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The 10 Most Beautiful Cycle Routes in the United Kingdom

For most of us trapped in the 9-5 rat race, we’re already living our lives in patterns that could be easily described as loops. If we also have to spend our free-time cycling the same circuits every weekend, life’s going to start getting dull quickly. Luckily, Cycle SOS have put together this listicle of the ten most beautiful cycle routes in the United Kingdom – hopefully, you’ll be able to get out there and explore them!

 

10. Box Hill Olympic Circuit – London, England

Beautiful Cycle Routes Cycle SOS

Distance: 19km

Difficulty: 3/5

Box Hill’s Olympic Circuit stretches out over 19kms of winding country roads, offering easy access to some of South-East England’s most striking countryside. Furthermore, the route was cycled by some of the world’s best cyclists during the UK’s 2012 Olympic Games – meaning if you’re up for it, there’s a challenge to be had!

 

Reaching the top of Box Hill itself is no easy task, but tackling the 2.5 km ascent awards cyclists with stunning views of the surrounding Surrey Hills. Furthermore, with views overlooking the meandering River Mole and the splendid Surrey countryside, the ride can also be a relaxing day out rather than an emulation of the peloton.

 

9. Richmond Park – London, England

Richmond Park Cycle SOS

Distance: 12km

Difficulty: 2/5

It’s rare to find such a fantastic cycling route in such a notoriously developed city, so it’s no wonder that Richmond Park is one of London’s most loved cycling spots. Richmond Park itself stretches over 2,500 acres, and the 12km route is full of beautiful scenery, herds of deer and flocks of parakeets (they escaped from the set of The African Queen in 1951).

 

Richmond Park is an ideal cycling route for novice riders, especially as both ways around the route offer riders’ different challenges. If you decide to take the route clockwise, you’ll face a challenging climb when you reach Broomfield Hill; however, if you decide to take the anti-clockwise route, you’ll face the longer and slightly more moderate climb at Dark Hill. However, the key to the route is managing your laps as Richmond Park is brilliant for both a one-lap ride in tranquil settings or a multi-lapped intense training session.

 

8. Elan Valley – Powys, Wales

beautiful UK route Cycle SOS

Distance: 29km

Difficulty: 3/5

This beautiful Welsh cycling route will have you following the old Birmingham Corporation Railway line. The route starts at Llansantffraed-Cwmdeuddwr and winds through the beautiful Elan Valley, in which you’ll journey over the Rhayader Tunnel and through a wildlife reserve home to a multitude of rare bat species.

 

As the route continues, you’ll be blessed with extraordinary views of the beautiful Welsh woodlands and countryside.  Although it’s not all flat and easy-going, you’ll have to make some considerable climbs if you want to reach the Garreg Ddu Reservoir and the Craig Goch Dam. Additionally, if you’re looking for an additional challenge, you’ll be able to choose to cycle on of the seven mountain bike routes available in the Elan Valley.

 

7. Assynt Achiltibuie Circuit – Highlands, Scotland

Distance: 117km

Difficulty: 4/5

If you’re looking for a more isolated cycling experience, Assynt Achiltibuile Circuit in the Scottish Highlands might be the cycling route you’ve been waiting for. Although rapidly rising in popularity, Scotland’s swathes of relatively deserted highland roads are surrounded by some of Britain’s most staggering natural beauty.

 

The route begins in the tiny village of Achiltibuie and is surrounded by the imposing mountains of Sula Bheinn, Cùl Mòr and Stac Pollaidh. Make sure you take in the stunning views from the coastal roads and keep your eyes peeled for Loch Assynt and the ruined Ardvreck Castle.

 

6. The Lakeland Loop – Lake District, England

Cycle The Lakeland Loop Lake District

Distance: 65km

Difficulty: 4/5

This one’s a challenge, but the outstanding rural views are its rewards. Although this cycling route has already made it to first place on many lists, we believe its difficulty and accessibility has to knock it down ours slightly. Nevertheless, this route is a must-visit.

 

The opening stretches of the route tightly hug the shore of the beautiful Lake Coniston, an idyllic start to the gruelling 65km circuit. However, what makes the Lakeland Loop such a fantastic course is its exhausting difficulty. In fact, merely mentioning ‘Wrynose Pass’ to those who’ve experienced the 30% gradient climbs may induce severe leg trembles.

