26 great cycling routes for 2026

A new year means new routes to ride, and January is the ideal month to plan your year of cycling. We’re helping you get started with a selection of 26. We’ve covered a range of cycling disciplines, different lengths and difficulty and a good geographical spread.

So, whether you’re looking for accessible or family-friendly rides, forest trails or long-distance challenges, wherever you are in the UK, there should be something for you. We’d love to know if you’ve completed one of these routes – or any favourites of your own. If you share any photos on social media, remember to tag us and use the hashtag #26for2026.

Enjoy!

Bikepacking

1. Royal Chilterns Way

Length: 282km
Difficulty: Challenging
Type of bike: Gravel or hardtail mountain bike
Access: The ‘official’ start and finish is Reading. However, there are several towns on the route that also have train stations, plenty of cafés and restaurants, places to stay and parking
More information: Cycling UK

Cycling UK’s newest long-distance route, and part of our Adventure Series, launched in 2025. Off-road trails and quiet roads go through ancient beech wood and rolling chalk hills, linking historic towns and imposing country estates.

It’s less technical than some of our other long-distance routes, making it ideal for newcomers to bikepacking. But there’s still plenty of interest for the experience rider. It’s divided into three loops so you can tackle just one or ride the whole thing.

2. Traws Eryri

Length: 200km
Difficulty: Hard
Type of bike: Mountain bike
Access: Starts at Machynlleth and ends at Conwy. Both towns have train stations and there are further train stations at Barmouth and Betws-y-Coed if you want to break the ride. Much of the route is very remote; pack accordingly
More information: Cycling UK

This long-distance ride through the stunning mountain landscape of Snowdonia (Eryri) is shorter than some of Cycling UK’s bikepacking adventures, but almost 4,000m of climbing plus some exhilarating downhills through sometimes remote terrain mean it’s still a challenging ride.

The route makes its way through wild forests, incredible mountain scenery and fascinating history using ancient tracks, Roman roads and deserted lanes through the lush valleys and rugged peaks of a truly epic landscape.

If you’re interested in the ride but want to take the hassle out of planning, and benefit from an experienced guide and support vehicle, Cycling UK’s holiday partner Saddle Skedaddle run a tour for Traws Eryri. The company donates 5p per mile ridden on the tour and Cycling UK members can claim exclusive discounts.

3. Great Glen Way

Length: 127km
Difficulty: Challenging
Type of bike: Mountain bike
Access: Starts at Fort William and ends at Inverness. Both have train stations and plenty of places to eat and drink or stay overnight, while Inverness has an airport.
More information: Highland Council

This well waymarked route is for walkers and cyclists. It follows the Great Glen fault line and Caledonian Canal, taking in Lochs Lochy, Oich and Ness, stunning Highlands scenery, beautiful forests and canal paths through valleys.

Much of the route is at low level, but there are some steeper climbs to challenge you. There’s some wonderful wildlife to be seen too, so keep an eye out for Osprey, Golden Eagle, Pine Marten and deer.

Scottish access rights mean that responsible wild camping is allowed along the route. There are also accommodation and places to eat and drink along the way.

4. LEJOG

Length: roughly 1,600km depending on the route you take
Difficulty: Hard
Type of bike: Tourer, road, hybrid
Access: Starts at Land’s End and ends at John o’ Groats. Both are pretty remote. The closest train station to Land’s End is at Penzance, where you’ll also find accommodation, restaurants and cafés. Wick station is closest to John o’ Groats, which does have a handful of hotels and places to eat
More information: Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust

Running the entire length of the UK, from the furthest point south to the furthest point north on the mainland, Land’s End to John o’ Groats – or LEJOG – is on many long-distance cyclist’s bucket list.

More than 1,000km in length and going through just about every type of landscape Great Britain has to offer, this one isn’t for the faint of heart. But just imagine the sense of achievement when you get to the end point – not to mention the bragging rights.

Saddle Skedaddle also offers a choice of guided LEJOG tours so you can concentrate on the riding.

