Best Bike Routes in the UK

 

Cycling is a great way for the whole family to stay fit and healthy, and while the sunny weather is here a bike ride makes for a perfect family-friendly activity.

And with so many of us cooped up in our homes for most of the spring and summer months, we thought we'd recommend a few of our favourite rides. There are literally hundreds of incredible routes to take your bike on, so saddle up, strap on your helmet and check out our pick of the best bike rides in the UK.

Lakeland Loop (Lake District)

The Lake District is a vast area of land so there are plenty of stunning vistas to cycle around, but the Lakeland Loop is arguably the best of the lot.

Featuring incredible views, quaint villages to stop off for cream tea, and some challenging roads, the Loop has it all.

The full route is a 65km ride that passes Lake Coniston, but you don’t have to do the entire route.

B&M Top Tip: For a ride as long as the Lakeland Loop, you'll need to stay hydrated, so use a Sistema Wave Bottle, in which you can fit up to 600ml of water.

Box Hill Olympic Circuit (London)

 

During the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the Surrey Hills became part of the cycling event and, ever since, has been a popular spot for cyclists.

The entire circuit is 19km long but you don’t have to push yourself to do the whole lot – just make sure you get yourself up to Box Hill to sample the iconic views over River Mole.

Applecross (Scotland)

 

Providing possibly the most picturesque views on this list of bike routes, Applecross  in Scotland has roads weaved into hillsides, creating a cascading masterpiece.

To pass around the entire route would see you travel 70km, some of it very tough going.

However, if you limit your route to the coastal side starting at Fearnmore, and passing through Fearnbeg and Ardheslaig, you’re sure to be impressed.

B&M Top Tip: When riding under the hot sun, it's important to stay hydrated. Bored of plain water, though? Add some flavour to your drink with a Fruit Infuser Bottle.

Elan Valley (Wales)

Voted as one of the best bike trails in Wales, Elan Valley stretches out to an impressive 29km, though you can test yourself with an epic 60km route if you feeling brave!

Cycling through forest and the countryside, the track rides past Garreg Ddu Reservoir, which is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat and take a few photographs.

Camel Trail (Cornwall)

 

Running the length of an unused railway track, the Camel Trail is a largely traffic-free route which passes through 29km of stunning Cornwall countryside.

Start off in Padstow and down the estuary path towards Wadebridge – the halfway mark. Stopping there would be wise for tired legs, or you can push yourself to see some incredible woodland on your way to Bodmin.

B&M Top Tip: You'll need plenty of supplies on your travels and with no hands free to hold it all, you'll need a backpack.

Ballycastle to Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland)

 

Part of this idyllic scenic route was included in the 2014 Giro d’Italia, so you know it’s worth your time and effort.

Starting at the coastal town of Ballycastle, it leads you down the Causeway Coastal Route through the spectacular ruins of Dunservick Castle, and finishing at Giant’s Causeway where the hard-to-believe rock formations will leave you speechless.

What are your favourite cycling routes? Let the B&M Community know on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.