Cycling around England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

There is no better way to see the English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish countryside than by bike. Whether you are touring by bike, following mountain bike trails, or leisurely days out, there is something for everyone. You can go at your own pace stopping off at places of interest that you may miss with other forms of transport. There are plenty of long distance cycling routes for all levels of ability from gentle routes to more tricky terrain. Here are some of them.

England

Devon Coast to Coast National Cycle Route 27. Route from Plymouth to Ilfracombe. This route combines rivers and estuaries with the moor land of Dartmoor and the rugged north Devon coastline. It mainly follows the course of former railway lines.

Flitch Way National Cycle Route 16. This is a 14 mile journey one way route through the flat landscape of Essex. This is easy cycling and is mainly traffic free. Starting at Braintree and finishing at Bishops Stortford following a disused railway which is now a country park.
For further routes in England http://www.sustrans.org.uk

Scotland
Oban to Campbelltown National Cycle Route 78. This a route for adventurous cyclists with fantastic views of the Kintyre Peninsula, Lorn and Knapdale and looking out to the islands of Arran and Jura.

The Salmon Run National Cycle Route 77. Starting on the river front in Dundee this route follows the river Tay upstream mostly on dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads.

For further routes in Scotlandhttp://www.sustrans.org.uk

Wales

The Taff Trail National Cycle Route 8. Brecon to Cardiff on a predominantly traffic free route. Alongside reservoirs and over viaducts passing the castle of Castell Coch.

North Wales Coast National Cycle Route 5. From the Isle of Anglsea to Chester through seaside towns, along and old railway line and a canal path.

For further routes in Wales http://www.sustrans.org.uk

Ireland

The Kingfisher Trail National Cycle Route 91. The first long distance cycle route in Ireland following minor country roads along the border counties dotted with rivers and lakes.

Loughshore Trail National Cycle Route 94. Circuit of Lough Neagh the largest freshwater lake in Britain.

For further routes in Ireland http://www.sustrans.org.uk