cycling tours in britain

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A storied island

England bike tours.

A visit to England offers a glimpse at its history and traditions through ancient villages, medieval castles, prehistoric structures and leading museums. Such history is set alongside the vibrant British culture, making it one of the most diverse places in the world.

While London attracts millions of visitors each year, cyclists treasure natural diversity beyond the city. Pedal through lovely meadows, hills and lakes dotted with quaint villages.

England also boasts coastal areas with cliffs and charming seaside villages. The rolling hills and a yearlong mild climate also make England a prime cycling destination.

“This was a life-changing experience...my first bicycle tour and my first time in either country. It was, in a word, amazing. A totally unique experience. Can't wait to do my next one!”

Learn more:

• England bike tour reviews
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• The Avenue Verte - London to Paris
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Oxford & the Royal Palaces along the River Thames

COUNTRY: England

Self guided from GBP £ 2585

Self-guided: Sundays, Apr 1-Nov 30, 2024 (other starts dates may be available for surcharge)

Description: The River Thames threads its way serenely through sleepy, rural villages, pretty landscapes, and through the heart of bustling historic towns including Oxford and Windsor. Royalty and history beckon, whilst water meadows, old inns, wildlife, and weirs…

Brighton City Bike Tour

Brighton · from £29.5 GBP

Description: Get the best out of Brighton on this guided day tour of the city, perfectly capturing Brighton’s vibrant essence as you discover its buzzing backroads, alluring alleyways, and the picturesque promenades along the sensational seafront. You’ll pedal from…

Brighton Coastal Bike Tour

Description: Take a ride by the seaside on the charming Brighton Coastal Bike Tour, a leisurely cycle along the Undercliff Path from the resplendent Royal Pavilion to picturesque Rottingdean, with beautiful beachside vistas all along the way. This family-friendly day…

Classic Oxford Bike Tour

Oxford · from €145.84 EUR

Description: A bike tour offering you an unmissable excursion through Oxford, taking you to the icons of the 'City of Learning', from the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library, to Port Meadow and the River Thames. Your knowledgeable tour guide is on-hand every pedal…

Cotswolds E-Bike Tour

Oxford · from €232 EUR

Description: Enjoy a scenic e-bike day tour in the charming Cotswolds, marked an ‘Area of Outstanding National Beauty’. Glide through the gorgeous green hills to picturesque villages built from the famous yellow Cotswold stone, where bridges cross…

Downs Link Brighton Bike Tour

Brighton · from £59 GBP

Description: Cycle along the sensational coastline of Sussex, enjoying the benefits of bike rental, and discovering the luscious landscape along the Downs Link route. Ride from Brighton to Bramber Castle via the spectacular seafront, Hove, and Shoreham-on-Sea…

Gold Classic London Bike Tour

London · from £44.95 GBP

Description: The only morning tour to visit Buckingham Palace, the Gold Classic Tour provides an opportunity to see the changing of the guard close up. The Palace is famous the world over as a royal residence for the celebrated British monarchy and site of…

Liverpool City & The Beatles E-Bike Tour

Liverpool · from £36 GBP

Description: “You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches out ahead.” … This unique e-bike adventure is a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ of the sites and landmarks that inspired four Liverpudlian lads’ musical…

London Sunset Bike Tour

Description: If you'd like to see London when the sun is setting behind the sparkling skyscrapers and the city is bathed in rich, rosy light, this is the bike tour for you, with the added benefit of bike rental! Your family-friendly guided tour will take in the south…

Love London Bike Tour

Description: Let England's capital romance you on this ravishing ride through London's West End, with the added benefit of bike rental! Following an intricate route along London's canopied, dignified streets, and through the city's many parks, this is a hugely…

Original London Bike Tour

Description: The Original London Bike Tour is a family-friendly journey through London’s East End, with the added benefit of bike rental. Since 1991, visitors have ventured out from Lambeth and along the banks of the River Thames, passing the world renowned…

South Downs Brighton Bike Tour

Description: Explore the spectacular and blissful beauty of Sussex’s South Downs National Park - England’s newest National Park - on this guided day tour from Brighton’s vibrant city center. Riding from the urban oases of Brighton’s Victoria…

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So much more than just riding a bike

Discover the UK by bike. Our beautiful country with stunning landscapes, endless coastlines and bursting with ancient history, welcomes you

Travel with the specialists in self-guided UK cycling holidays. Make the most of the UK with a selection of inspiring itineraries that include local, family-run hotel accommodations. We take care of your luggage transfer while you cycle through breath-taking British scenery. With our excellent navigation app all routes are easy to follow. Cycling in the UK is growing, so come back regularly to find new routes & destinations.

Experience the UK bike tour of your dreams. The only thing you will have to do is:

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing you on the trails,

Team UK Bike Tours

UK Bike Tours is proudly part of European Bike Tours , which has local offices in the countries where we operate ( The Netherlands , Belgium , France , Italy , Spain and the UK ). Our dedicated local experts are specialists in organising self-guided cycling tours. 

Where do you want to explore?

If you’re after an instant holiday feeling, the UK’s islands give just that. Starting with the special journey to get there, island life is usually relaxed and the pace slower. You’ll enjoy a constant sea breeze, beaches, coves, cliffs and stunning ocean vistas. 

Experience the grandeur of Britain's peaks and valleys on a cycling holiday. Whether you’re cycling in the Scottish Highlands or English Lake District , the rolling hills, lush valleys and charming mountain resorts are the perfect backdrop for your trip. 

From the glacial waters and mountains of the Lake District , to the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands , the United Kingdom is bursting with nature. Discover these beautiful landscapes for yourself on a wonderful cycling holiday.

Explore Britain's scenic coastal cycling paths on an unforgettable bike holiday. Our coastal bike tours take you through a varying landscape of inland heaths and downs , rolling hills, lively fishing ports, friendly seaside towns and of course tumbling coastlines. 

Discover our best selling trips

Expert Team

We are local experts who offer self-guided cycling holidays in the UK covering all levels of ability and all ages from 8-88 years old. We will take care of everything: accommodation, bike rental, itineraries and luggage transport. 

Trip Notes & Maps

All of our trips are carefully designed by our team to provide you with the best cycling routes . We offer easy-to-use, up-to-date route notes and maps. Enjoy cycling on comfortable and peaceful routes!

Sustainability

Cycling is amongst the lowest-impact way to travel. As you explore off-the-beaten-track, you help support local communities and minimise the damage that mass-tourism can make.

We know that taking a self-guided trip for the first time can generate insecurity, but with our app you can follow from your mobile and in an intuitive way the daily routes of your cycling trip. Our mobile app will also show you points of interest along your route. 

Popular tours

• Cotswolds by Bike
• Hadrian's Cycleway
• The Cyclist's Coast to Coast
• Yorkshire Wolds Cycleway
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UK Bike Tours 20 Wild Boar, St Luke's Road Kirkby Stephen CA17 4HT Cumbria United Kingdom [email protected]  +44 (0)1768 807617

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Fully Supported & Guided Cycling Tours

We take care of everything, you just pedal britain.

Discover All Tours

France End to End

Bill's LEJOG VLOG

The pedal britain difference.

"Whether it's for a personal challenge or pure escapism, the purpose of Pedal Britain is to inspire and support cyclists of all abilities in making their cycling dreams reality." Darren Ball, Founder and Director of Pedal Britain

As an independent tour operator our focus is on creating memorable experiences, not just average cycling holidays, nothing enthuses us more than happy customers.

We achieve this by creating hassle free cycling holidays containing the right mix of amazing scenery, perfectly designed routes and great places to stay. But what differentiates us are our staff, who provide a level of personal service seldom found elsewhere, and we promise to make it fun too!!

We Take Care of Everything, You Just Pedal Britain.

Fully Guided & Supported

The Pedal Britain van is never far away to provide any assistance you need.

Easy Bike Transfer

We'll arrange to get your bike to the starting point & back home again. No stress.

Group Sizes

Big enough to be social, but small enough for us to focus attention on you. Groups limited to 18.

Pre-booked Rooms

A great mix of B&B's & Hotels. Where possible we stay together as group. No check-in required.

Daily Baggage Transfer

Waiting for you at the Hotel. A day bag in the van also reduces what you need to carry.

Lunch & Brew Stops

Mix of picnics, pubs and cafes, supplemented by refreshments from the van at strategic points.

Featured tour dates

North Coast 500 - 7 Days

Next Tour Date

Cycling Level

Land's End to John O'Groats

Ireland End to End

Customer testimonals.

