Want to experience scenic cycle routes in the UK? Discovering new places by bike engages all your senses, forcing you to connect with a place in a way you haven’t experienced before; it’s also ideal for visiting often missed pockets of local food and culture and getting to know the essence of a place. Whilst weather can be a hindrance to many holidays in the UK, when it comes to cycling, it’s actually pretty ideal – the mildness means that you never have to worry about temperature extremes. Read on to find out what the most scenic cycle routes in the UK are and the best YHA places for you to stay in along the way.
For a faraway adventure – Scottish Highlands
For something leisurely – Surrey
Surrey famously has a reputation for being quite flat, which may not excite some but will be music to other’s ears. The truth is that a cycle route around Surrey will present you with a combination of sprawling and relatively flat land and a few hills on the way as well, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored. The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is, as the name suggests, truly stunning with places like Pebble Hill for you to explore. For a suitably local stay, check out YHA Tanners Hatch – a cosy cottage, surrounded by lush National Trust woodland. Surrey is definitely a favourite of scenic cycle routes in the UK.
For a change of scenery
It’s not every day that you can experience sand dune views with distant mountains, all the while cycling by a secluded coastline, but it definitely doable in the UK. Well, all of this is possible if you plan a trip to the North Welsh Coast, passing through a virtually traffic-free route from Bangor to Conwy, exploring the historical Llandudno and Colwyn Bay resort. One thing to note is that wind will be your constant companion on this trip so follow the advice of seasoned cyclists and ride from west to east. Choose from contemporary lodgings like YHA Idwal Cottage for a picturesque break.
