With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to hop on your bike and enjoy the sunshine while staying active. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, cycling is an excellent way to explore the outdoors. If you’re on the hunt for some new bike routes around the UK to make the most of the warm weather, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some of the best cycling routes across the country, featuring varying difficulty levels to suit different types of riders. So grab your bike and start exploring!
1. Chew Valley Lake Loop – North Somerset
Distance: 24.2 miles (38.9 km)
Duration: 2 hours by bike
Difficulty: Medium
Best Bike: Hybrid or Mountain Bike
Starting from Bristol, the Chew Valley Lake Loop offers a scenic ride through the beautiful Somerset countryside. The route is relatively flat, making it ideal for less experienced riders who want to take on a longer ride. The paths lead you around Chew Valley Lake, providing stunning views of the surrounding nature. There are various bike paths in the area, allowing you to customize your ride to suit your preferences.
2. Rea Valley Route – Birmingham
Distance: 5.7 miles (9.2 km)
Duration: 29 minutes by bike
Difficulty: Easy
Best Bike: Hybrid
For an easy and relaxing ride, the Rea Valley Route connects Birmingham City Centre with Cannon Hill Park and King’s Norton Park. Following National Cycle Route 5, this route is away from traffic, offering a peaceful ride through scenic green spaces. The trail continues up to the Lickey Hills, where you can take in stunning views of the Midlands before returning to the city.
3. Afan Valley Aberavon – Wales
Distance: 6.9 miles (11.2 km)
Duration: 35 minutes by bike
Difficulty: Medium
Best Bike: Mountain Bike
If you love mountain biking, the Afan Valley offers some of the best trails in the UK. This 6.9-mile route takes you from Port Talbot to the Afan Forest, passing through wide hills and thrilling technical sections. For more adventurous riders, Afan Bike Park is a must-visit for some of the finest off-road biking in Wales. Leisure cyclists can stop by the Port Talbot shopping centre for a break.
4. Comber Greenway (Route 99) – Belfast
Distance: 7 miles (11.2 km)
Duration: 35 minutes by bike
Difficulty: Easy
Best Bike: Hybrid
This easy, traffic-free route takes you from Belfast to Comber, following an old disused railway track. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks such as CS Lewis Square, the Titanic Belfast Museum, and the Stormont Parliament Buildings. This route is ideal for a leisurely ride, with plenty of sights to take in along the way.
5. Wye Downs (and Ups) – Kent
Distance: 16.4 miles (27 km)
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes by bike
Difficulty: Hard
Best Bike: Mountain Bike
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Wye Downs route in Kent offers stunning views and a thrilling ride. This 16.4-mile trail takes you through picturesque woodlands and charming villages, with a rewarding descent down the downs. The route is more demanding, making it perfect for those looking for a more difficult and exciting cycling experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride through the city or a challenging adventure through nature, the UK offers a wide variety of cycling routes for all levels. From scenic countryside loops to challenging mountain trails, there’s a route for every type of rider. To find more routes, cycling apps like Komoot and Strava are great tools for discovering new paths, allowing you to filter by location and difficulty level. Happy cycling!
