Forgotten cycle paths uncovered

With British Cycle Tracks uncovering a vast almost century-old network of cycle paths last month across Scotland, England and Wales, we want to explore some renowned cycling routes across the UK.

The newly unveiled cycling routes were built between the 1930s and 50s, based upon Dutch designs at a time when British cyclists outnumbered motorists by a whopping 8 million people. The network was initially planned to cover 500 miles running alongside motor vehicle roads and began with the first protected track in London built in 1934. Although it didn’t reach the full 500 miles, the network stretched 190 miles by the 1950s, from Ellon Road near Aberdeen, down to Nantgarw in Wales and Bognor on the English south coast.

With spring and the long bank holiday approaching, now might be the time to dust off or ready your bike and plan your route across some of the most stunning cycle tracks of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.

Northern Ireland

Starting with the Causeway Coastal Cycle route, you can explore 23 miles of Northern Ireland’s beautiful coastal paths from Castlerock to the enchanting mysteries of the Giant’s Causeway.

For eager mountain bikers out there, Davagh forest in County Tyrone offers a wild ride, from easier thrill routes to the exhilarating more demanding paths past Eagle Rock.

Scotland

Soak in Scotland’s beautiful mountains, loch-side paths and an old viaduct with the Glen Ogle, Lairig Nan Lunn and Ben Lawyers tour. At 127 km this is a classic Scottish cycling tour offering some true natural beauty highlights.

For a more family-friendly option, the Aviemore to Kingussie loop offers a gentler 45km circular tour on wide roads, cruising past beautiful small towns as you wind your way from Aviemore and back again.

Wales

If competitive cycling is for you, maybe it’s time to start training for the infamous Welsh Dragon Ride. With varying options from the 98 km Macmillan 100 to the 296 km Dragon Devil Ride, the annual competitive tour offers spectacular surroundings in the Brecon Beacons this summer.

For the intrepid e-bikers out there looking for more secret paths through the Welsh countryside, Hidden Routes offer a variety of electric bike tours through this ancient landscape, with coastal views and mesmerising standing stones along the way.

England

Are you looking for some exhilarating gravel routes? Then check out the Wild King Alfred’s Way route put together by Wild Cycles. You can sign up for the bike packing adventures or simply take inspiration from their routes.

For something more affordable and self-guided, head to the Lake District National Park for stunning scenery and quaint English villages. Komoot has collated a variety of routes for different experience levels. Simply search for a route that most inspires you and navigate yourself through the rolling hills and waters of this national park.

A small tip from us!

Whether you’re taking your road bike out for a leisurely day, grinding in the forest dirt on your BMX, or joining an e-bike group adventure you might wish to look into cycling insurance to protect yourself from any distracting or unfortunate mishaps on your adventure.

Even the best rider can hit a bit of bad luck – from a simple pothole on the way to work, wiping out going off-terrain, or your bike being stolen, which is why we think even weekend riders should take out an insurance policy that covers all eventualities.

Just as car insurance provides drivers with peace of mind, bike insurance allows you to enjoy the open road free from worry. You’ll know that should something happen while you’re out and about, you’ll be back in the saddle in no time.

Read more on our website here about why you might wish to get cycling insurance and in what circumstances it can offer protection.

(Kindly note that we don’t cover for any claim where the cycle has been used for competitive racing, triathlon, trials or rallies, speed or endurance tests or practices for those activities.)