5. Lesser Spotted Ireland

Length: 113km
Difficulty: Challenging
Type of bike: Gravel
Access: Starts and ends at the campsite at Belcoo, where there’s accommodation, pubs and cafés but no train station
More information: Bikepacking.com

As the name suggests, this route takes in some of Ireland’s less well-known sights. It criss-crosses the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland on gravel tracks, forestry roads, waymarked trails and quiet lanes.

Many people complete the figure-eight route in two days, but it’s worth giving yourself more time to truly enjoy the sights: underground caves, a waterfall, the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global UNESCO Geopark, historic pubs and rural villages.

Family friendly

6. Lanhydrock Estate

Length: 2.5km
Difficulty: Easy
Type of bike: Any
Access: The estate is at Bodmin, Cornwall. The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway, about 3km away. There’s parking, a café, cycle hire and an adventure playground on site
More information: National Trust

The trails at this National Trust property in Cornwall are free to use (although the usual car parking charges apply). The Lodge trail has been designed with families and beginners in mind. It goes through a mix of English woodland and conifers and has no technical elements.

It’s also well surfaced and wide. It’s suitable for trailers, tagalongs and adaptive bikes.

The skills area features a balance bike track where even the smallest of riders can practice. There are also 13km of moderate trails for those who are up for more of a challenge.

7. Canal towpaths around Fort Augustus on Caledonia Way

Length: Various
Difficulty: Easy
Type of bike: Any
Access: Starts and finishes at Fort Augustus, where you’ll find accommodation, restaurants and cafés
More information: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Located on the shore of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus offers some easy, traffic-free cycling on towpath alongside the Caledonian Canal, part of the epic Caledonia Way. The towpath here links Fort Augustus with Loch Oich.

You can explore as far as you want, but this out-and-back ride on Komoot follows a picturesque route taking in locks, cafés and Bridge of Oich, a 19th-century suspension bridge.

8. Kielder Water, Northumberland

Length: Various
Difficulty: Easy
Type of bike: Mountain, gravel or hybrid bikes
Access: Starts and finishes at Kielder Castle, where there’s parking, a café, visitor information, cycle hire and toilets
More information: Visit Kielder

There are several trails starting from Kielder Castle car park. Try the green-graded Borderline Trail, a 6km trail ideal for families, and the 42km Lakeside Way which follows the shoreline of Kielder Water.

You can ride as much of the Lakeside Way as you like. This multi-user trail provides access to some of the lake’s most picturesque spots, as well as the opportunity to see wildlife, including Osprey. There are cafés and restaurants, toilets and campsites along the way.

9. Florence Court, Co Fermanagh

Length: 3.5km
Difficulty: Easy
Type of bike: Any
Access: Florence Court is 13km south-west of Enniskillen; there’s parking at the visitor centre, or the estate is on NCN91, the Kingfisher Trail. There are toilets, cafés and cycle hire
More information: National Trust

This 18th-century country house offers a variety of paths, from gentle rides to more challenging forest tracks. The Blue Trail is a gentle, circular route through native Irish woodland, taking in the Pleasure Grounds and Walled Garden. It’s suitable for all the family.

At 9km and with a steep climb – which rewards you with stunning views across the mountains and lakes of Fermanagh – the Red Trail would suit older and more experienced children. Both routes start at the Visitor Centre.

Road/sportive

10. London to Brighton

Length: 87km
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of bike: Road or hybrid
Access: Starts at Clapham Common in south London and finishes at Brighton seafront. There are water stops and feeding stations on the way, with lunch included in the entry fee
More information: London to Brighton Cycle Ride

One of the original sportives, the official event takes place on 13 September this year, giving you plenty of time to prepare. You can choose to raise money for a variety of good causes. Registration is already open, so if you want to take part don’t delay as places go fast.

However, London to Brighton is a classic road ride any time of the year and you don’t have to sign up for the event. The route goes along mostly quiet country lanes passing through rural villages before taking on the challenge that is Ditchling Beacon – a 1.6km-long climb to the top of the South Downs where you will be rewarded with amazing views over the downs.

