By Gerald Smithers
Cycling holidays work especially well in the UK because the scenery changes quickly from one region to the next. Quiet lanes weave through rolling farmlands in the Cotswolds, coastal roads hug the cliffs in Devon, and mountain passes in Cumbria quickly test even experienced riders carrying loaded panniers. Touring by bike also changes how people experience these places. Riders stop more often, notice small details more easily, and spend time in villages and market towns that rarely appear on standard travel itineraries.
The destinations below are some of the best choices for cyclists seeking scenery, varied roads, and plenty to see between climbs.
Taking in the Coastal Paths and Quiet Lanes of Devon
Devon suits cyclists who enjoy varied terrain, coastal scenery, and quieter rural roads between small seaside towns. Around Salcombe and Hope Cove, narrow lanes drop steeply towards hidden beaches before climbing again through farmland bordered by thick hedgerows and summer foxgloves. Roads near Bantham and Thurlestone become busier on summer weekends, although mornings usually stay quiet enough to hear gulls crying across the coastline. Further north, the Tarka Trail near Barnstaple offers gentler riding along a former railway line beside the River Torridge, passing through places such as Instow and Bideford, where estuary views and old stone bridges regularly break up the route.
Cyclists spending several days in the area often combine touring with short countryside stays, especially in Dartmoor or the South Hams. Interest in glamping in the UK has grown steadily among riders carrying lighter gear because many sites now sit close to cycle routes and old bridleways. Around Chagford and Moretonhampstead, glamping sites tucked beside Dartmoor lanes give riders quick access to climbs near Haytor Rocks, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and the old granite railway tracks crossing the moorland. Even small village shops in places like Lustleigh and North Bovey stock basic supplies for passing cyclists during the warmer months.
Exploring the Green Hills and Historic Villages of the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds remain one of the most popular cycling regions in England for good reason. Villages such as Broadway, Painswick, and Burford still feel connected by quiet lanes where dry-stone walls run beside open fields for miles at a time. Riders heading through Bibury usually stop near Arlington Row, where tourists crowd the narrow pavement beside the River Coln, taking photos of the old cottages. The road out towards Barnsley becomes much quieter once the day-trippers thin out.
Market towns help break up longer rides across the hills. In Stow-on-the-Wold, cyclists often leave their bikes beside the old market square before wandering through the narrow passages leading off Sheep Street. Tetbury’s steep centre catches many riders off guard, especially near Chipping Steps, where the gradient sharpens unexpectedly. Some of the best stretches sit between the better-known villages, particularly the lanes outside Snowshill and the roads around Slad Valley, where wooded hills replace the open farmland seen elsewhere in the region.
Tackling the Dramatic Peaks and High Passes of Cumbria
Cumbria attracts cyclists looking for harder climbing and long mountain roads that feel remote even during summer. The Lake District passes around Honister, Hardknott, and Wrynose regularly appear on touring wish lists because of their steep gradients and winding descents. Hardknott Pass, with its tight hairpins and Roman fort near the summit, remains one of the toughest climbs in England. Riders coming through Eskdale usually stop near the old stone bridge at Boot before facing the ascent.
Some cyclists spend extra time visiting Cumbria beyond the major lake routes because the county stretches well beyond Windermere and Keswick. Areas around Buttermere, Cartmel, and the western coast near Ravenglass see fewer crowds but still offer excellent riding. Smaller places such as Hawkshead, Glenridding, and Coniston attract touring cyclists with narrow lanes leading to slate cottages, old inns, and lakeshore paths. Around Keswick Market Square, riders gather beside bikes loaded with panniers before heading out towards Borrowdale or Bassenthwaite Lake. On clear evenings, the roads beside Ullswater stay busy with cyclists catching the last light across the water.
Following the Flat Coastal Roads and Big Skies of Norfolk
Norfolk appeals to cyclists who prefer easier riding and long, uninterrupted distances. The county’s flatter landscape allows riders to cover plenty of ground without spending entire days climbing hills. Around Burnham Market and Holkham, roads cut across open marshland where windmills, church towers, and grazing marshes dominate the horizon. The coast road near Wells-next-the-Sea becomes especially busy during holiday periods, though quieter stretches appear again towards Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea.
Norwich makes a strong starting point for touring. The city’s old lanes around Elm Hill and Tombland feel surprisingly compact once away from the traffic near the ring roads. Cyclists leaving the city towards the Broads pass through villages like Ranworth and Ludham, where riverside pubs and old wind pumps sit close to the road.
Along the north coast, Cromer’s steep streets and Victorian seafront give way to quieter lanes leading inland through villages filled with flint cottages and medieval churches. Norfolk’s scenery often feels huge because of the open skies, especially late in the afternoon when the salt marshes begin reflecting the changing light.
Discovering the Rugged Glens and Lochside Trails of the Scottish Highlands
Cycling through the Highlands feels very different from riding elsewhere in Britain. Distances between villages grow much longer, weather conditions change quickly, and many roads pass through landscapes with barely any buildings at all. The route through Glen Coe remains one of the best-known rides, particularly the section near Buachaille Etive Mòr where the road cuts between steep mountains and exposed moorland. Early mornings usually bring quieter traffic before coaches begin arriving from Fort William.
Further north, riders touring around Torridon and Wester Ross encounter narrow single-track roads looping beside sea lochs and mountain ridges. Villages such as Shieldaig and Applecross have become regular overnight stops for cyclists attempting Bealach na Bà, a steep mountain road with sharp bends overlooking the Inner Sound.
Inverness serves as the gateway to longer Highland tours. Some riders prefer to continue west towards Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit, where the roads become more scenic after the city outskirts disappear. In smaller Highland villages, touring bikes leaning against post offices and village halls remain a common sight throughout the summer.
Are you ready to experience the very best scenery the UK has to offer from the saddle?
Cycling across the UK never really feels repetitive because each region comes with its own character. Devon brings steep coastal lanes and estuary trails. The Cotswolds combine village greens, market towns, and rolling climbs through farmland. Cumbria pushes riders into high mountain passes where weather and gradients quickly become part of the experience. Norfolk opens into vast skies and easier coastal miles, while the Highlands deliver long distances through glens, lochs, and remote single-track roads. Most touring cyclists finish these trips remembering very specific details: a windswept harbour, an unexpected village fête, sheep blocking a lane, or the view from the top of a difficult climb after the rain finally clears.
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