Three top Cycling routes – UK

by Roxanne
(London,UK)

This is a guest post from Roxanne who works with car hire comparison site TravelJungle.

With staycations and eco-friendly holidays becoming increasingly popular, these three cycling routes provide the perfect blend of the two.

Britain’s diverse landscape is the perfect back drop for a bike tour. A lot of people in the UK are in a rush to go on holiday abroad and enjoy some new terrains but they often miss the beauty of what is right outside their front door. Why not jump on the saddle and try one these three top cycling routes.

Sea to Sea (C2C) –Whitehaven to Sunderland

This is Britain’s favourite long distance cycling route. It tradition that you start the trip with your rear wheel in the Irish Sea, and then a whopping147 miles later, you end when your front touches the North Sea.

This is a common cycle route which sees up to 15’000 cyclist completing the route every year. The start is in West Cumbria and is lucky enough to pass through the heart of the scenic Lake District, and then continues through valleys and villages, before gently climbing through the beautiful Northern Pennines. The route then passes through further green countryside and sweeps through old mining villages and the Durham Dales, and finishing with a tranquil ride through the heart of Britain’s industrial past and finishing at the North Sea. About 96% of the course is on a dedicated cycle path and minor roads so it’s not surprising it’s such a popular route.

Coast to Coast along the Trans Pennine Trail

Next up is the more urban route of Northern England. The Trans Pennine trail passes some amazing historical abbeys, castles and heritage railways and unlike the majority of long distance cycling routes in and around the UK, it’s is mostly off-road.

After a mind blowing £30million take over, The Trans Pennine Trail officially opened back in September 2001. This multi-user route connects the North and Irish seas. The 177.5mile long stretch is predominantly flat apart from a section that peaks at around 1400ft at Windle. With a great range of terrains to enjoy, this trail should be on every cyclist’s wish list.

Lands End to John O’Groats

More commonly referred to as LEJOG, this route will take you across the full length of the UK and although it’s a stunning, ride it’s the bragging rights which make this cycle route so popular.

This route will take you around 10 to 14 days to complete, depending on your level and how many times you want to stop off and enjoy the views along the way. Distances can also vary depending on which route you decide to take but is roughly about 1000 miles. From the cool waters of the English Channel to the Cornish towns, sweeping up along the English/ Welsh border remaining north bound where you can enjoy the calm and serenity of the Scottish highlands on the final push
to the northern tip.