The best cycling routes in England

England offers a vast network for touring cyclists, with over 86,000 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to all abilities, from easy rides to more challenging adventures.

The best time for touring cycling in England is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This period allows you to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes, from the charming countryside to the rugged coastlines.

Yes, England has many family-friendly and beginner-suitable routes, often utilizing disused railway lines which are typically flatter and traffic-free. An excellent example is the Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland loop in the New Forest National Park, an easy 17.6 km (11 miles) ride through woodlands.

England's terrain is incredibly diverse. You can expect everything from the flat fens of Norfolk and gentle paths along disused railway lines, to the undulating hills of the South Downs, the dramatic peaks of the Lake District, and the craggy coastlines of Cornwall. Many routes also pass through charming villages and historic sites.

Yes, England is home to several notable long-distance routes. A challenging option is the Round the Island Cycle Route on the Isle of Wight, which is 108.7 km (67.5 miles) and offers varied coastal views. For multi-day adventures, the famous Coast to Coast route traverses the breadth of England.

Many touring cycling routes in England are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The Rutland Water loop from Oakham is a popular 40.3 km (25 miles) circular trail around the scenic Rutland Water area.

England's routes often feature stunning natural attractions. You can cycle past beautiful lakes like those in the Lake District, or reservoirs such as the Ladybower Reservoir Overflow in the Peak District. Coastal routes offer dramatic cliffs like the Seven Sisters, and many trails wind through forests and woodlands.

Absolutely. Touring cycling in England often takes you through picturesque villages and past significant historical sites. Routes like the Hadrian's Wall Cycleway combine rich history with scenic cycling. You can also find routes that link towns and pass historical points, such as those on the Isle of Wight, offering opportunities to stop for cream teas or visit traditional pubs.

Yes, England has an excellent network of cycling routes on converted disused railway lines, providing traffic-free and often flatter paths. The Monsal Trail in the Peak District is a prime example, featuring tunnels and viaducts. Another great option is the Tissington Trail, also in the Peak District.

Many touring cycling routes in England are accessible via public transport, particularly those near towns and cities or within National Parks. Train services often allow bikes, though it's advisable to check specific operator policies and booking requirements. This makes it easier to plan point-to-point rides or reach starting points without a car.

The touring cycling routes in England are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunities to explore charming villages and historical sites. Over 19,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to discover England's varied terrain.

England's 10 National Parks are fantastic for touring cycling, offering a wide array of environments. You can find routes in the Peak District, such as the Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs loop, or explore the Lake District with routes like the Derwentwater, Buttermere & Honister Pass loop from Keswick. For more information on cycling in these protected areas, you can visit nationalparks.uk.

Yes, many routes in England offer spectacular viewpoints, especially in regions like the Lake District, Peak District, and along the coastlines. For instance, routes around lakes often provide panoramic views, and trails through areas like the Yorkshire Dales are known for magnificent hills and scenic vistas. You can also find specific viewpoints like Orrest Head in the Lake District.