No biker can be lost for great road trips with our crowdsourced Routes to Ride map, which charts the best rides across Britain and Ireland. If you’ve never used it before, then you’re missing out on what we think is a great tool – you can search for rides by region, length, terrain and difficulty across the country, rate them, and even create your own. As summer gets underway, we’ve picked out a few of our favourites that are perfect for the warmer weather.
The North Norfolk Circuit
This 100-mile lap takes you to the edges of the East of England and back again, through nature reserves, coastlines, and plenty of perfect opportunities to take a break in seaside towns like Hunstanton and Cromer.
Take in beautiful woodland and refreshing sea breezes as the route gently twists and turns through the Norfolk countryside. It will hardly provide a challenging ride for most bikers, but take your time and let the route fill up a sunny summer’s day and the rewards are obvious – you’ll be hard pushed to find a more relaxing biking experience on these shores.
The Cornish Loop
Nowhere quite says British Summertime like Cornwall – why not relive the summer holidays of your childhood with a trip through some truly stunning scenery? Starting in Penzance, the Cornish loop is an easygoing ride through the moors and along the coastlines. With plenty of excuses to stop for an afternoon ice cream by the coast or a traditional Cornish pasty break, you’ll want to make this 23 mile circuit stretch out for as long as possible.
Fortunately, the loop features plenty of the region’s finest pubs and B&Bs, ideal for making a weekend of it – and giving you ample opportunity to sample some fantastic Cornish ale after a long day’s riding.
Durham to Blackpool
Summer means a beach trip is surely in order, but why not take the long way round with a challenging and scenic cross-country trip? The 142 miles from Durham to Blackpool makes for a fantastic journey across some of England’s most stunning terrain, packed full of twists and turns as well as plenty of opportunities to open up the throttle.
Tackle the Pennines, follow the edge of the Lake District, take a break in Kendal and stock up on energy with some traditional mint cake, before dipping into the Yorkshire Dales as you power towards the coast. Park up near the promenade and take in the colourful glare of the “Las Vegas of the North”. Pick a sunny day, and this will surely be a ride to remember.
Aylesbury Circuit
Last but not least, this relaxing loop around the heart of England is perfect for an easy-going summer’s day. The 50 mile circuit takes a scenic route through Buckinghamshire, with plenty of opportunities to make a stop at cosy country pubs and restaurants. There’s plenty of chances to pick up some speed along the Oxfordshire border, but we’re sure you’ll want to take this one nice and slowly.
The Aylesbury Circuit is a route that’s easy to expand, too, if you’re really looking to make a day trip of it. History buffs will want to head past Buckingham towards Milton Keynes to stop at Bletchley Park, site of the WWII code-breaking museum, whereas those in search of stunning views can easily head down to Chiltern Hills.
What’s your favourite summer route?
If you think we’ve missed a great biking route that’s perfect for a summer’s day, then head over to our Routes to Ride map and use our “suggest a route” form to let us know!