A wonderful trip, the route was well planned & avoided busy roads where possible. This was a fairly relaxed ride, the cyclists naturally split into slow, medium & faster groups with regular stops for photos, to refuel and regroup. Darren & Paul looked after everyone and every detail, good food & accommodation etc, which meant all we had to do was pedal! If you want to do LELOG I would recommend Pedal Britain. Pete (2019)

LEJOG with Pedal Britain has been an amazing experience. Both concerned that as relatively new cyclists we may struggle to complete the tour. Darren and Paul put us at ease and supported us all the way. An absolutely brilliant two weeks. I would definitely recommend Pedal Britain to anyone considering this adventure. Dave & Sharon (July 2018)

Great routing throughout, with fantastic team to lead and support every day, including medical and technical difficulties.They provided anything you required/liked for snacks. Best cycling adventure I’ve ever done. Carol (June 2019)

"The route took me to places I'd never been too, taking in the country lanes and using cycle routes to avoid main roads. I thought it was excellent. This tour far exceeded my expectations. The whole group gelled together and the team couldn't have been more supportive and encouraging" Jersey Boys (June 2019)

From the blog

Bike Transfer Service

14th may, 2019.

Training Blog

A Day On Tour

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APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Cycling Tours & Bike Trips in England

Life is about the journey, not the destination and that couldn't be more true than on a cycling tour in England. Travel on countless routes lasting from 1 days up to 8 days, and with 14 England bike tours listed you're sure to find one for you. Click here to see all cycling holidays .

14 England bicycle tours with 12 reviews

Contrasts of Norfolk Cycling

Cycle the Cotswolds: Oxford to Bath

Cycle Devon - Coast to Coast

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Self-Guided Cycling

Hadrian's Cycleway

Cycling the Cantii Way

Pedalling the Peak District

It was fantastic and the scenery is beautiful

Isle of Wight Cycle

Best of the Cotswolds Cycling

Channel Islands: Jersey, Guernsey & Sark cycling tour

• Road Cycling

Tour of Yorkshire

Cornwall on E-bikes guided cycling tour

Time travel - 1905

Your review your review your review your review your review your review

King Alfred’s Way and the New Forest

Jersey, Guernsey & Sark | Channel Islands | Individual Cycling Trip - 8 Days (8 days)

Travel styles.

• 10 Best Cycling Tour Companies 2024/2025
• 10 Amazing Private Bicycle Tours 2024/2025
• 10 Best Cycling Tours 2024/2025
• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Bike Tours in England

Bike tour england, the country that helped popularize cycle touring.

Cycling in Britain is a fun way to learn about this fascinating place. Why not start your bike trip from the capital London? Cycle via the Thames, the water highway to see famed Castles and Palaces. Our English cycle tours take you over some of Europe’s oldest history, visiting Stonehenge and Celtic sights, and introducing you to the famous towns of Oxford and Bath.

There is something for everyone on these cycling trips from the lover of literature and Tudor architecture to any cyclist who wants a full day on the bike and then a refreshing pint of beer afterwards. Cycling in England means cycling through centuries!

Home | Bike Tours | England

Bike Oxford to London £2,645 England 8 DAYS New

Easy-going , England , Self-Guided , Leisure

Cotswolds & Stonehenge £2,199 England 8 DAYS

Moderate , Featured , England , Self-Guided , Leisure

Cycling in England’s Cotswolds

Our bike holidays take cyclists through the middle of England’s famous countryside, the Cotswolds. A rich area that is quintessential England with its charming villages, cultivated food tastes and some lovely cycle touring. Visit the famous city of Oxford and pedal on through ancient forests via quaint hamlets. This is the storybook English cycle tour you have been waiting for. On to classy Bath, where Netflix’s famous Bridgerton is filmed and where, before that, the Roman’s bathed. End in Europe’s most enigmatic sight, Neolithic Stonehenge. A surprise around every corner. Truly a bike tour for cyclists who love exploring.

“There’s nowhere else like London. Nothing at all, anywhere.” Vivienne Westwood, designer

Bike Trips from London

A stop over in London has got to be one of the highlights to any European bike tour. After staying awhile, a bike tour onwards is a great way to travel. Bike down its main water artery, the Thames, past world famous palaces, places and castles. Think King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, The Queen and Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, Windsor Palace and ending in Oxford, the renowned University town. What more could we squeeze in there? A delightful English cycling trip for everyone.

MORE CYCLING COUNTRY

Self Guided England Bike Tours

Create your own adventure

Cycle the English Cotswolds

Cycle this historic route from Oxford to Stonehenge

British Blog Pieces

Food & drink.

Enjoy a Full English Breakfast on your British Bike Tour!

English Movies & Books

Planning to bike the UK?  Watch & Read these excellent British books & movies

What to do & see in London

Landing in London before your bike trip? Take a walk in Jack the Ripper’s territory, London’s East End.

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Cycling Tours In The UK

There's no better way to explore the UK than by bike! If you are looking for a week of road cycling, mountain biking, gravel riding or maybe want to take it more leisurely in the country's classic riding areas, then we've plenty to choose from. Our British bike tours cater for all types of cyclists. If you fancy taking on a Coast to Coast, our Hadrian's Cycleway and Sea to Sea (C2C) are perfect options, or if you’re seeking some gravel riding in the UK, check out our Northumberland Reivers Trails. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, our Land’s End to John O'Groats might be the journey for you! Browse through our selection of bike tours in the UK below.

Destination Guide

The UK is  a  place Skedaddle is  proud to call home and we cannot wait to share  all of  our favourite cycling routes with you.  

Scotland :  The mighty Highlands and Islands are home to some of our best-loved  cycling tours! Whether you're a mountain biker, road cyclist or family - there's something for everyone to enjoy here.

England : From the quintessentially English villages of the charming Cotswolds, to the spellbinding beauty of the Lake District and UNESCO world heritage site of Hadrian's Wall - our cycle tours in England are bursting with adventure!

Find Your Ride

We found 47 Holidays in your search for:

• In UK, England or Scotland
• Leisure Cycling (All Grades), Mountain Biking (All Grades), Road Cycling (All Grades), Family Cycling (All Grades), Cycling Adventures (All Grades) or Gravel Riding (All Grades)
• All Cycling Holidays
• UK Cycling Holidays

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Scotland - Wild About Argyll

Guided gravel riding tour, prices from.

• Scenic shorelines on Loch Goil, Loch Long and Loch Eck
• Lush forest with a variety of trails and textbook gravel riding
• Pairing Scotland’s finest seafood with local whisky and craft beer
• Deep glens beneath towering mountains in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
• Sunsets across Loch Fyne at Portavadie
• Chance to spot otters, red squirrels and white-tailed eagles

Land's End to John O'Groats Explorer

Guided bike tour.

This tour is well-suited to both normal bikes and pedal assist e-bikes and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.  You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

• Ride the length of Britain from toe to tip and declare yourself an ‘End to Ender’
• Experience the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress from county to county
• Enjoy spectacular scenery from Cheddar Gorge to the Cairngorms
• 3 countries in 19 days of riding
• 1,000 miles of Britain at its best
• Cornish pasties to haggis and everything in between

Northumberland - Reivers Trails

• Miles and miles of traffic-free gravel trails to explore
• A raid across the Scottish Border and a night in Newcastleton, Liddesdale
• A chance to spot ospreys which have nested in Kielder since 2008
• A visit to the Skyspace installation designed by artist James Turrell
• Fabulous vistas across Europe’s largest man-made lake
• The flowing contours and switchbacks of Kielder’s Lakeside Trail
• A delicious local pint from First and Last’s Bellingham-based brewery

Pennine Bridleway

Guided mountain bike tour.

This tour is great fun on a regular mountain bike or an e-mountain bike and you can choose to hire either when you book your holiday with us! If you’re an experienced rider, you can choose one of our quality e-mountain hire bikes and experience the buzz of a pedal-assisted ride.

Select your e-MTB hire when you book a holiday with us. Bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders with a regular mountain bike.

E-MTB HIRE AVAILABLE

• Exploring Derbyshire, Lancashire, the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria
• Biking the rugged North Pennines
• Taking in the fantastic views of Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent
• Riding through the heritage towns of Settle, Barnoldswick & Hebden Bridge
• Sampling the thrills of the Cam High Road and Long Lane Track
• Indulging in the tasty local ales with a hearty meal to end classic mountain biking days

Northumberland - Sandstone Way

• Dramatic hills and remote valleys of Northumberland National Park
• Biking through the least populated county in England
• Trying out a selection of fun, flowing singletrack
• Exploring remote bridleways and little known rights of way
• Pease pudding and stotties in a local country pub
• Rolling by wide open countryside with sweeping views and numerous sandstone crags

Scotland - Lochs and Glens

Self-guided leisure bike tour.

This tour is well-suited to both normal bikes and pedal assist e-bikes and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

Daily departures available from April to mid October. Choose your own dates from:

2024 $830 per person

You either can make a booking online or over the phone. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to check availability.

• Watching the sun burn away the mists from Loch Lomond
• White pudding, Lorne sausage and tattie cakes for breakfast
• Enjoying a dram at Scotland’s smallest distillery
• Perth’s Georgian buildings
• Miles of quiet winding loch-side roads
• The spectacular mountain backdrop

Self-Guided Mountain Bike Tour

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $50 or get half-price bike hire, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024.

