On yer bike
Our current favourite UK cycling routes
Our Cyclist Ducklings love a good race, but they also know nothing beats a leisurely weekend ride. Either on their own, with family, or friends. We're lucky enough to have so many amazing cycle routes in the UK, so we’ve put together our top 5 picks to help inspire you. Keen cyclists, get ready to get… on yer bike!
The Severn Valley Country Park, Shropshire
Perfect for families or those with less experienced bikers, the national cycle route 45 (or The Mercian Way) is a quacking gorgeous cycle route.
The scenery is absolutely stunning, with the route crossing over the River Severn itself, and if you’re lucky and look closely, you might just be able to see some of our duck cousins on the river!
If you want to stop and have a picnic along the route, there’s a lovely park situated at Alverly along the river between Bridgnorth and Bewdley. We know there will be some tired legs once the ride is finish, so don’t worry – there is a café at the end for you to enjoy a well deserve drink and a bite to eat!
Trans Pennine Trail
For those of you up North (ey up!) this is a brilliant route. The Pennines are absolutely stunning, and this cycle route is no different.
It is quite a long one though, so make sure to take a pack up and lots of water. Starting in Leeds at the magnificent Royal Armouries Museum, the central section runs along the River Aire to Chesterfield, the largest town in the UK.
You will travel for several miles along the traffic-free path next to the River Aire and the Aire Calder Navigation canal before the path connects to the railway path at Bottom Boat.
We’re sure you will definitely see some ducks along the way! From here, you’ll continue to Rotherham, where you'll join the quiet roads into the Rother Valley, then onto Sheffield and into the city centre! If you don’t want to stop there, a disused scenic railway path takes you into Derbyshire and then onto Chesterfield – wow, we’re tired just thinking about it!
The Jurassic Coast, Dorset
If you haven’t visited the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, we couldn’t recommend it more! You have plenty of options to choose from when you cycle along this area.
There are slower paced rides, to the more daring clifftop climbs! They will all work those legs though, as its almost all rocky terrain!
Whether you want a more scenic route, biking though the Lodmoor Country park Nature Reserve or one perfect for the family heading to the fantastic Weymouth beach, there are plenty of options! Hey, you might even spot a Dodo on the way.
Bristol to Bath Railway Path
If you are looking for a cycle route that the whole family can enjoy (even those little legs!) the Bristol to Bath Railway Path is perfect. This former railway line has been turned into a shared cycling and walking path linking the two cities.
Predominantly flat, the 16 mile route has plenty of opportunities to stop and refuel along the route, with cafes at the former stations of Warmley and Bitton, plus plenty of choice when you reach Bath (be sure to save us some cake!).
Hallett's The Bakers loop from Ipplepen through Totnes
Finally, we couldn’t do a top 5 cycle routes list without mentioning Devon, and this one passes right through our hometown of Totnes!
This 32.6 mile cycle route starts in Ipplepen and heads directly into Totnes. From here you will travel towards the coast, where you will reach the famous Hallet’s The Bakers and be able to fuel up on a delicious pasty!
There are some absolutely stunning views along the way at Babacombe, Oddicombe and Watcombe too, which you will get to enjoy before you head back to Ipplepen!
Do you have a keen cyclist in your life?
Why not treat them to one of our cyclist ducklings (or even just treat yourself!). Available in duckling and dinky versions, so there's a size and style for everyone.
Please note:
We'd recommend checking with these organisations directly to check access and opening times. DCUK does not endorse any of these routes, as they are only listed here as examples for inspiration, entertainment and reference.