‘Adventure Series’ launches with epic multiday cycle route through the Chiltern Hills

Cycling UK has today (18 August 2025) unveiled its ‘Adventure Series’, a collection of long-distance bikepacking routes that invite people to explore Britain’s stunning countryside and National Landscapes. This series not only promotes domestic tourism, supporting local economies, but it also offers an affordable and healthy way to explore the country while boosting mental wellbeing.

According to the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), cycling tourism now generates more than €44 billion annually and supports thousands of small businesses, from rural guesthouses to bike rental shops.

And if you add in economic gains from better health and fuel savings, the ECF estimates that cycling produces €150 billion in total benefits for Europe.

Each adventure route in the series is designed for a long weekend escape – spanning 250 to 300 kilometres (150 to 190 miles), with it being accessible by train, so riders can easily enjoy our National Landscapes without the need for a car.

Built for competent cyclists using gravel, cyclocross or mountain bikes, the routes link quiet roads, scenic trails and places to rest and refuel.

Routes are free to download from the Cycling UK website as a GPX file, ready to use with a cycling computer or smartphone. Alongside the file, riders will also receive essential safety tips about how to ride responsibly and respect the countryside.

Marking the announcement of the series, Cycling UK has unveiled a brand-new route for riders to explore, beginning in Reading. Named Royal Chilterns Way, the route covers 282km/175 miles of off-road track through the breath-taking Chilterns, blending scenic trails, historic landmarks and charming local gems.

With a total 11,100ft / 3,383m in climbing, the route offers competent riders a challenge. The multiday route is designed in a way to be the ideal introduction to bikepacking, allowing riders to tackle it in segments, or for the more adventurous, the whole route.

With excellent transport connections along the way, it’s readily accessible by public transport, being served by two London Underground lines and multiple overland stations. Although it runs through scenic countryside, it’s close to major towns and road networks, too.

The 282km route consists of three loops that intersect, so you can easily ride just some of it if the full distance seems daunting. 

As well as rolling hills and ancient woodland, there’s plenty more to see along the way. There are stately homes and historic buildings, such as the Royal Abbey in Reading, the semi-fortified Chennies Manor House and the remains of Berkhamsted Castle, which dates back to the 11th century.

It’s this regal heritage that accounts for the Royal of the route’s name. There’s also lots of wildlife to spot, ranging from lizards, deer and red kites through to wallabies, which have thrived after escaping from local zoos and private collections. As well as marsupials and medieval mansions, there’s an abundance of cafés and pubs. 

The charity has also created a series of guidebooks to purchase, with funds going towards future routes. Each guidebook is spiral bound and produced to be hardwearing, with weather-resistant covers so they can be used out on the trail.

They capture the exciting feel for the route with detailed descriptions, Ordnance Survey mapping and essential facts unpacking what riders will see on the way.

Hannah Foster, Head of Membership at Cycling UK, said:  

“Long-distance cycle routes are one of the best ways to explore Britain. They connect cities, towns and villages and bring real benefits to local communities by supporting regional economies. They also offer a healthier, greener way to discover the incredible corners of our countryside that are impossible to access by car.

“By joining Cycling UK as a member, you can help support the creation of even more iconic, inspiring routes that make cycle adventures more accessible to everyone. You’ll also be the first to know when we launch something new!” 

Max Darkins, Ride Guide and Route Planner, said:  

“Growing up in the Chilterns sparked my passion for cycling and inspired a lifelong love of the area. This lesser-known part of the South-East has so much to offer and in working closely with Cycling UK we carefully crafted a route that would give people the chance to escape and connect with nature.

“Out on the trail you get to experience everything that the Chilterns has to offer, ranging from verdant landscapes to historic market towns, medieval earthworks and majestic rivers. And to top it off, the area is just bursting with farm shops, cafés, vineyards, breweries and country pubs.

“We all known how much cycling can improve our physical and mental health, and with every new route launched, we introduce that to more and more people.