Save on Self-Guided Tours

SPRING SAVINGS! Save on Self-Guided Tours

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $50 or get half-price bike rental, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024. Apply the promo code SKEDADDLE24 when you book.

Daily departures available from 10 Apr to 15 Oct. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

Season 1 8 Apr – 28 Sep: $1035

Season 2 28 Sep – 12 Oct: $1100

Yorkshire Wolds

Book your summer cycling escape before the 30 April and save $50 or get half-price bike hire, including e-bikes. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024.

Book your summer cycling escape before the 30 April and save $50 or get half-price bike rental, including e-bikes. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024. Apply the promo code SKEDADDLE24 when you book.

2024 $1115 per person

• Gently undulating hills with picture postcard villages
• Medieval market towns of Pocklington, Driffield and Beverley
• The stunning gothic Minster in Beverley
• The manor houses of Sledmere, Sewerby and Burton Agnes
• The cliffs and thousands of seabirds at Bempton
• Flamborough Head Heritage Coast

Derbyshire Dales - Dovedale

Guided leisure bike tour.

We offer this tour with an e-bike only departure as well as regular trips where you can choose a regular bike or a pedal assist e-bike hire. Our e-bike only departures allow you to experience more on two wheels whilst riding with like-minded Skedaddlers. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs and longer distances. With less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bikeactivities.

Remember to select your e-bike hire when you book your holiday with us. You may choose to hire an e-bikeon a regular trip but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.

OPTIONAL E-BIKE DEPARTURES

• Stay at Peveril of the Peak, a comfortable HF Country House in the Peak District National Park
• Relax in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales
• Flit across the famous stepping stones at scenic Dovedale
• Follow the Tissington, Manifold and High Peak Trails – miles of peaceful off-road cycling
• Explore the area using the very railroads that shaped it
• Cycling through the impressive Manifold valley

VIEW OUR SPRING CYCLING OFFERS

England Cycling Tours

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Cycling Tours UK

What to expect on our uk cycling tours.

The Great British countryside is home to dramatic coastlines and rolling fields of green that will make it hard to believe you are still in England on your next cycling holiday or cycling weekend escape. Our carefully curated cycling tours in Sussex and the Cotswolds are designed to bring you the very best that the UK has on offer, with plenty of wide open space and fresh air to enjoy. And, of course, it wouldn't be a Softies holiday without expert tips for where to find the best afternoon cream teas, beachside ice creams and fine wines from the vineyard estates that you will discover en route.

Looking to get away for a shorter break? We also offer short break cycling weekends in the Cotswolds and Sussex in England, UK - the perfect way to escape and recharge over a long weekend.

To find out more about cycling holidays in the UK call our cycle experts today. If you are looking for an easy cycling route, we have plenty of options. We offer e-bike tours too.

What’s Included:

• Delicious restaurant meals each night
• Bed & breakfast accommodation
• Unrivalled on the ground assistance
• Luggage carried between your hotels
• Fully serviced bikes, option to e-bike
• ABTA & ATOL protected

Steven, Head of Cycling

Our selection of UK cycling tours can be found in some of our favourite picturesque pockets of English countryside. We hope these offer you the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air on a luxurious cycling holiday that is a little closer to home.

What to Expect

Our cycling holidays in the UK tick off a sumptuous selection of historic landmarks such as the iconic Arundel Castle and the chalky white Seven Sisters cliffs. When you have had your fill, return to our hand-picked boutique spa hotels and classic English country houses. Indulge in an award-winning spa treatment, a deluxe three-course evening meal or a dip in the outdoor pool after a day's cycling.

With a great network of cycle paths, and beautiful countryside lanes, cycling in the UK is a wonderful adventure. Every town you pass has a long and fascinating history, as well as a delicious local speciality. The bountiful farmers' markets and lively pubs you visit are sure to be happy memories you take home with you.

Sussex Wine

The wines made from Sussex vineyards are turning heads in the international community. Sussex sparkling white wine is delicious and a worthy competitor to Champagne. When on our  Sussex cycling holidays , you'll have the chance to stop off and enjoy a tasting and tour of one of the UK's trailblazer winemakers. 

This quintessentially English area of countryside is packed full of hidden gems that can be explored by bike. Our selection of Cotswolds cycling ...

Some of the most exciting UK cycling holidays can be found in the chalky hills of Sussex. The rolling Sussex landscape is packed full of great cy...

FAQs about our UK Cycling Holidays

Where in the uk is good for cycling.

There are great easy cycling holidays in the UK to enjoy in Sussex and the Cotswolds. There’s gentle terrain in the peaceful villages where you can admire the beautiful countryside views. These areas are low-traffic areas away from the hustle and bustle of the main cities.

What time of year is best for a cycling holiday in the UK?

Our UK cycling tours run from May through to October. This is to maximise the chance of good weather in the area. In addition, all the landmarks, restaurants and vineyards will be open during your cycling holiday. 

Will Cycling for Softies arrange travel to and from the UK destination?

Our expert team will make your UK cycling holiday as smooth as possible from start to finish. We are on hand to help with your travel arrangements where required. We are also ABTA & ATOL bonded so you can book with confidence.

What's the accommodation like in the UK?

Our team have selected the best hotels on our UK cycling tours in the Cotswolds and Sussex. Expect luxury accommodation and first-class service during your stay. An excellent way to unwind after being on the saddle during your UK cycling holiday. 

From Our Blog

Best Cotswolds Cycle Routes

Posted: 05/03/21

Are you looking to find out more about the best Cotswolds cycle routes? The Cotswolds were recognised as an Area of Natural Beauty bac...

Best Cycling Holidays in the UK

Posted: 08/12/21

Roll down peaceful lanes, cheered on by crowds of grazing sheep as you soak in the rural atmosphere. The best part of our island is that ...

Best Restaurants in Sussex

Posted: 09/08/22

Sussex boasts some of the best dining opportunities on the south coast. Benefiting from an idyllic seaside and countryside of farming, th...

Best Restaurants in the Cotswolds

Posted: 28/07/22

One of the UK's most beautiful regions, the Cotswolds is rural bliss. Rolling hills lead to sleepy villages with ancient traditions ...

Movie Locations On Our Softies Tours

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Wilderness England creates incredible journeys into the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure.

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Biking Tours in England

• Pedal through the Cotswolds, the epitome of charming English countryside
• Bike Cornwall's Camel Trail, Cornish Way & the West Country Way
• Explore some of England's national treasures on a ride from London to Oxford 
• Discover rich history on the coast to coast Hadrian's Wall Cycleway route
• Take on England's premier cycle route, the C2C, from the Lake District to the east coast
• Indulge in afternoon tea and sample delicious local cuisine in cozy pubs and restaurants

Explore the fascinating and history-rich countryside that England has to offer on a self-guided biking tour with Macs Adventure. Discover rustic villages, lush green countryside, rugged coastline and the warmth of the locals. At Macs Adventure we'll make your biking vacation hassle-free by arranging your accommodation and baggage transfers, and providing you with a map and route notes to help you along the way. For more inspiration and information download our free guide to cycling holidays .

Pedal England's varied landscapes; from the beautifully rugged Cornish coast, to charming lanes in the Cotswolds , along the historical Hadrian's Wall and from the dramatic Lake District in the west to Tynemouth on the east on the national C2C cycle route . Stop off for cream teas and delicious fresh seafood in Cornwall, or settle into a cozy country pub in the Cotswolds after a day on the road soaking up the scenery. Or take in some of England's most famous historical sites on a ride through the Thames Valley as you bike from London to Oxford . Why not extend this journey even further by continuing all the way to Bath by adding on our Oxford to Bath biking tour. A Macs Adventure biking tour in England is the perfect way to see as much as possible while not losing out on the great experiences you get when traveling under your own steam (or pedal) power. 

Our Biking in England

Featured Tours - England

London to Oxford By Bike

Oxford to Bath By Bike

Cycling in the Heart of the Cotswolds

Classic Cornwall Cycling

Hadrian's Cycleway

Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route - 5 Days & 4 Nights

Cycling in the Heart of the Cotswolds Short Break

Discover england.

One of the many reasons to visit England  is that each season brings its  own unique charm. Although the UK isn't   known for wonderful  weather , in general it doesn’t experience extremes during summer or winter. Overall, spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit, when there is more chance of warm and dry weather.  

Tip: You can always take shelter from the rain in a   cosy country pub or cafe and enjoy  warm scones with jam and cream.

Spring in England  

March is when you’ll start to spot the first signs of spring, and with that comes an abundance of beautiful spring flowers like d affodils and bluebells. In England, April is known for its “April showers”, but  the good news is that April is no longer as chilly and the sun is on its way.  In May, the average temperature takes its highest rise yet  (around  14 degrees), with slightly less rain predicted too. There are two bank holidays in England alongside a half-term break for schools, meaning that family activities across the country are at a high.   

