Heading off to ride somewhere new is something many of us look forward to every year. With things the way they are, we thought we’d take a look and see what’s available in the UK for those of us planning to get away with our bikes once restrictions lift.
Whilst the weather isn’t always on our side, the UK has some incredible spots for all kinds of riding. You often don’t have to look too far from home to find something new. Here are a few ideas on new places you can ride once restrictions have lifted.
Wales
In Wales, restrictions are being lifted slowly in line with the Governmental guidelines. Find the most up to date information here on the .Gov website to check which restrictions are in place, what is open and the current alert level.
North Wales
You’re a little spoiled for choice in North Wales. There’s something for all types of rider, so no matter what you’re into, you can find something that will work for you. For mountain bikers there’s Coed Llandegla, Dee Valley, Snowdonia National Park, Coed y Brenin, Revolution Bike Park, Dyfi forest, and so much more. There are many companies that offer tours, trips and guided rides too, so you can go it alone or find someone to plan the whole thing for you.
Mid Wales
Lon Las Cymru (this ride actually spans the whole of Wales but you can ride parts, or all of it). The Brecon Beacons have a lot to offer, and is a great location to visit and stay. There’s also the Elan Valley which has lots of riding to explore.
South Wales
South Wales is home to some incredible mountain biking spots like Afan Forest Park, Cwmcarn, BikePark Wales, Brechfa and more. Then there are some fantastic cycling locations like the Gower and Mumbles, you could take a ride on the Celtic Trail and explore from Swansea to St David’s in Pembrokeshire. Head down to Pembrokeshire on cycle route 4 and take some time to ride around the county. If you’re staying in Cardiff, check out the Bay Trail or jump on the Taff Trail to head up to Brecon.
West Wales
There’s plenty of places to ride in West Wales too, like Nant yr Arian, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion and Cardigan Bay.
Handy Resources for Wales:
MB Wales – Has details of tail centres and bases around Wales.
Ride North Wales – Has information for those who want to ride in North Wales.
Visit Wales – has information on cycling and mountain biking in Wales.
Cycling in Snowdonia – Cycling and mountain bike information for Snowdonia.
Scotland
If you’re planning to take a trip to Scotland, or even heading from home to try somewhere new. There are so many incredible spots for you to explore. Whether you like mountain biking, road cycling or getting off the beaten bath to explore, there’s something for everyone. Scotland has its own lockdown guidelines. Head to the government website for the latest information on travel and restrictions.
Some great spots for MTB:
- The West Highland Way
- 7 Stanes MTB Centres – Riding throughout the South of Scotland.
- The Scottish Highlands are a fantastic place to ride.
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
- The Nevis Range. Home to the UCI World Cup DH.
- Great Glen cycleway – Travel coast to coast on a 79 mile ride. (also great for gravel riders).
Must-ride Road Bike Routes:
- Hebridean way – A 185m route that crosses 10 islands.
- The Formartine and Buchan Way – A 40m cycle route through the countryside.
- The Isle of Bute – Hop on the ferry and do a loop around the island.
- The Ring road cycle – A 100 mile loop in Perthshire.
- Tweed Cycle Route – At 95 mile ride that starts in Biggar and ends in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Handy Resources:
Visit Scotland – Lots of great information cycling in Scotland.
Visit Scotland (MTB) – Information on mountain biking in Scotland.
Developing mountain biking – Information on trail centres and routes throughout Scotland.
Cycling in the Scottish Borders – A website dedicated to routes and cycling in the Scottish borders.
Be Prepared..
England
In England there has been updates on when the Prime Minister plans to reopen certain things. Check out the latest here to find out when you’re able to travel to ride. England has some fantastic riding all over the country, with something to suit everyone.
Great places to mountain bike:
- Cannock Chase – With a variety of trails from family to downhill.
- Forest of Dean – A great trail centre with trails for all abilities.
- Hamsterley forest – Home to Danny Hart’s Descend Bike Park, Hamsterley has 33 miles of trails.
- Grizedale trails – A great variety of trails as well as visitor centre and cafe.
- Dalby Forest – One of the larger trail centres in England.
Great places for road cyclists:
- Lakeland Loop in the Lake District – A 40 mile route through the Lake District.
- Tarka Trail in Devon – 32 mile route, free of traffic.
- Castle Howard route in North Yorkshire – This 23 mile loop starts and finishes at Castle Howard.
- The Camel Trail, Cornwall – An 18 mile trail that’s largely traffic free.
- Hadrian’s Cycleway – In total it’s 172.8 miles, so you can pick and choose where you ride, if not all of it.
Handy Resources:
MBUK Trails in England Guide – details of trails and centres in England.
Forestry England – details on cycling and mountain biking in England.
Mountain biking and cycling in England – Visit England list some great places to ride.
Sustrans – Find details of routes and cycling around the UK.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is another fantastic spot to ride. With beautiful views, historic landmarks and some great routes on offer. Here are just a few places to check out.
Great places for roadies:
- North Antrim Coast Road/Giant’s Causeway – A 65 mile route that will test you, but reward you tenfold. Especially if you manage to do it on a nice day.
- Lagan and Lough cycle way – A 21 coastal route, suitable for families.
- Ballyshannon to Larne – If you’re up for a challenge, this is a 281 mile coastal route will take in some great views and cycling.
- Drumlins and Canal – A 21 mile flat canal path that takes you through different landscapes.
For mountain bikers:
- Craigavon MTB trail – A 10km circular route taking in some great views.
- Castlewellan MTB trails – With a great mix of trails, MTB centre, castle, lake and more, this is a great family destination.
- Rostrevor mountain bike centre – This trail centre has a range of trails, and a centre.
Useful Links:
Cycling UK’s Northern Ireland Cycling – A great guide to cycling in Northern IrelandTrailforks Northern Ireland map – Trail maps for MTB trails in Northern Ireland./a>
BikeRadar’s Guide to trail centres in NI
Get what you need before you go..