11. Hell of the Ashdown

Length: 100km
Difficulty: Hard
Type of bike: Road
Access: Starts and finishes at Westerham, Kent.
More information: Hell of the Ashdown

This iconic sportive marks the start of the cycling season, taking place on 22 February in 2026. It is one of the UK’s toughest rides, with more than 1,500m of climbing tackling 10 of the most iconic Kent and Surrey hills, as well as the unpredictable February weather.

Registration is open and the entry fee includes a free pint for all finishers at well as feeding stations along the way. There are also food trucks at Westerham Brewery, where the route starts and finishes.

The provisional route is available on Ride with GPS for those who miss out on a place or simply prefer to ride at a warmer time of year!

12. Dunwich Dynamo

Length: 200km
Difficulty: Hard
Type of bike: Road
Access: Starts at London Fields, east London, and finishes at Dunwich on the Suffolk coast.
More information: Dunwich Dynamo

This isn’t an official sportive – more a long-standing tradition. Riders gather at Pub on the Park in east London from around 6pm and set off when they’re ready, aiming to reach the beach at Dunwich for sunrise.

There’s no doubt this is a challenging ride, heading out of London via Epping forest and onto quiet, unlit country roads through Essex and Suffolk. But it’s also a huge achievement.

There’s no official route and no feeding stations or mechanical or medical support. You can fuel up in the pub before the ride and sometime pubs and restaurants along the way open late – but don’t rely on this, take enough food to see you through the night. You can find previous routes on Strava and Komoot.

You’ll also have to organise your own transport back, although some cyclists ride back. Cyclists in Southwark often put on coaches, but spaces sell out fast. The nearest train station is at Darsham, about 8km away.

13. Lap the Lough

Length: 144km
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of bike: Road
Access: Starts and finishes in Moy, Co Tyrone, where there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and accommodation
More information: Lap the Lough

Organised by Cycul, a social enterprise aimed at getting more people on bikes, this event takes place on the August bank holiday. The route goes around Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland and Britain and there are stopping points approximately every 32km.

The route is mainly on quiet country roads and goes through several rural villages and takes in stunning views of the lough. You can download the route from the website, so you can ride it any time.

Off road/mountain biking

14. Epping Forest gravel loop from Walthamstow

Length: 36km
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of bike: Gravel or mountain bike
Access: Walthamstow Central is on the Overground network which means you can take a bike. There are loads of cafés and restaurants. There are also a couple cafés in the forest itself and a tea hut. You can hire bikes from Go Further Cycling in Chingford
More information: Komoot

You can’t go gravel riding in London, they say. Yes, you can, we say. Epping Forest in east London has a vast network of gravel tracks which you can ride to your heart’s content. This ride starts in Walthamstow, close to the train station, before heading to Leyton Flats and Highams Park and then into the forest.

The route provides a good circuit of Epping Forest for those unfamiliar with the area. But there are loads of trails for anyone who prefers to freestyle it. It can get very muddy in wet weather.

15. Three village circular – New Forest trails

Length: Various
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of bike: Gravel or mountain bike
Access: Starts and finishes at Brockenhurst, close to the train station. There are cafés and restaurants here as well as cycle hire. The route also passes through Burley and Lyndhurst, where you’ll find more places to eat and drink and bike hire
More information: Komoot

The New Forest National Park is well known for its off-road tracks, from family friendly to more challenging routes. There are more than 150km of waymarked trails for you to explore, with the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including the famous New Forest ponies.

This mostly off-road route links three historic villages – Brockenhurst, Burley and Lyndhurst – via disused railway, gravel trails, forestry tracks and quiet roads. You’ll pass under historic railway bridges, experience stunning forest views and no doubt pop into traditional pubs along the way.

16. The 8, Gisburn Forest

Length: 18km
Difficulty: Hard
Type of bike: Mountain bike
Access: Starts and finishes at Gisburn Forest Hub, where there’s a café, toilets and parking. 
More information: Forestry England

Lancashire’s Gisburn Forest is home to a network of walking and cycling trails. The 8 – so called because it forms a figure 8 – is a red-graded trail that’s suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-roading skills. There’s also an optional black section – the roller coaster ride of Hully Gully – for expert mountain bikers.

