Regent's Park Canal to Victoria Park, London
The Prince Regent commissioned this canal so cyclists could zip past London Zoo, Camden Lock and King's Place Arts Centre while making for the excellent Pavilion Cafe in Victoria Park. Or that's what I reckon.
How: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/regents-canal
Tip: If you hear a ‘ping’ a real cyclist is coming. Fast. Get off and run.
Barnstaple to Bideford on The Tarka Trail, Devon
Decisions, decisions: south to Bideford (nine miles) or Torrington (15 miles), or a mere six miles north to Braunton? Just remember that, unless you hire a boat, you have to cycle all the way back again.
How: http://www.exploredevon.info/activities/cycle/tarka-trail-braunton-meeth
Tip: Do not read Tarka the Otter: you will blub onto your derailleur.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Barnstaple, Devon
Thorpeness and Aldeburgh Loop, Suffolk
Thorpeness has a shallow boating lake, the Meare, for children and a timber-clad water tower, the House in the Clouds. Cycle to Snape – Benjamin Britten country – and end at Aldeburgh for fish and chips.
Tip: Be at the Golden Galleon before 5pm: the queue is huge later.
Manifold Track, Peak District, Staffordshire
This nine-mile jaunt from Hulme End to Waterhouses runs along the old Leek & Manifold Light Railway, which carried dairy products until 1932. It includes the Manifold River, a tunnel and a limestone gorge.
How: https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/things-to-do/manifold-track-p686581
Tip: Cross the river near Wetton and clamber up to Thor's Cave.
Melrose to Abbotsford, Scottish Borders
A five-mile loop from one of the great Border abbeys to one of the great baronial mansions belonging to one of the great Scottish poets...you get the idea. See the house. Lounge by the lovely, lazy Tweed.
How: https://cyclescottishborders.com/route/abbotsford/
Tip: Enjoy the cracking cafe and museum in the free visitor centre.
Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Scottish Borders Selkirk Philipburn Hotel
Cardiff Bay to Penarth, South Wales
A six-mile swoop around the bay with tea half way in the Victorian resort of Penarth includes the tidal barrier known as the Barrage, so you can cycle across the bay and the 21st-century Bay development.
How: https://www.outdoorcardiff.com/walks/cardiff-bay-trail/
Tip: If it all gets too much, there’s always the Doctor Who Experience.
Devizes to Pewsey, Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
This lovely canal has a hill! Gasp! West of Devizes is John Rennie’s Caen (pronounced ‘Cane’) Hill Flight of 16 locks, luckily with a cafe at the top. Its 26 miles to Pewsey and back. There are always taxis.
How: https://cycle.travel/route/kennet_and_avon
Tip: Go east first and freewheel back west down the Caen flight.
Where to Stay: Best Western Limpley Stoke Hotel, Bath
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
“Bike Rides for Little Legs” on the National Trust website includes this estate near Royston with three family cycle trails, all flat (don't you just love East Anglia?) and including the grand 1.5 mile “carriageway”.
How: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/cycle-at-wimpole-estate-cambridgeshire
Tip: Some National Trust properties issue discount vouchers for visitors arriving by bike.
Sandown and Inland, Isle of Wight
Sandown is home to Dinosaur Isle and this five-mile route keeps the history theme alive by going inland to Brading, famous for its well-preserved Roman villa. It returns through the bird-rich Yar wetlands.
How: https://isleofwight.com/item/sandown-brading-circular-cycle-route/
Tip: AXcess in Sandown hire electric bikes (sshh).
Thinking of Taking a Bike Friendly Holiday?
If all this talk of cycling has sparked your interest why not book a hotel stay at a Best Western hotel that's bike friendly. So many of our hotels accept bikes and offer some great services too!. Check out our Bike Friendly Hotels and get saddled up for a great adventure.