The UK's Best Cycle Routes

Whether you're a seasoned road cyclist chasing steep climbs or a weekend explorer looking for a relaxed family ride, the UK boasts an incredible variety of cycling routes, catering to all ages, abilities, and interests. 

From Cornwall’s Camel Trail to the dramatic peaks of the Scottish Highlands, Great Britain is home to some of the most scenic, cycle-friendly terrain in the world, meaning there’s no shortage of exciting cycle routes to explore. 

But what’s the best cycle route in the UK? Here, we round up the UK’s best cycling destinations to help you get inspired before your next big ride. Whether you're riding for the views, the challenge, or the sheer joy of the open road, this list is your passport to the UK’s top pedal-powered hotspots. Let’s go. 

Camel Trail, Cornwall

• Distance: 18 miles (29 km)
• Type: Flat, family-friendly

One of the UK’s most popular and accessible cycling routes, the Camel Trail stretches 18 miles along a disused railway line, winding through some of Cornwall’s most beautiful scenery. The route links the picturesque towns of Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin, and thanks to its largely flat terrain and traffic-free paths, it's perfect for families, beginners, or cyclists simply looking to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing ride. 

The trail offers up stunning estuary views, peaceful wooded sections, and glimpses of old quarries and bridges. Plus, there are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or cream tea along the way, giving you a quintessentially Cornish experience - just don’t forget the correct Cornish order of jam and cream on your scone if you don’t want to be chased out of town!  

Box Hill & the Surrey Hills, England

• Distance: Varies; Box Hill loop ~25 miles (40 km)
• Type: Hilly, road cycling

Box Hill, along with the wider Surrey Hills area, offers some of the most iconic cycling terrain in the UK. The Box Hill loop in particular, a popular 25-mile circuit, blends challenge and charm, featuring the famous Zig Zag Road climb, which rewards riders who make it to the top with panoramic views of the North Downs. 

The area, which was celebrated for its role in the 2012 Olympic road race, as well as featuring in the RideLondon 100-mile races, offers riders smooth and steady climbs, making it ideal for both experienced cyclists and those looking to build more confidence in hilly terrain. The route is well-signposted and easily accessible from London, making it a favourite for weekend rides and day trip adventures.

Coast to Coast (C2C), Northern England

• Distance: 140 miles (225 km)
• Type: Road and track, multi-day

Looking for a longer adventure? The Coast to Coast (C2C) trail is one of the UK’s most iconic long-distance cycling routes, stretching around 140 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. This multi-day adventure takes riders through three stunning national parks: the Lake District, the Pennines, and the North York Moors. So you just know the views are going to be exceptional.  

With dramatic climbs, sweeping descents, and scenery that evolves from rugged fells and open moorland to quaint villages and former mining towns, the C2C route is seen as somewhat of a rite of passage for hardcore UK cyclists. Best tackled over 3-5 days, the route is well waymarked and supported with bike-friendly accommodation and local cafés, ideal for refuelling.

The Taff Trail, Wales

• Distance: 55 miles (88 km)
• Type: Mixed-use path

The Taff Trail is a scenic 55-mile route that runs from Cardiff Bay to the market town of Brecon, following the River Taff. With a combination of traffic-free paths, forest tracks, and quiet lanes, it’s a varied and accessible ride, making it ideal for leisure cyclists or those seeking a more relaxed multi-day journey. 

You’ll pass historic sites like Castell Coch and Caerphilly Castle, tranquil reservoirs, and the landscapes of the Brecon Beacons. The terrain is mostly gentle, with a few steady climbs, and the trail offers plenty of spots to rest, refuel, or explore off-bike - ideal if you want to make more of a holiday of your trip. Well-signposted and easy to follow, the Taff Trail showcases the best of Welsh countryside cycling; it won’t take you long to work out why cyclists are so fond of Wales.  

Isle of Wight Round-the-Island Route

• Distance: ~65 miles (104 km)
• Type: Circular, on-road

Popular among road cyclists and weekend tourers, the Isle of Wight’s Round-the-Island Route is a spectacular 65-mile loop, showcasing the island’s diverse landscapes, from dramatic cliffs to rolling countryside and golden beaches. The Isle of Wight’s size makes it possible to complete the loop in a day, if you’re looking to push yourself, although many opt for a more leisurely two-day ride, giving more time to explore the sights.

The route follows mostly well-maintained roads, with clear signage and moderate elevation, enough to gently challenge, without needing to be an expert. Highlights include the iconic Needles, the vibrant harbour at Cowes, and charming villages like Godshill. With regular ferries from the mainland, the Isle of Wight loop is a must-do for UK cyclists.

Glen Way, Scotland

• Distance: 79 miles (127 km)
• Type: Off-road, gravel/mountain biking

The Great Glen Way is an unforgettable cycling adventure, running 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness. Following the line of the Caledonian Canal, and showcasing famous lochs, including Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and the legendary Loch Ness, the route delivers stunning natural beauty at every turn, offering a true insight into the Scottish Highlands. 

Ideal for mountain bikes, it includes a mix of canal towpaths, forest trails, and quiet roads. There are some challenging sections, but the route is well-marked and manageable for cyclists who have some experience when it comes to off-road trails. If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, peaceful woodland stretches, and jaw-dropping views, with charming towns to enjoy along the way, then this is the route for you. 

Get cycle route-ready with Kwik Fit & Fettle

Before you set off on one of these incredible cycling adventures, you’ll want to make sure your bike is as ready and raring to go as you are. A quick maintenance check (including brakes, tyres, gears, and lights) can mean the difference between a smooth ride and an unexpected disaster. Whether you're gearing up for a gentle day trip or tackling Highland climbs, safety should always come first. 

For expert advice and support, pop into your local Kwik Fit & Fettle centre for a free bike assessment, or book in for a bicycle MOT. We’ll help keep your bike in tip-top condition, so you can focus on enjoying the views.