 

Nevertheless, this difficulty isn’t without reward as the significant climbs offer cyclists some of the most stunning views available of the region’s dramatic landscape.

 

5. The Camel Trail – Cornwall, England

Distance: 29km

Difficulty: 1/5

The Camel Trail in Cornwall is the ideal cycling route if you want a day of carefree solo cycling or family fun; this accessible cycling trail seriously has something for cyclists of all abilities. The course runs the entire length of an abandoned railway line, spanning over 29km of the splendid Cornish countryside. Furthermore, the route is almost mostly traffic-free, making it perfect for children and inexperienced cyclists.

 

The route starts in the small town of Padstow and follows the Cornish coastline to Wadebridge. If you’re tired at this point, you can call it a day, however, if you’re up for a challenge you can carry on to Bodmin. This inland route will take you through some of Cornwall’s best woodland areas as well as some of the most amazing landscapes the South West has to offer.

 

4. The Settle Circular – Yorkshire, England

Beautiful UK Cycle Routes Yorkshire

Distance: 62km

Difficulty: 4/5

Ever since the Tour de France passed through the county in 2014, the secret’s been out that Yorkshire is one of the world’s most fabulous cycling destinations. There’s a multitude of cycling routes for you to experience in Yorkshire, so it was difficult to narrow it down to the Settle Circular.

 

However, you won’t be at all disappointed cycling the Settle Circular! On the route, you’ll pass through the idyllic villages of Arncliffe, Grassington and Kilnsey. The course is punctuated with numerous short but intense climbs, followed by exciting fast descents. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the stunning views of Pen-y-Ghent and Pendle Hill available on this cycling route.

 

3. The Haldon Forest Ridge Ride Trail – Dartmoor, England

Cycle SOS most beautiful routes

Distance: 9.6 km

Difficulty: 2/5

A fantastic trail in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, this relatively easy trail explores some of the most beautiful parts of Haldon forest. In fact, Dartmoor National Park is the 4th most Instagrammed cycling spot in the United Kingdom.

 

Dartmoor is home to expansive moorlands, dense forests, fast-flowing rivers and lazy wetlands, and the national park’s abundance of high-quality on-road and off-road cycling routes reflect the diversity of the park.

 

The Haldon Forest Ridge Ride Trail, in particular, is a technical route, which offers cyclists plenty of tight corners and rapid descents to test their reflexes. For those who are braver, this route also provides access to the Ridge Ride Extreme Trail which is considered one of the most challenging cycling routes in Dartmoor.

 

2. Hadrian’s Cycleway – Northern England

Hadrians Cycleway Cycle SOS

Distance: 274km

Difficulty: 4/5

This cycling route is more of a cycling vacation, as the whole journey will take you roughly around three days to complete. The course affords cyclists magnificent coastal views as well as stunning countryside scenery and is well recommended for anyone which a penchant for history as well as cycling.

 

Hadrian’s Cycleway starts at the Glannaventa Roman Bathhouse, near Ravenglass on the North-Western coast of the United Kingdom, and follows the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall finishing in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Over this incredible journey, you’ll see some of Britain’s most staggering scenery, as well as stop off overnight to experience several small sleepy English villages.

 

Most of the route is set off busy-roads, instead following winding country rivers and railway lines. A pleasant cycling route if you want to take it easy over several days, but also a potentially gruelling challenge the quicker you intend to complete it.

 

1. Applecross via Bealach na Bà – Applecross Peninsula, Scotland

Distance: 70km

Difficulty: 5/5

The North Coast 500, the road which hosts much of the Applecross via Bealach na Bà, has been voted one of the world’s best roads numerous times. It’s even been lauded as Scotland’s answer to the legendary Route 66 in the United States.

 

Everything the other cycling routes have, the Applecross via Bealach na Bà has more of it. Whether you’re looking for the country’s best coastal roads, mountainous landscapes and empty roads, you’ll find them on this cycling route.

 

Although perhaps the stand-out feature of this cycling route is the climb of Bealach na Bà, a jutting mountain that rises from the sea to a height of 626m – your legs will be hurting after that climb we assure you. Nevertheless, those who make the climb are handsomely rewarded with some of the best available views of the Isle of Skye.

For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

 

Written By:

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.