Summer in England

June is a wonderful time to visit  with a  higher average temperature than days of rainfall - yay!  In July and August holida ys to England are at their peak,  meaning  travel prices are on the rise (top tip: book early for Summer).  England’s beautiful coastal areas are perfect for making the most of the better weather, and Cornwall’s  beaches  prove popular with those traveling within the country as well as those visiting.  Average daily temperatures are around 15 degrees.  

Tip:  This is a great time for our Classic Cornwall Cycling  trip, unlike other parts of England it shouldn’t be too hot and you'll have the gentle breeze off the coast. You will need to book early though!

Autumn in England

Temperatures begin to fall again, but the English countryside transforms into a photographer’s dream in autumn. Expect landscapes of yellow, red and orange from September to Octoberas entire forests change the colours of their leaves.  For a quintessential British experience, visit a country pub on a chilly day. Seek out a traditional pub with an open fireplace and get cosy by the fire as you enjoy a pint of local ale and a hearty meal.  Average temperatures in September are around 17 degrees, and 13 degrees in October.   

Tip: A great time to enjoy the  Cotswolds   which passes through charming English countryside, enchanting villages and traditional country pubs.

Wool -  The Cotswolds were mainly built on the wool trade, and you can still see many examples of mills along the way. Many of the impressive local buildings were constructed with money from the wool trade. The local sheep are called the 'Cotswold Lions' and have been brought back from the brink of extinction. 

Outstanding Beauty -  The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Beauty in England and the second-largest protected area after the Lake District. The Cotswolds are r ural England at its most stunning; the towns and villages with their warm honey limestone facades add charm and beauty to the natural wonder surrounding them.  

Unique Local Customs -   There are a lot of fascinating local customs, which you can participate in should you be visiting the area at that time of year. There is an  annual cheese rolling at Coopers Hill, Birdlip, where contestants roll wheels of Double Gloucester cheese down a hill. There is also a football game in Bourton on Water where the goalposts are on either side of a river! These are only the tip of the iceberg too. 

Limestone - The Limestone is what gives the Cotswolds villages and churches their honey-colored glow. The drystone walls built in the Cotswolds are everywhere, and you will pass alongside many on your travels. If you laid them end to end, they would stretch further than the Great Wall of China . 

How Long? When? Emperor Hadrian constructed the  73-mile long wall was built in 117AD by Emperor Hadrian to separate the Roman Empire from those northern Barbarians. The wall was around 15 feet high and 10 feet wide in its glory.

Who built it?  It took around 15,000 men over six years to build the wall. There were three main Roman garrisons stationed in England and Wales, and all of these men were put to work building the wall. Hadrian himself had a keen interest in architecture and is thought to have designed it. At Chesters, you can see the centurions' names who built the wall, carved into stone tablets. 

How much of the wall still exists?  Only around 10% of the original wall remains. While much of the land is still shaped to accommodate the wall, the stone was re-purposed or buried after the wall was abandoned. Many local buildings are said to be built from the stone from Hadrian's Wall. 

Is this the border between Scotland and England?  No, it never was. It marked the border of the Roman Empire before they headed further north and created the Antonine Wall before retreating to the more secure Hadrian's Wall. Most of Northumberland, England's largest county, is north of the wall, so the wall does not indicate the border. 

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15 best cycling holidays in the UK and Ireland (+ the best cycling routes to ride when you’re there)

If you’re considering cycling holidays in the UK and are looking for inspiration for the best places to go and routes to ride, then look no further.

Here we share fifteen of the best UK cycling holidays and cycling routes.

It turns out that an amazing cycling holiday doesn’t have to involve an airplane!

It’s time to make the most of your weekends and time off work. Take a look at our pick of the best cycling destinations/cycling routes in the UK and get planning your next UK cycling break.

You might also like our pick of the best long-distance cycling routes in the UK and Ireland and family cycling routes in the UK

1. Best cycling holidays (and routes) in England

Lake district.

Beautiful but brutal, stunning but savage. Just an example of how many cyclists feel about riding in the Lake District.

The area is spoken about in cycling circles all over Europe thanks mainly to the famous Fred Whitton Challenge annual sportive that takes in some iconic killer climbs. At 180 kilometres in length with a cumulative elevation of around 3,500 metres it is a test for anyone and includes the well-known passes of Kirkstone, Hardknott, Honister and Wrynose plus many more challenging ascents.

Set around the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, and skirting the well-known waters of Coniston, Windermere and Ullswater the route showcases the magnificence of the Lake District National Park which covers over 850 square miles of breathtaking countryside.

As a major tourist destination in its own right this UNESCO World heritage area has over 3,500 places to stay, is well known for its lakes, forests and fells and for the Cumberland sausage. It also has more microbreweries than any other county in England.

Of course you don’t have to ride the full Fred Whitton course if you don’t want to but at least you can try one or two of the passes whilst you’re there to get the feel. But beware if you choose to ride Hardknott as the gradient ramps up to around 30% in parts!

Suggested Lake District cycle route

Length: 180 kilometres

Elevation gain: 3,500 metres

More information on cycling the Lake District

Read our guide to cycling in the Lake District .

Information on the C2C route , which passes through the Lake District.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the best road cycling in the UK. It has proudly hosted both the Tour de France and the UCI World Championships in recent years. Partly as a result of this, it has risen to prominence as a must-visit cycling destination in the UK. When you stand back and admire the stunning, wild countryside complete with its ferocious gradients and rapid descents, it’s not hard to see the attraction.

It’s easy to lose yourself as you meander along remote country lanes catching glimpses of Roman remains, craggy cliffs and villages that appear to have got stuck in time.

It can be bleak, cold, wet and miserable at times and the roads can be grippy. But if you want to test your fitness and mental resolve, a cycling camp in Yorkshire should be part of your annual  training schedule.

Try the famous passes of the Buttertubs and Kidstones or the long winding ascent of Greets Moss. Once you’ve tried Yorkshire’s cycle routes you will be back for more!

Suggested Yorkshire cycle route

Length: 105 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,652 metres

More information on cycling in the Yorkshire Dales

Our guide to cycling the Yorkshire Dales

Information on the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway

Peak District

The Peak District spans 550 square miles and is one of the most visited country parks in the UK. Yet it can also be a perfect hideaway for  a UK cycling holiday that lets you get away from it all while sampling some of Derbyshire’s best cycle routes. Ancient stone villages, connected by hundreds of miles of stone walls, lie beside stately homes, caves and huge reservoirs.

The northern Dark Peak is characterised by bleak and exposed moorland and rocky outcrops whilst to the south, the White Peak consists of limestone dales. There are no mountains but the area is like a giant roller coaster, forcing you up short, sharp inclines and then rapid, twisting descents.

The most famous climb in the area is Winnats Pass, just outside the town of Castleton. It’s a fearsome one mile ascent that cuts its way through two huge steep-sided grass banks, with a gradient that touches 20% in parts. Struggle to the top and then descend the iconic Mam Tor down to the village of Edale.

Suggested Peak District cycle route

Length: 36 kilometres

Elevation gain: 618 metres

More information on cycling in the Peak District

Our essentials guide to cycling the Peak District

Our Q&A with a local cyclist in the southern Peak District

Surrey Hills

The 2012 London Olympics road race put the Surrey Hills, and in particular Box Hill, firmly on the world cycling map. The race looped around the county before returning back to the capital for its sprint finish.

However the cycling routes of Surrey have been a favoured location for amateur cyclists for many decades. The area is renowned for its steep hills and sharp descents, all set in an area designated as one of outstanding natural beauty. You can ride along quiet country lanes, through forests and visit picture-postcard villages as you navigate through some of the finest real estate in the country.

Whilst Box Hill is the most well-known of the climbs, with its famous Zig Zag road, it is by no means the hardest of the climbs in the area particularly when set against the likes of White Down Lane, Leith Hill and Barhatch Lane. If you fancy reccing the RideLondon route Surrey is a great choice for a UK cycling weekend – just make sure you bring your climbing legs!

Suggested Surrey cycle route

Length: 95 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,532 metres

More information on cycling the Surrey Hills

Our guide to cycling the Surrey Hills

Our article on the Prudential RideLondon 100

Brighton has for many years been a popular stomping ground for cyclists, and has plenty to offer on top of the annual London to Brighton charity ride. It’s also a wonderful seaside resort, complete with pier and Georgian seafront terraces. If you’re looking for a road cycling holiday in the UK then Brighton is a good place to base yourself.

With easy access to the eastern fringes of the South Downs, and the rolling hills of the High Weald, you can quickly be out of town and cycling on some of the quietest road routes in the UK. But if you prefer somewhere flatter then there’s plenty to explore in Brighton itself or make you way out along the coastline and explore the historic and picturesque villages on route.

For the avid climbers out there you can test yourself on the well-known ascents of the nearby Ditchling Beacon and Devils Dyke. At the summit of the latter you can see for miles and are rewarded with tremendous views across the South Downs.

