By guest blogger Tom Nelson

With the National Road Race cycling route now confirmed and the weather picking up into longer, brighter spring days it’s time to get on your bike and explore the beauty of Britain. The plethora of exciting cycle routes in this relatively small country can be overwhelming to someone just looking to enjoy riding through nature’s best season, so here is a bite-sized guide of four top road biking routes in the UK to help you choose your next trip.

1. East Midlands – Watermead Country Park, Leicester

Perfect for families and couples, this route through lovely Leicester follows the Grand Union canal and the river Soar along flat paths and roads. Starting in the quaint town of Syston, you’ll pass through small forest areas and countryside ending up at Watermead Country Park with its impressive lake and large woolly (model) mammoth.

2. North West to East – Coast to Coast, Lancaster and Yorkshire

The North of England’s friendly nature and undulating landscape is virtually unbeatable. Kick-off in Lancaster on the Morecambe Promenade and cycle over the Pennines 171 miles into Bridlington’s beautiful North Promenade. Largely desolate but with many stations along the way, you can even visit the market town of Ripon or the historic city of York.

3. Wales – Millennium Coastal Path, South West Wales, Llanelli

One of the most stunning stretches of cycle path, the Millennium Coastal Park in Llanelli offers breath-taking sea views and the unique Pembrey sand dune forest. Ride through natural scenery, past the lakeside and catch glimpses of rare wildlife on this route that is a must in South West Wales.

4. North West – The Lake District Loop, Cumbria

Voted Britain’s best road cycling route in 2013, the Lake District Loop is the best way to take in Britain’s famous National Park. Winding around mountains through country lanes, you’ll get to cycle in the greenest scenery and explore the grandest views as well as pass country villages and, of course, the great lakes.

In case that wasn’t enough for you, here’s a handy interactive map with more great cycling suggestions of routes you can take through the most beautiful parts of the UK. Just make sure you’ve got a decent road bike from a trusted supplier like Fat Birds, as well as all of your cycling gear, and you’ll be ready to hit the road and soak in the spring.