Finding the best cycling routes in the UK? Here's a list of the top 10 UK cycling routes to take your folding electric bike.
The best way to explore the United Kingdom is on two wheels, whether in Northern Ireland on the peaceful one-lane roads or in Bristol on the lovely country paths. The lush vegetation and crisp open air beckon, regardless of whether you have purchased your own or require a bike rental for the day. Here are the top 10 cycling routes.
1. Bristol & Bath Railway Path – Bristol or Bath
This bike path connects Bristol and Bath, and it's a delightful way to discover the surrounding countryside. It travels 14 miles along a former railroad track shut down during Beeching's 1950s budget cuts.
At Bitton, attractions include abandoned mills and a charming old station (now part of the restored Avon Valley Railway). The Dramway Path and the River Avon Trail are just two bike trails connecting to this one.
You can access the path at several locations along the route, but the official starting points are Brassmill Lane in Bath and St. Phillips Rd in Bristol.
2. Tamar Trails – Devon & Cornwall
Beginning at the visitor centre off the A390 between Gunnislake and Tavistock, the trails meander along the river's banks while passing through several abandoned mine workings. The trails are great for Segways, mountain bikes, and even walking. The visitor centre has a cafe and a place to rent bikes.
3. Camel Trail – North Cornwall
The former Padstow-Bodmin railway, which was shut down in the 1950s, has been transformed into Cornwall's most well-liked bike trail. The main section of the trail begins in Padstow and travels east through Wadebridge for 5.75 miles before continuing to Poley Bridge on Bodmin Moor (18.3 miles).
At the Padstow end, you can rent bikes from Trail Bike Hire or Padstow Cycle Hire; at the Wadebridge end, you can rent bikes from Bridge Bike Hire. It's frequently quieter (and much simpler to find parking) if you start from the Wadebridge side of the route since most people take it from Padstow and back.
4. Ystwyth Trail – Wales
The 21-mile Ystwyth Trail is suitable for cyclists and pedestrians. It mainly follows the former Great Western Railway from Aberystwyth to Tregaron in a southeasterly direction, shadowing the River Ystwyth for the first 12 miles before coming to an end in the Teifi Valley.
Start the trail from Tregaron if you prefer to go downhill or from the footbridge on Riverside Tce in Aberystwyth.
5. Loch Katrine Circuit – Scotland
Starting on the Lochs & Glens Cycle Way on the forest trail, an excellent 20-mile circular cycling route departs from Aberfoyle.
You get to the pier on Loch Katrine by following Loch Achray's southern shore. The 10:30 am boat (or summer afternoon sailings) brings you to the western coast, where you can return to Aberfoyle by taking the lovely B829 via Loch Ard.
You can extend the trip by 14 miles if you bike along the loch's northern shore rather than take a boat. Taking the A821 over Duke's Pass is an alternative to taking the forest trail from Aberfoyle.
6. Rheidol Cycle Trail – Wales
The 17-mile Rheidol Cycle Trail travels through the stunning Rheidol Valley, mostly on designated bike lanes and quiet country lanes, from Aberystwyth Harbour to Devil's Bridge. Along the way, you can find Coed Geufron, owned by the Woodland Trust, and detours to Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Rheidol Power Station, and Rheidol Mines. The last part is extremely steep.
7. Kingfisher Trail – Northern Ireland
The Kingfisher Trail is a waymarked, long-distance cycling route that originates in Enniskillen and meanders through backroads and into county Fermanagh before continuing through Leitrim, Cavan, and Monaghan to reach the Republic of Ireland. A trail map is available online or at the Enniskillen visitor centre.
8. Loughshore Trail – Northern Ireland
The 112-mile Loughshore Trail bicycle route circles Lough Neagh. It mostly travels along peaceful country roads set back from the water. On CycleNI's website, you can download a leaflet listing bike-hire locations.
9. Sea to Sea Cycling Routes – England
This 140-mile bicycle route, also known as C2C, runs from Whitehaven to Newcastle through the northern Pennines and the Lake District.
10. Clay Trails – Southeast Cornwall
Around St. Austell, a maze of trails explores the strange landscape of spoil heaps, mica dams, and turquoise pools. You'll probably see a lot of wildflowers and birdlife flitting around the gorse because many areas have been reclaimed by nature.
There are several paths, all of which are appropriate for cyclists, horseback riders, and pedestrians. Three trails pass by the Wheal Martyn Country Park, one through the Pentewan Valley and one that runs directly next to the Eden Project.
The trails are the best way to see the area near St. Austell, and they are much more peaceful than the much busier and more well-known Camel Trail close to Padstow. Both Pavé Velo and Pentewan Cycle Hire offer bike rentals.
Conclusion
Whether you're in Northern Ireland on the quiet one-lane roads or in Bristol on the lovely country paths, the best way to explore the United Kingdom is on two wheels. The inviting lush vegetation and fresh outdoor air are the best.
Another best thing you can do is switch to folding electric bikes. The eelo 1885 EXPLORER Electric is ideal for train commuters, caravanners, motorhome owners, or boating enthusiasts. Take the hard work out of cycling and avoid the sweat with electric biking.
Please
promptly if you are considering purchasing a new folding electric bike but are unsure which type to buy.