GPX for our suggested Brighton cycle route

Length: 148 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,765 metres

More information on cycling around Brighton

Our article on cycling around Brighton

South Downs

We love the South Downs’ gorgeous English countryside, quiet country roads and quaint villages. For us, these things make the South Downs National Park countryside around Winchester one of the best places to cycle in the UK.

The terrain is a mixture of gentle rolling roads with some aggressive and sharp climbs that can appear totally unannounced, as you navigate your way around the twisting lanes. Whether you’re on a flat stretch or climbing in the smallest gear, the one thing that you are guaranteed for certain is the ability to enjoy the remarkable panorama of the English countryside.

From splendid cathedrals to ancient market towns to the quintessential English pub and old tea shops, you will definitely feel at home in this part of the world as you pedal along on some of the best road bike routes in the UK.

GPX for our suggested South Downs cycle route

Length: 102 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,307 metres

More information on cycling the South Downs

Our article on cycling the South Downs

Isle of Wight

It’s perhaps not that well known, but the Isle of Wight has been branded as the ‘cycle island’ boasting 200 miles of cycling routes, an annual festival and a sportive that circumnavigates the entire island.

Lying just off the south coast of England, just an 8 minute hovercraft journey from the mainland, this beautiful and picturesque island makes the perfect place for cycling holidays in the UK. The island is a popular place for holiday makers, so there’s lots to do for those not on a bike – from the attractive Victorian seaside towns, to historical monuments such as Osborne House and spectacular coastal walking trails.

If you don’t fancy the lap of the island, you can make use of some easy cycle routes along the myriad of traffic free cycle paths. Perhaps followed by an afternoon on the beach and a few hours exploring the iconic Needles cliffs and the harbour at Cowes.

GPX for our suggested Isle of Wight route

Length: 109 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,352 metres

More information on cycling on the Isle of Wight

Our guide to cycling the Isle of Wight

Cycling in Cornwall is generally known for two things. Amongst those taking on Land’s End to John O’Groats, Cornwall is feared as a rollercoaster start to the ride – the gruelling first couple of leg-sapping short sharp hills on steep-sided lanes.

Amongst those looking for family cycling holidays in the UK, Cornwall is synonymous with the Camel Trail. This traffic-free route runs 18km along the River Camel between Padstow and Bodmin. There’s then an additional, harder 9km to Blisland on Bodmin Moor.  There are lots of place to hire bikes and places to stop, so the 18km stretch is particularly great for kids.

However, there are a lot of other great cycling routes in Cornwall too.

Those in Cornwall on holiday with the family, there are the Mineral Tramways Trails and, around St Austell, the Clay Trails.

Road and gravel cyclists should check out the Cornish Way, a 288km route along the length of Cornwall. 47 kilometres are off-road, but the remainder is on-road, designed to avoid major roads and take in as many historic towns, fishing villages, moor and mining landscapes as possible. There are six individual trails that make up the Cornish Way, helping you to break up the route should you wish.

You can ride the Cornish Way in either direction. The east to west route gives the sense of achievement of arriving at Land’s End. There are also various different route options that make up the 288km route (around Bude you can go along the very hilly coastline and just before Bodmin, you can detour north to Padstow instead of South to St Austell).

GPX for our suggested Cornwall cycling route

More information and GPX routes .

Length: 207 kilometres

Elevation gain: 2,535 metres

Note: as we haven’t ridden this route (yet), if you want to ride it we suggest you check out the official website rather than rely on our GPX!

More information on cycling in Cornwall

Check out our guide to cycling in Cornwall.

2. Best cycling holidays (and routes) in Scotland

Scottish highlands.

The North Coast 500 brings together some of the most beautiful coastal terrain in the northern highlands. It’s a true test of fitness and endurance for any cyclist.

Choose when you want to complete the route and in how many days.

Soak up the wilderness as you ride along many single track roads and trails, through seaboard villages and rugged countryside.

The North Coast route is a circular ride, starting and finishing in the village of Tornapress. The route includes the fearsome 9 kilometre ascent of Bealach na Ba, described by some as the best cycling climb in Great Britain. It feels a bit like a typical Alpine mountain pass, with several hairpins and 20% gradients. It also offers stunning views over the nearby Isle of Skye.

Undoubtedly one of the best places to cycle in the UK, and ideal for a UK-based cycling holiday.

GPX for our suggested NC500 route

Length: 625 kilometres

More information on cycling the Highlands

Don’t miss our in-depth  article on cycling the Highlands , our overview of cycling in Scotland and Q&A interview on the Isle of Arran .

More information on cycling the NC500

Article on cycling the North Coast 500

Scottish Borders

Big, wide open spaces where you can see for miles. Heather covered hills and acre upon acre of woodland, lochs and rivers.

This is Scottish border country and the home of some of the best cycling routes in Scotland.

The area’s pièce de résistance is the famous Talla Wall climb. Leaving the village of Tweedsmuir with the reservoir on your right you will find this testing little ascent. It’s only 1.8 kilometres in length but packs a big punch – an average gradient of 8.3% which tops out in places at 24.9%.

The Tour O’ the Borders is the local sportive that’s staged each September. It starts and finishes in the town of Peebles and includes the Talla Climb. Your next weekend cycling break in the UK sorted?!

GPX for our suggested Scottish Border cycle route

Length: 123 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,452 metres

Note: for the official sportive route, we suggest you check the Tour O’ the Borders official website rather than rely on our GPX.

3. Best cycling holidays (and routes) in Wales

In the north west corner of Wales lies a dramatic mix of Celtic culture, rugged mountain scenery and coastal vistas. It’s all woven into 2,000 square kilometres of delightfully varied landscape.

The centrepiece of the park is Mount Snowdon, which rises from sea level to 1,085 metres and is the highest mountain in England and Wales. It can’t be crested on a road bike but there are plenty of sensational road cycling routes in Wales, including a loop that circles the base of the mountain.

Starting and finishing in the old mining town of Llanberis, the route takes you to the coastal town of Caernarfon, where you can detour to see the famous castle. Then it’s on to the Llanberis Pass, as you ride around the famous Snowdon horseshoe.

GPX for our suggested Snowdonia cycle route

Length: 56 kilometres

Elevation gain: 848 metres

More information on cycling Snowdonia

This article contains lots of helpful information on cycling in Snowdonia and North Wales.

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacon National Park is a protected area of stunning wild moorland which runs from the Black Mountain in the west, through the Beacons and the Usk valley, to the Black Mountains in the east.

Comprising bare, grassy moorland with an abundance of reservoirs, caves and waterfalls you will likely see more mountain sheep and ponies than fellow travellers in this remote part of south Wales.

The infamous Dragon Ride is one of the toughest sportives held in the UK, and is held in the area. The Dragon Devil route is challenging to say the least with 5,000 metres of climbing over 300 kilometres including the fearsome ascents of the Devils Staircase and Elbow. So if you like your road cycling routes to be challenging you know what to earmark for your next UK cycling weekend with your mates!

GPX for our Brecon Beacons cycle route

Length: 300 kilometres

Note: for the official sportive route, we suggest you check the Dragon Ride official website rather than rely on our GPX.

More information on cycling the Brecon Beacons

Don’t miss our guide to cycling the Brecon Beacons .

Our in-depth article on the Dragon Ride might be useful.

Check out our pick of the best UK sportives, which includes the Dragon ride . It also features in our pick of the best long-distance routes in the UK.

4. Best cycling holidays (and routes) in Ireland

Giants causeway.

In the north east of Northern Ireland lies the Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim coastline. It’s world famous and a holiday destination in its own right. Why not bring your bike and make it a cycling holiday?!

Okay, you’ll need to be prepared for the fact it rains a fair bit and sometimes the wind howls in off the Atlantic Ocean, but you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful and testing area to ride your bike.

If the weather is fine it’s even better as the views of the sea from the rugged coastline of high cliffs are simply spectacular. The tough and energy sapping Torr Head Road, with its numerous hills and sharp descents coming one after the other is like riding a giant roller coaster.

Take a look at the Giants Causeway Sportive and its ‘Giant Killer’ route of 187 kilometres which is one of the best cycling routes in Ireland (like the Dragon Ride, we included it in our best sportives write up, here ).

GPX for our suggested Giants Causeway cycle route

Length: 187 kilometres

Elevation gain: 2,313 metres

Note: for the official sportive route, we suggest you check the Giants Causeway sportive official website rather than rely on our GPX.

More information

Check out our pick of the best UK sportives, which includes the Giants Causeway sportive

Wild Atlantic Way

For those wanting a really big test, and the opportunity to try one of the world’s best cycling routes, the 2,500 kilometre Wild Atlantic Way lies in wait.

This route offers a big endurance test, passing through seven of Ireland’s westernmost counties.

With the fearsome and choppy Atlantic Ocean as your constant companion as you traverse the western coastline, the route takes you the length of the island passing through famous landmarks, heritage sites, traditional villages and rolling countryside.

There are a number of organised events which take in all or part of the route, but whichever you choose you are largely on your own. You’ll need to be self-sufficient as well as fit.

