Cycling is a great way to explore the stunning scenery, charming towns, and historic landmarks of the United Kingdom.
And with so many car-free cycle routes to choose from, there's no better way to see the best of the country. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, there's a cycle route for everyone. In this article, we've highlighted ten of the best car-free cycle routes in the UK, from easy and leisurely rides to challenging long-distance routes.
The Cuckoo Trail
Start and end location: Polegate to Heathfield
Distance: 14 miles (23 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Easy
Town/Cities Nearby: Eastbourne, Hailsham, Heathfield
When to Cycle: Anytime
The Cuckoo Trail is a popular cycle route in East Sussex that follows the path of a disused railway line. The route takes you through the beautiful Sussex countryside, passing through woods, meadows, and pretty villages. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Along the way, you'll find plenty of places to stop and rest, including cafes, pubs, and picnic areas.
The Bristol and Bath Railway Path
Start and end location: Bristol to Bath
Distance: 13 miles (21 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Easy
Town/Cities Nearby: Bristol, Bath
When to Cycle: Anytime
The Bristol and Bath Railway Path is a popular cycle route that follows the path of a disused railway line. The route takes you through the beautiful Avon Valley, passing through parks, nature reserves, and pretty villages. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Along the way, you'll find plenty of places to stop and rest, including cafes, pubs, and picnic areas.
The Taff Trail
Start and end location: Cardiff to Brecon
Distance: 55 miles (88 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Town/Cities Nearby: Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Brecon
When to Cycle: Spring, summer, and early autumn
The Taff Trail is a long-distance cycle route that takes you through the beautiful Welsh countryside. The route follows the path of the River Taff, passing through pretty villages, historic towns, and the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. The trail is mostly flat but there are some challenging climbs, particularly in the Brecon Beacons. The Taff Trail is suitable for experienced cyclists who are looking for a challenge.
The Great Glen Way
Start and end location: Fort William to Inverness
Distance: 79 miles (127 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Town/Cities Nearby: Fort William, Inverness
When to Cycle: Spring, summer, and early autumn
The Great Glen Way is a long-distance cycle route that takes you through the stunning Scottish Highlands. The route follows the path of the Caledonian Canal, passing through pretty villages and alongside beautiful lochs. The trail is mostly flat but there are some challenging climbs, particularly in the middle section of the route. The Great Glen Way is suitable for experienced cyclists who are looking for a challenge.
The Camel Trail
Start and end location: Padstow to Wenfordbridge
Distance: 18 miles (29 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Easy
Town/Cities Nearby: Bodmin, Wadebridge
When to Cycle: Anytime
The Camel Trail is a popular cycle route in Cornwall that follows the path of a disused railway line. The trail takes you through the stunning Cornish countryside, passing through woods, moors, and alongside the River Camel. The route is mostly flat and suitable for all ages and abilities. Along the way, you'll pass through pretty Cornish towns and villages, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments.
The Fallowfield Loop
Start and end location: Chorlton-cum-Hardy to Gorton Distance:
10 miles (16 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Easy
Town/Cities Nearby: Manchester
When to Cycle: Anytime
The Fallowfield Loop is a popular cycle route in Manchester that follows the path of a disused railway line. The route takes you through the suburbs of Manchester, passing through parks, nature reserves, and pretty residential areas. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for all ages and abilities. Along the way, you'll find plenty of places to stop and rest, including cafes, pubs, and picnic areas.
The South Downs Way
Start and end location: Winchester to Eastbourne
Distance: 100 miles (161 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Major towns or cities: Winchester, Brighton, Eastbourne
When to Cycle: Late spring, summer, and early autumn
The South Downs Way is a long-distance cycle route that takes you through the beautiful South Downs National Park. The route follows the ridge of the South Downs, passing through rolling hills, pretty villages, and stunning countryside. The trail is mostly off-road and there are some challenging climbs and descents, particularly in the eastern section of the route. The South Downs Way is suitable for experienced cyclists who are looking for a challenge.
The Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route
Start and end location: Hull to York
Distance: 146 miles (235 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Town/Cities Nearby: Hull, Beverley, York
When to Cycle: Late spring, summer, and early autumn
The Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route is a long-distance cycle route that takes you through the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. The route passes through pretty villages, historic market towns, and stunning countryside, including the famous Hockney Country. The trail is mostly off-road and there are some challenging climbs and descents, particularly in the middle section of the route. The Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route is suitable for experienced cyclists who are looking for a challenge.
The Lochs and Glens Way
Start and end location: Inverness to Glasgow
Distance: 214 miles (344 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Town/Cities Nearby: Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow
When to Cycle: Late spring, summer, and early autumn
The Lochs and Glens Way is a long-distance cycle route that takes you through the stunning Scottish Highlands. The route passes through pretty villages, historic towns, and alongside beautiful lochs and glens. The trail is mostly off-road and there are some challenging climbs and descents, particularly in the middle section of the route. The Lochs and Glens Way is suitable for experienced cyclists who are looking for a challenge.
The Trans Pennine Trail
Start and end location: Southport to Hornsea
Distance: 215 miles (346 kilometers)
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Town/Cities Nearby: Manchester, Sheffield, Hull
When to Cycle: Late spring, summer, and early autumn
The Trans Pennine Trail is a long-distance cycle route that takes you across the north of England. The route passes through pretty villages, historic towns, and alongside canals, rivers, and railway lines. The trail is mostly off-road and there are some challenging sections, particularly in the hilly parts of the route. The Trans Pennine Trail is suitable for experienced cyclists who are looking for a challenge, but there are plenty of easier sections for families and novice cyclists.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly day out or an epic long-distance adventure, the UK has a fantastic range of car-free cycle routes to explore. From the stunning scenery of the Lake District to the charming villages of East Sussex, there's something for every kind of cyclist. So dust off your bike, grab your helmet, and get ready to explore the best of the UK on two wheels!