If you’re not quite ready for that, Bottoms Beck is a blue trail suitable for intermediate cyclists. There’s also a skills loop and the orange-graded Hope Line and Leap of Faith – not for the faint of heart!

17. Coed y Brenin Forest Park

Length: 150km of trails
Difficulty: beginner to expert
Type of bike: Mountain bike
Access: The trail centre is Beics Brenin, where there’s parking, toilets and changing rooms and bike hire
More information: Beics Brenin

Located in the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, Coed y Brenin is one of Wales’s most beautiful forests and a mountain bike is a great way to explore it. The centre here was the UK’s first dedicated mountain bike trail centre and there is a huge network of waymarked tracks to ride.

Sadly the café and visitor centre have closed down, but the trails are still maintained. You’ll find everything from the green-graded Yr Afon suitable for beginners and families to the well-named Beast, a demanding ride with monster climbs, tricky descents and very technical elements.

18. Davagh Forest trails

Length: 25km of trails
Difficulty: From beginner to expert
Type of bike: Mountain bike
Access: The trail centre is on Davagh Road. You’ll find parking, changing facilities and toilets. Bike hire can be booked in advance via Sperrin Bike Hire
More information: Mountain Bike NI

Davagh Forest lies some 10km north-west of Cookstown in Sperrin AONB, an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests. It hosts a network of gentle mountain biking trails, as well as the 16km red trail with some impressive rock slab drops. There’s also a pump track and skills course.

If you want a challenging off-road ride, this route on Komoot is 25km and takes in some spectacular views of Fir Mountain and Oughtmore.

Urban

19. Edinburgh Dawn Patrol

Length: 31km
Difficulty: Regular
Type of bike: Any
Access: Starts in St Andrews Square and ends at Cairngorm Coffee. Not quite a loop, both locations are close to Edinburgh Waverley station. There are loads of places to eat and accommodation to be found
More information: Cycling UK

Created by route designer and writer Markus Stitz, this route is meant to be ridden early morning so you can enjoy watching the city waking up – and explore some of the sights before the tourists get there. It ends at Cairngorm Coffee so you can reward yourself with breakfast.

The route takes in several of Edinburgh’s highlights: the docks at Leith, Craigmillar Castle, Holyrood Park and the National Gallery of Scotland. Markus runs a social ride every Tuesday and Thursday at 5.40am; check out Instagram for details.

20. London sightseer

Length: 20km
Difficulty: Beginner
Type of bike: Any
Access: Starts at the Tower of London and finishes at Kensington Palace, both of which are close to Tube stations; bikes can be taken on some Tube lines. You’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants and places to stay
More information: Cycling UK

Created by London Cycling Campaign’s Tom Bogdanowicz, this route takes in many of London’s most iconic tourist attractions: the Tower of London, St Paul’s, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. Much of it is on segregated cycleways which are suitable for all riders.

They ably show why cycling is fast becoming the main form of transport in the capital. In fact, it’s best to avoid this route in rush hour, when the cycle ways are packed with commuters.

An optional detour to Coal Drops Yard, next to Kings Cross station, features a multitude of eateries, independent shops and award-winning modern architecture.

21. Cardiff Bay Trail

Length: 10km
Difficulty: Easy
Type of bike: Any
Access: Starts and ends at Cardiff Bay, close to parking and Cardiff Bay train station. You’ll be spoilt for eateries and accommodation.
More information: Outdoor Cardiff

This circular route officially starts right in the middle of Cardiff Bay, close to the Millenium Centre, but you can pick it up anywhere along the route. It circles the bay and loops over to the nearby seaside town of Penarth, via Pont y Werin, the ‘People’s Bridge’ that was designed for cyclists and walkers.

It’s an easy, traffic-free ride that’s suitable for all cyclists. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore Cardiff Bay’s cafés, bars and restaurants, and its heritage sites.

22. Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast

Length: 16km
Difficulty: Easy
Type of bike: Any
Access: Starts at Victoria Park and forks at Dixon Playing Fields to end at either Cregagh Glen or Braniel. There are plenty of cafés and toilets along the way
More information: EastSide Greenways

This ride starts in Belfast’s EastSide, the heart of the city’s industrial past, close to the historic shipyard where the Titanic was built. It follows the course of three rivers – the Connswater, the Knock and the Loop – providing access to greenspace, with the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.

The route is flat and traffic free, making it ideal for all cyclists. The seven bronze sculptures inspired by The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe, found in C. S. Lewis Square are sure to delight all fans of the book.

Traffic free

23. The Union and Forth & Clyde Canals

Length: 101km
Difficulty: Regular
Type of bike: Gravel or touring bike
Access: Starts in Fountainbridge, near the centre of Edinburgh, and ends just short of Bowling, near Glasgow; although you could finish slightly earlier at Glasgow. There are train stations at both ends. There are places to stay and plenty of restaurants and cafés in Edinburgh and Glasglow and you pass through several towns along the way.
More information: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Quiet canalside paths link Scotland’s two biggest cities. Take some time to explore Edinburgh before setting off, with its castle, historic docks and mix of museums and galleries. At the other end, Glasgow is famous for its museums and thriving cultural scene; the Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery, is well worth a visit.

It passes through Falkirk, where you’ll find the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift which connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

The route follows the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals and is entirely traffic free and mostly on well-surfaced paths. You could tackle the ride in a day, but giving it two days allows for a more leisurely pace.

24. Heyford to Oxford

Length: 23km
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of bike: Gravel or touring bike
Access: Starts Heyford train station and ends close to Oxford train station. There’s little in the way of amenities at Heyford, but Oxford is packed with places to stay, restaurants and cafés
More information: Canal & River Trust

This traffic-free route links the pretty village of Lower Hayford, with its 13th-century church, to the dreaming spires of Oxford, following the Oxford Canal. The towpath can be rough in places at the beginning of the route, so it’s not suitable for road bikes or beginners. As you approach Oxford the surface improves.

You’ll see plenty of narrow boats on the canal, as well as wildlife including herons, Little Egret and Kingfisher. Once in Oxford, you can spend some time punting on the River Ox and checking out the historic university.

25. Grand Union Canal: London to Birmingham Bike Ride

Length: 184km
Difficulty: Hard
Type of bike: Gravel or mountain bike
Access: Starts at Brentford in west London and ends at Salford Junction in Birmingham, close to train stations. There are cafés, restaurants and plenty of places to stay at both end points, while the route passes through several towns and there are spots for camping
More information: Komoot

This traffic-free ride can be difficult due to sometimes poor surface of the towpath, which can be muddy and narrow. It’s not one to tackle in bad weather. However, it is a fun, challenging ride with plenty of Instagrammable moments along the way. Just give yourself plenty of time.

The route runs through several towns and cities, all with accommodation, places to eat and drink and train stations, so you can always choose to ride a shorter section for an easier ride.

26. Newry Canal Towpath

Length: 32km
Difficulty: Easy
Type of bike: Gravel or hybrid bike
Access: Starts at Bann Bridge, Portadown and ends at the Town Hall in Newry; there are train stations at both ends and plenty of cafés and restaurants
More information: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

The now-defunct Newry Canal was built in 1742 to transport coal. This easy, mostly flat route follows the western bank of the canal. It is largely traffic free, but you do cross one busy road and there are some on-road sections into Newry town centre.

At about the halfway point, you’ll find Stinton’s at the Bridge. This traditional Irish restaurant makes for an excellent lunch spot or turning point for a shorter ride. Look out for the plentiful wildlife along the way.

Cycling UK’s Andrew McClean rode the trail and called it “an ideal route for families and beginners”.

This is, of course, just a tiny selection of the many routes to be found in the UK. You can find lots more here. Let us know your favourites on social media.