GPX for the Wild Atlantic Way cycle route

Length: 2,500 kilometres

Elevation gain: 20,000+ metres

Note: there are lots of slight changes that can be made to the Wild Atlantic Way route. If you want to ride the official route, we suggest you check out the official website rather than rely on our GPX.

Another Ireland end to end route, the MIZMAL, features in our pick of the best long-distance routes in the UK . You can read all about the route here .

Wicklow Mountains

Just 30 minutes from Dublin, Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains are a haven for cyclists.

They’re home to the tough Wicklow 200 sportive, but are also great for less avid cyclists who just want to explore Ireland’s largest national park.

If you’re with non-cyclists, there is plenty for them to keep them occupied (Dublin, the ancient monastic city of Glendalough…) while you take on the region’s tangled network of minor roads.

If you love to climb, don’t miss the Shay Elliott climb, named after Ireland’s famous Seamus “Shay” Elliott.

GPX for our suggested Wicklow Mountains cycle route

Length: 596 kilometres

Elevation gain: 980 metres

More information on cycling Wicklow Mountains

This article contains lots of helpful information on cycling in the Wicklow Mountains.

What next?!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our pick of the best cycling holiday destinations in the UK. Where do you love to ride in the UK? Will you be taking a staycation this year? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want more information on cycling in the UK, check out our UK cycling homepage. From there you’ll find links to all of our in-depth guides and articles on UK cycling.

Our pick of the UK’s best sportives might also provide some inspiration. Enjoy!

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John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe’s finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!

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2 Responses to “15 best cycling holidays in the UK and Ireland (+ the best cycling routes to ride when you’re there)”

A couple of fantastic areas you should consider that are not on your list. Lake District, home of the legendary Fred Whitton Challenge, and the North Pennines, virtually empty roads with bags of challenging and beautiful climbs, just happens to be sandwiched between two of the most popular National Parks.

I agree with you – Lake District is awesome and is in fact number one on our list! Great shout for the North Pennines – the UK has so many gems, doesn’t it?!

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England Cycling Tours: the Best Self Guided Bike Holidays

Explore england on an affordable cycling holiday.

If you're a fan of active travel and want to explore England on a cycling tour, you're in the right place. Here we list our top picks for the best self guided cycling holidays in England.

On these unforgettable bike trips in England, you'll discover the beautiful rolling countryside, charming villages, authentic food and beer, and that warm, good natured hospitality that England is renowned for. Experience the Cotswolds, become immersed in the Isle of Wight, admire the coast in Cornwall or even ride the iconic Cyclist's Coast to Coast trail . The key advantage of a self guided bike tour is that you can cycle at your own pace and take the time to truly discover the hidden secrets of the country via England's back roads.

Without a doubt, these are England's best self guided cycling tours where you'll have a fantastic time.

Cornish Cycle Tour

Discover the famous seaside region of Cornwall in England's south west on an incredible cycling holiday. Highlights of this bike trip include seeing shipwrecks, eating cornish pasties, hearing the history of pirates and visiting sheltered coves. 

Explore Cornwall your way on this 9 day self guided Cornish Cycle tour . It's graded as moderate to challenging, due to some hilly parts, however the beautiful rivers, castles and gardens are a fitting reward to this great bike holiday.

Cotswolds By Bike Tour

If you're yet to experience England's gorgeous countryside, the Cotswolds by Bike tour is the right trip for you. Spend your days cycling between village pubs and old coaching inns. Along the way, you'll absorb the charming features of the landscape: churches, gardens, Roman villas, regency buildings, fords, and cottages - all cobbled together by the intriguing English history. 

This is what A Worsley from Australia had to say about their trip:

"My daughter and I have just completed a self guided bike trip of the Cotswolds in England. What a fantastic experience, challenge and adventure the 8 days provided.The scenery was breathtaking and the townships we rode through were magnificent.All the accommodation was excellent with luggage always greeting us at our destination... Thoroughly recommend this adventure and thank you to UTracks for an efficient and comprehensive booking service."

The Cyclist's Coast to Coast Tour

While perhaps more famous as a walking tour, the Coast to Coast trail can also be completed on a bike as well. Also known as Wainwright's Way, the Coast to Coast route covers the breadth of England, from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. Cyclists can ride this trip in just 6 fun-filled days as they cross from Whitehaven to Tynemouth.

This is a challenging, and overly satisfying, cycling trip. There's much to see, including the Cumbrian Lakes and Fells, the bleak Pennines, beautiful Dales and many warm and inviting inns to welcome you at the end of each enjoyable day. 

As a fun fact, this route is nicknamed the C2C, which stands for Sea to Sea rather than the often-thought Coast to Coast! This is because riding the Coast to Coast follows a slightly different trail to the walking version .

Isle of Wight Cycle Tour

This is a lovely short cycling tour that fully explores the Isle of Wight in just 5 days. Due to the island's largely flat terrain, this ride is graded as introductory to moderate, and allows for plenty of free time to explore as you wish.

The route starts in Ryde and circumnavigates all of the glorious coastal views of the Isle of White. Discover the estuary around Newport and the old town of Yarmouth, marvel at Queen Victoria's Osborne House and take the time to soak in the island lifestyle, half of which has been designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

>>  Browse our full range of cycling tours in England.   

>>  View all of UTracks' cycling tours in Europe.

>>  Join UTracks' Active Travel Community.

Cycling Tours United Kingdom

Heart of the Lake District by e-Bike

The Cyclist's Coast to Coast

Moderate to Challenging

Scotland by Bike and Boat

Scottish Highlands Cycle

Great Glen Cycleway

Cotswolds by Bike

Introductory to Moderate

Hadrian's Cycleway

Isle of Wight Cycle

Why travel with us.

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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Cycle tours in Great Britain

Bike & Boat

Useful Information

Our bestselling cycle tours in Great Britain

Cycle tours in england.

The county to the north-east of London is a real insider's tip for cyclists. Because in Suffolk, time seems to have stood still. On a journey into the past, fairytale castles, breathtaking stretches of coastline and hospitable locals await. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, you can get to know England from a completely different perspective.

Newcastle - Edinburgh

From England's most north-eastern city, Newcastle, our next cycle tour takes you to Edinburgh in Scotland. Along the coast and castle road towards the north, past the sandy beaches of the Northumberland coast, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh to your destination in Edinburgh. Experience both the English and Scottish flair on this exciting cycle tour.

Cycle tours in Scotland

Through perthshire in scotland.

This cycle tour takes you through arguably one of the most beautiful regions of Scotland. Perthshire, also called the County of Perth, is a very traditional and beautiful county. During the Ice Age, the Highland Rift Valley was formed, which since then has cut diagonally through the country from west to east. Our itinerary follows this fault line.

Bike & Boat in Great Britain

Experience the wild nature of scotland with the flying dutchman.

Oban is the starting point for your journey to the Inner Hebrides and the Highlands. Visit the unspoilt island of Mull with the Flying Dutchman, experience the wild nature of Scotland and enjoy whisky and Scottish music in the evening. Look out for dolphins and seals and spot eagles, red deer and otters on cycle tours. Experience Scotland intensively!

Useful information about your cycle tour in Great Britain

The climate in great britain.

Temperatures in Great Britain are moderate all year round due to the island location and the moderating influence of the sea, and rarely fall below 0° Celsius, even in winter. In summer, on the other hand, temperatures are almost perfect for your cycling holiday, hovering between 20° and 25° Celsius during the day. The best time to travel is usually June and July. In the months before that, you can expect dry and cooler weather, and from mid-July onwards, precipitation increases significantly.

The British cuisine

In Britain, a hearty breakfast with baked beans, bacon, eggs, toast, fried tomatoes and mushrooms, also known as English Breakfast, is quite common. At lunchtime, it's just as hearty. One of the British' favourite dishes is fish and chips, which you can be served with various sauces in any pub, restaurant or chip shop. After this course, the famous "tea time" awaits. The British simply love drinking tea. The most popular type is black tea, also known as "English Breakfast Tea", which is drunk with a splash of milk.

Did you know...

• that the British drink 165 million cups of tea every day?
• that there are more Indian restaurants in London than in Mumbai?
• that Queen Elizabeth did not have a passport?
• that Ed Sheeran paid more tax in the UK in 2017 than Amazon and Starbucks?
• that the world's first public zoo opened in London in 1829?
• that the Scottish kilt originated in France?
• that Great Britain is smaller than the US state of Oregon?
• that Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the oldest royal residence in the world?

Cycling holidays with Eurobike - your advantages

Perfectly organized cycling tours.

For over 30 years, we have been offering first-class quality active vacations as a cycling tour operator. Our quality criteria have been our top priority for many years. We go the 'extra mile' for our guests and take pride in being your reliable point of contact for all things related to cycling vacations. The high percentage of loyal customers confirms our commitment, and we look forward to continuing to create many more eventful cycling memories in the future.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists.

