Where in the UK could be Ideal for Cycling?

Whether you want all your weekend action to revolve around saddle time, or wish to take things at a slower pace and add a dash of romance to the proceedings, the UK provides a wealth of opportunity for short-breakers.

Cumbria, North Wales and Devon are just three areas of outstanding natural beauty where you can drink in the breath-taking countryside, ending the day at a welcoming waterhole that will ease away the muscular tension and offer a snapshot of local colour.

Alternatively, as intermediate cyclists, the adrenalin rush of a mountain biking break may be more what the two of you are looking for. Again, Wales and the Lake District, along with locations in Scotland are likely to test your mettle against the great outdoors – north of the border, Argyll and the Trossachs spring to mind.

Exploring The Possibilities

A great way to begin exploring the possibilities is to visit the website of the sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, which co-ordinates the 12,000 mile-plus National Cycle Network.

Offering opportunities across the whole country to use your cycle as the passport to new horizons, Sustrans caters for all abilities and a wide range of different experiences, from long distance challenges to easy rides.

Check out, for instance, its Cowes to Newport and Sandown route across the beautiful Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible via ferry for weekenders. There’s an eight-mile promenade route, too, that takes in fashionable Brighton and Hove. Further north, National Route 7 includes the coast and the Consett & Sunderland Railway path. The North-East is also home to the Kielder Water and Forest Park mountain bike experience.

For those with a busy work schedule who want a one-stop shop that can provide a package that includes route, hotel or B&B accommodation, as well as bike hire to save you transporting your machine, there is a wealth of resources on the web that cover the UK, and given the level of competition it would be unfair to single out any individual travel operator.

But whichever option you go for, it may be an idea not to pack too much into your allotted time. Three days can fly by, so pace yourselves and plan as many chills as thrills into the schedule.

See Also
A group of cyclists
Joining a Cycling Club
Cyclist
Using the National Cycle Network