If you're looking for an exciting cycling adventure, look no further than the United Kingdom. From winding hills to rugged coastline, our country is packed with amazing cycling routes that will take your breath away. In this blog post, we'll explore five of the best cycling routes in the UK – each one guaranteed to provide you with a breath-taking view!

Epic Cycling Routes

We've scoured the country to find 5 epic cycling routes for you to enjoy around the UK.

Here's our top 5 :

• The Cumbrian Way
• The North Coast 500
• The South Downs Way
• The Pennine Cycleway
• The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway

Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or simply enjoy a leisurely ride, these routes are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience and don't worry if you can't go the full distance, just ticking off 10km on some of these routes will leave you with the most beautiful of views. So saddle up and let's explore some of the most beautiful cycling routes in the UK!

The Cumbrian Way

Starting Point: Ulverston

Distance: Approximately 73 miles

If you're looking for an epic cycling adventure, look no further than The Cumbrian Way. This gruelling cycling route spans a whopping 140 miles, making it the longest cycling route in England. Of course, you don't need to cycle the whole way. You can take your time and enjoy the stunning views at a leisurely pace or enjoy some of the much shorter route options such as breaking up the route into sections which are approximately 17-25km long. Our favourite view is from the top of Orrest Head, which offers panoramic views of Lake Windermere – it's truly breath-taking!

The North Coast 500

Starting Point: Inverness

Distance: Approximately 500 miles

If you're looking for a cycling route with a difference, look no further than the North Coast 500. This unique cycling route takes you on a journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands, starting in Inverness and looping around the coast. With just over 500 miles of saddle time, it's not for the faint-hearted! However, you can take your time and complete the route over a number of days – or even weeks soaking up the incredible views as you go. One of the most beautiful views on this route is from the top of Duncansby Head, where you can see the famous Stacks of Duncansby.

Leave home with a clean memory card, you'll be snapping away throughout this incredible cycling holiday. If you're travelling around Scotland this summer, have a read of our favourite campsites in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park here.

The South Downs Way

Starting Point: Winchester

Distance: Approximately 100miles

If you're looking for a cycling route with breathtaking views, rolling hills and finishing with your feet in the sea, look no further than the South Downs Way. This popular cycling route takes you through the stunning South Downs National Park, starting in Winchester and finishing at the coast in Eastbourne. With over 100 miles of off road cycling, you can take your time and explore everything this beautiful area has to offer. There are some truly magnificent climbs including Devil's Dyke – the highest point on the route, where when you reach the top, it's a great spot to grab your lunch as you watch paragliders fly off the hill - as well as some stunning descents into picturesque villages.

The Pennine Cycleway

Starting Point: Derbyshire

Distance: Approximately 327 miles

If you're looking for a cycling route with a bit of everything, look no further than the Pennine Cycleway. This popular cycling route takes you through the stunning Peak District, starting in Derbyshire and finishing in Cumbria. With over 327 miles of cycling, you can take your time and explore everything this beautiful area has to offer. From the gentle climbs of the Yorkshire Dales to the more challenging hills of the Lake District, there's something for everyone on this route. You'll be cycling the "backbone of England" on this route, so make sure you take your camera to capture the stunning views, you're guaranteed to have a memorable cycling holiday on this route. You can read more on the route here.

The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway

Starting Point: Ilkley (one of many starting points)

Distance: Approximately 200 miles

If you're looking for a cycling route with beautiful scenery, look no further than the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway. This popular cycling route takes you through the stunning Yorkshire Dales, starting in Ilkley and finishing in Appleby-in-Westmorland. With over 4320m of climbing, it's not for the faint-hearted however, you'll be cycling past waterfalls, through tunnels and over viaducts on this stunning route, so keep your eyes wide open (and your camera on standby) to capture the stunning views. You can read more about the route here.

Bonus route...

A cycling route in Wales to not miss off your list!

We couldn't miss at least one of the most epic of rides in Wales off our list. Have you cycled the Brecon's before? 

The Brecon Beacons

Starting Point: Talybont-on-Usk

Distance: Approximately 100 miles

Home to one of the most legendary of cycling climbs in the country, 'The Tumble' which is roughly a 6km climb at 10% gradient, the Brecon Beacons is a cycling route not to be missed. This popular cycling route takes you through the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, starting in Talybont-on-Usk and finishing in Abergavenny. You'll be cycling past some of the most incredible views of the Beacons, including Pen-y-Fan, the highest mountain in Southern Britain.

Where are you going next?

These are just a few of our favourite cycling routes in the UK, have you got any to add to the list? Tag us over on Instagram @beoutsidebeactive and share your favourite epic cycling adventures.