In Eurobike cycling vacations, you'll experience that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurobike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your cycling tour, you can focus worry-free on the truly important things: the joy of cycling with your loved ones.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions.

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed cycling maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual cycling tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming cycling tours , where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Reliable luggage transfer.

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurobike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree cycling adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurobike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour app.

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Other popular destinations in Europe

Baltic states

Unspoilt nature, the Baltic Sea coast, extensive lakes and national parks...

Explore the happiest country

Explore Ireland from a completely novel angle!

Explore the land of fjords and mountains by bike!

Twice a month you will receive the latest information about our tours, our team and lots of travel inspiration. When you register, you will receive a €20 credit towards your next cycle holiday!

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Welcome to Yorkshire

Explore Britain by bike

With cycle-hire schemes in almost every city and town, plus with more and more dedicated bike lanes and cycle docking stations appearing all over, there’s never been a better time to explore Britain’s towns and cities by bike.

Five guided bike tours of London

maggiejonesrestaurant

Old London Tour

Join Owain from Red Bike Tours promises to show you some unknown secrets of London as he leads an intimate group through the backstreets of The City district. Circle St Paul’s Cathedral, stop for lunch in the bustling Borough Market and discover history from the Romans through to the present day. 

fattiretours

Royal London Tour

Get all the royal gossip and facts with Fat Tire Tours . Take its four-hour guided pedal through Royal Parks, past Royal Palaces and historic sites.

whereistheworld

The Original Bike Tour

The Original Bike Tour  by London Bicycle will take you past the Tate Modern, the Globe, Borough Market, across the Tower Bridge, and finally to St. Paul’s Cathedral - all in three-and-a-half hours.

Secret London Bike Tour

Cycling along river pathways, back-streets and hidden passageways, the Secret London Bike Tour from Brakeaway Bike Tours explores the mystery of the Docks as well as the secrets of Harry Potter’s London.

Alternative London Bike Tour

explore deep into the East End to discover modern-day street art and insights into London’s past with Alternative London Bike Tour .

Eight bike-friendly city experiences

Take to the Thames Path for landmark spotting along the largely traffic-free route. Or join a themed bike tour with Tally Ho! Popular themes include the Secret London Pub Tour, Landmarks & Gems, and City & Secrets.

Explore #BrumByBike with a self-guided digital tour. The Tolkien Route  follows the footsteps of the writer of ‘ The Lord of the   Rings ’. The 12-mile  Cadbury route route will lead you through the history of the Cadbury family and Bournville Village.

Cycle Brighton’s streets on a BTN Bike , located at docking stations around the city and charged at 4p per minute with a £1 unlocking fee. Or why not share a tandem and put a smile on your (and other people’s) faces as you zoom, glide or even wobble along the seafront.

This three-mile  Bristol Docks Loop will lead you through the city centre to the Cumberland Basin, for a impressive perspective of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol Cycle Shack offers bike hire from £15 per day.

Enjoy Manchester’s 55 miles of protected cycle routes. For a leisurely canal-side cycle with some big attractions in the mix, join the Ashton Canal Cycleway . Starting at Piccadilly Gardens, the route passes Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and the National Cycling Centre.

A Beatles tour on bike will save your legs thanks to using electric bikes on this three-and-a-half hour tour featuring Liverpool’s famous Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, the grave of Eleanor Rigby and John Lennon’s house.

For a traffic-free waterside route, follow the circular  Cardiff Bay Trail and pick up an ice-cream along the way. Or explore the River Taff, pretty parks and green spaces on a 16.5 mile (26.5km) section of the 55mile/93km  Taff Trail .

Join A Wee Pedal for a cycle through the Victorian-era Innocent Tunnel and onto Craigmillar Castle where you can explore where Mary Queen of Scots escaped Edinburgh Castle. Finish right outside the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace.

Destinations

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

West Midlands Growth Company

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

VisitBritain/i360

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Oh Me Oh My

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

For extra peddle power, take an electric bike tour

Cycle Britain has e-bike itineraries to suit all budgets and requirements and fitness levels. Go from Land’s End to John O’Groats across 23 days or explore the islands of the Outer Hebrides with a week-long tour.

Last Minute Trips

Giving you the best week of your year, giving you the best week of your year, we'll take you there....

At Active England Tours, we’re all about unique, authentic adventures. Walk, cycle and adventure your way around the breathtaking coastline and countryside. Bike or walk the beautiful Cotswolds , walk in Cornwall or the Lake District . Unwind in Devon with a guided wellbeing retreat, soak up the culture with a weekend in London or pamper yourself with one of our exclusive luxury excursions.

With homegrown local wisdom and a genuine passion for exploration, our expert guides will show you the UK in all its glory. From Oxford, Bath and the Cotswolds to Hadrian’s Wall and the Cornwall coast, find the hidden treasures enjoyed only by those who know them best and immerse yourself in the UK’s iconic culture and heritage.

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Signature tours.

Our favourite bestselling adventure tours in England and beyond.

Cycle The Cotswolds, Oxford and Bath – Guided

• 6 days, 5 nights

Walk the Cotswolds – Guided

Cycle Devon & Cornwall – Guided

Walk Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland – Guided

Why active england, hidden treasures.

We know England like no other company. We curate the best routes and take you to hidden treasures enjoyed only by those who know them, all whilst immersing you in this country's iconic culture and heritage.

Extraordinary Guides

Our expert guides are the heartbeat of our tours and will show you the UK in all its glory. We believe we have the best guides in the business.

Keeping England Green

We take our commitment to sustainable tourism seriously and measure carbon impact of every trip. We are actively working to identify ways we can reduce our carbon footprint year on year.

So where will we take you?

Whether it’s charming Cotswold villages or the untamed  fells  of the Lake District, at Active England we’ll take you wherever your adventure’s calling. 

But we’ll also transport you to another kind of place. Where we take the tour off route because we’ve spotted something right there, right then, in the moment. Where we know the village  pub  will be full of Morris Dancers, or Cheese-Rollers, or a folk band. Where the fire’s warm, the soundtrack is chatter and laughter, and the memories will last a lifetime.

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Cycling holidays in england

Looking for a Cycling holiday in england ? Our self guided Cycling tours in england are ideal for everyone, from family cycling holidays to off road adventurers. All of our cycle tours can be tailored to suit you, for help or information please get in touch .

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10 self guided cycling tours found in england

Coast & castles cycle tour newcastle to berwick.

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Suggested Tour

Single price (for 5 nights).

£1838

Double Price (for 5 nights)

Tour period.

All year round

Coast & Castles bike tour Newcastle - Edinburgh

Single price (for 8 nights).

£2700

Double Price (for 8 nights)

£1486

Any Start Date February to November

Cycle Coast & Castles Newcastle to Edinburgh

£2750

£1498

The Way of the Roses Cycle Route

Single price (for 2 nights).

£1890

Double Price (for 2 nights)

£1060

Cycling South Lakes Walney Island to Wearmouth

Single price (for 6 nights).

£2029

Double Price (for 6 nights)

£1113

February - November

Cycling the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast

Single price (for 7 nights).

£2290

Double Price (for 7 nights)

£1275

April - November

Cathedrals cycle tour between Durham & York

£1590

Bike Tour visiting Hadrian’s Wall in North England

Single price (for 4 nights).

£1387

Double Price (for 4 nights)

Start Any Day April to October

Cycling the Reivers Trail across North Britain

£2140

£1140

Biking in the Lake District England

£1926

£1123

Start Any Day February to November

Hi Richard, we are now back in Sweden after a wonderful tour in Devon. We really appreciate all the help and arrangements made by you! All B'nBs were really good and the hosts were very nice. The hotel in  Barnstaple was also good but we enjoyed the B'nBs moore. Especially the family atmosphere. The bicycles were good and the arrangements with the luggage transferred to  all places worked without any complications what so ever. We have already spoken to many friends about this arrangements, so don't be  surprised if your clients from Sweden will increase. We already think about were the next bicycle-tour in Britain will be.  Probably in a less hilly area. :-) Kind regards from a very satisfied couple from Stockholm /Rikard o Ann Epstein Stockholm, Sweden. PS. In Oakhampton there was some difficulties finding some place to eat. Many  of the restaurants were closed down. Just for your information. Rikard & Ann Devon c2c

Tour of Britain Women: Lizzie Deignan 'grateful' as Wales to host first two stages of 2024 tour

• Published 4 days ago

The Women's Tour of Britain will return to Wales

Britain's Lizzie Deignan says she is grateful the Tour of Britain Women has returned "against the odds" as British Cycling revealed the route.

Wales will host the first two stages of the 2024 race, which starts on 6 June.

The first edition under its new name - it was previously known solely as the Women's Tour - will begin in Welshpool, with stage one ending in Llandudno.

"I'm really grateful to the people who have made it happen against he odds," said Lidl-Trek's former winner Deignan.

"Hard work has gone on behind the scenes to pull this event off. Sometimes it's underestimated how much it takes to put on a race," the 35-year-old added.

The Women's Tour was cancelled in 2023 after organisers failed to find the funding required for the race.

The world's top female riders and teams will race through Wrexham on day two as the rebranded event returns this year.

The tour will then move on to Warrington before concluding in Greater Manchester on Sunday, 9 June.

Deignan added: "People in the UK are brilliant sports fans and there's this sense of excitement and thrill at being able to be part of a spectacle like a bike race - and it's exciting to be able watch at the side of road and to be in centre of that is not something I take for granted."

Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling, said: "While there is still a great deal of work to do, today is another important milestone in our journey and reflective of the enormous goodwill and support which major road cycling events continue to enjoy.

"Our primary focus has been to deliver a safe and competitive race in 2024, but we remain every bit as determined to harness the race's spotlight to make a real impact in the communities which it touches, and know that is a vision which resonates strongly in conversations with prospective commercial partners and hosts."

The four stages include varying terrain, with the first stage beginning in mid-Wales before riders head to Llandudno on the north coast.

Starting and ending in Wrexham on day two, riders will take on the challenging climbs in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley.

They will then cross the border to begin and end stage three in Warrington, a flatter route which will favour the sprinters.

British Cycling take on organising Tour of Britain races for men and women

The fourth and final day sees riders depart from National Cycling Centre, the home of British Cycling, before finishing the tour in Leigh.

Rod Ellingworth, Tour of Britain race director, said: "It's been a monumental effort by the whole team over the past 10 weeks to confirm the stages for this year's Tour of Britain Women.

"The race will take in four competitive and challenging routes, some challenging climbing in Wales and what I'm sure will be brilliant crowds on the roadside throughout."

Tour of Britain Women 2024:

Stage 1 - Thursday 6 June 2024: Welshpool to Llandudno

Stage 2 - Friday 7 June 2024: Wrexham

Stage 3 - Saturday 8 June 2024: Warrington

Stage 4 - Sunday 9 June 2024: Greater Manchester

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International Cycling Union

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The Russian cyclists bringing bike culture to Moscow

Harsh winters and the world’s worst road congestion make the Russian capital an inhospitable place for cyclists. So why does the number of riders keep on rising? Maryam Omidi reports for The Calvert Journal

It’s midnight in Moscow and hundreds of cyclists have gathered in Sokolniki Park, the starting point for a Pushkin-themed bike ride through the heart of the capital.

For the next five hours, the throng of cyclists will be joined by thousands of others and together they will take a moonlit tour of the city. With their headphones plugged into an audio recording about Pushkin’s life, they’ll pass the house where he was born, the Great Church of the Ascension where he married and several other places of significance to the Romantic poet.

The event, Velonotte , attended by roughly 5,000 cyclists, was the eighth in Moscow; previous gatherings have been devoted to equally highbrow topics from the Russian heroes who resisted Napoleon in 1812 to the avant-garde architect, Konstantin Melnikov .

Velonotte was launched in 2007 in Moscow and has since expanded to other cities in Russia and around the world, including London, Istanbul and Rome.

“It was a pioneering project for bike culture in Russia and for bringing new awareness of architecture, culture and urbanism to young people aged between 18 and 25,” says Sergey Nikitin , the founder of Velonotte. “We started with 100 people seven years ago and last year, we had 10,000 participants for the Mayakovsky bike ride.”

People still need to show that they have a lot of money with a car and an iPhone... we are trying to change that opinion

The event is one of many cycling get-togethers that have sprung up in Moscow in recent years, organised by enthusiasts looking to promote bike culture in a city hostile to those on two wheels.

“Cycling in Moscow is seen as dangerous, the roads are huge and there are a lot of cars,” says Vladimir Kumov , the founder of Let’s bike it! , an organisation that promotes cycling in Russia.

Car sales in Russia have been rocketing since the 2000s , excluding a slump in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and another more recent one caused by a weaker rouble and western sanctions over Moscow’s annexation of Crimea . The Russian automotive market grew 14% year-on-year in 2005, 36% in 2006 and 67% in 2007, according to a European Bank for Reconstruction and Development report .

By 2010, sales had returned to pre-crisis levels. The result is the worst traffic congestion in the world. According to TomTom’s fourth annual index , the average car journey in Moscow takes 74% longer than it would on a traffic-free day, a figure that rises to 141% during rush hour in the evening.

“People still need to show that they have a lot of money with a car and an iPhone,” says Kumov. “We are trying to change that opinion.”

From 9am to 10pm on weekdays, the centre of Moscow is a non-stop traffic jam

“The obvious challenge is the traffic which has grown dramatically in recent years,” says Vadim Kriger, founder of Moscow Bike Tours . “From 9am to 10pm on weekdays, the centre of Moscow is a non-stop traffic jam. Nor is it easy for cyclists to cross the streets or cycle through the cars parked illegally on the pathways.”

Although the introduction of paid parking last year has alleviated this problem, the dominance of cars continues to deter cyclists from using the streets, with many choosing to cycle on pavements instead, much to the irritation of pedestrians.

Add to this a catalogue of poor driving habits, from road rage to rear-ending, all of which have been endlessly documented on dash-cam videos and posted on YouTube , and it’s no surprise that so many in the capital prefer using other modes of transport.

Man-made impediments aside, the long and fearsome winters in Moscow make cycling impractical from November to February. It’s not only the knee-deep snow that serves as a deterrent but also the grimy slush that inevitably follows.

Moscow’s first bike lane was met with a barrage of mocking photos on social media

The Moscow city government has endeavoured to make the capital more bike-friendly but their efforts have at times been found wanting. Their most successful attempt to date is a pilot bike rental scheme, similar to London’s ‘Boris bikes’ and New York’s CitiBike programme , which launched in June 2013.

In the 12 months that followed, roughly 46,500 people rented bikes, making a total of 66,500 journeys . While paltry when compared to the million hires in the first 10 weeks of the London launch in 2010 and the 8.7 million trips in New York’s first year, the Moscow scheme started small , launching with only 220 bikes at 30 docking stations, although this has since increased to 1,200 and 150 respectively.

The scheme’s early success meant that this June, the city government announced its expansion to 4,500 rental bikes, not far off New York’s 6,000 and roughly half of London’s 8,000. It’s a coup for cyclists. Yet one concern is that the stations will all be centrally located, a somewhat futile measure given the majority of Muscovites live outside the MKAD, a ring road that separates the city centre from the suburbs.

“Moscow is a huge area and it is a challenge to commute by bike as most people live in one area and need to travel across the city to get to work or university,” says Olga Maltseva, head of cycling development at the Moscow government’s transport department.

“We’ve started to implement infrastructure that will help with bike-and-ride trips. In 2015 we’ll create covered bike parking stations at several transport hubs to allow commuters to leave their bicycles in a safe place for the whole day.” Since 2013, 1,100 cycling racks have been installed in Moscow, adds Maltseva, a figure which is expected to double by next year.

Less successful are the bicycle lanes, or lack thereof, in Moscow. The first lane, built in 2000, was met with a barrage of mocking photos on social media , depicting the multiple obstacles, such as gates, parked cars and speed bumps that blocked the path as well as open drains. Parts of one two-way cycle lane were only a metre wide.

In the past year, the city government has turned its attention to the creation of bicycle lanes in parks, which although positive, critics argue, does little to promote cycling on the roads. “I think that the authorities’ biggest mistake is to create cycle lanes for recreational use rather than travel,” says Nikolai Zalessky, researcher at the Institute for Transport Economics and Transport Policy Studies.

The authorities’ biggest mistake is to create cycle lanes for recreational use rather than travel

The decision underscores an attitude prevalent in Russia, which sees cycling as a fun activity rather than a mode of transport. According to Kumov, there are two words in Russian for cycling: ‘katatsya’ and ‘yezdit’. While the first describes cycling for enjoyment, the second refers to it as a form of transportation.

“Even when the government talks about cycling and cycling lanes, they use the word katatsya,” says Kumov. “They recently organised a car-free day including a show with dancing but this also only promotes cycling for recreation. They don’t think to lower the speed limit or have more cycle lanes. A huge amount of money is spent but not always on the right things.”

According to cycling activist and artist Anton Polsky, cyclists should not be put off by the lack of infrastructure. In 2010, Polsky created USE/LESS , a map of easy-to-cycle routes, parking places and dangerous junctions to help riders navigate the city without the help of special infrastructure . The map received widespread media coverage and is regularly cited as one of the things driving a change of attitude towards cycling in Moscow, especially among the city’s officials.

“In terms of the lack of space and the attitudes of drivers, it’s so much harder to cycle in New York than in Moscow,” says Polsky. “In Moscow, the biggest problems are the long distances and winter.” Despite the challenges, Polsky is sanguine about the future of cycling in the city given the ever-growing number of cyclists hitting the streets each year. “From my activist point of view, I think I did what I had to do,” he says. “Now we need to lobby the Moscow government to do their job.”

A version of this article first appeared on The Calvert Journal

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