Diverse English Trails
The diverse terrain that exists in England makes it a great country for cyclists who are looking for new challenges as well as those who simply want to arrange a pleasant afternoon in the countryside at the weekend.
Whether you are keen to test your endurance by tackling steep climbs and demanding off-road tracks or you would like to spend a couple of hours exploring a beautiful part of the country at a leisurely pace, the following list should contain a couple of suggestions that will appeal to you.
- Mary Towneley Loop, near Calderdale in Yorkshire. This route is not for the faint of heart. Comprising roughly forty-seven miles of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, you can start at any point that is convenient for you and follow it until you have completed the loop. Because the track dips in and out of the valleys, you will be faced with cruel climbs and exciting descents. Anybody who can complete the uphill sections without a dab is truly an accomplished cyclist.
- Mawddach Trail, near Barmouth, Wales. If you would like to see some spectacular scenery but have no desire to wear yourself out in the process, this route is ideal. Since it follows an old railway line, it is completely level. Plus, being an undeveloped area, it really is a beautiful place to spend an hour or two. The trail is only 10 miles long so it is a great choice for families with younger children who would find longer rides a bit too much.
- Ennerdale Water, Cumbria. Although this track is located in the Lake District, one of the hillier areas of the country, it is actually quite a gentle ride and will present no problems for those of average fitness. The mild climbs and descents that will be encountered on this 19-mile route are nothing to be concerned about and it goes without saying that the views are more than worth the effort that you will expend.
- The Quantock Hills, Somerset. 15 miles of steep descents and challenging climbs from Rams Combe, looping around Quantock Moor and Woodlands Hill, before coming back to the starting point, will take the average rider two to three hours to complete and you may spot native red deer and wild ponies along the way.
- The Cuckoo Trail, East Sussex. A surfaced path that passes through fourteen miles of local countryside, the gentle gradients along the way are suitable for riders of all levels. Running from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park, woodpeckers, bullfinch, and lesser whitethroat may be spotted in the area, along with the species after which the trail was named. There are many excellent spots for a family picnic along the way and plenty of places where you can buy refreshments that are located near to various sections of the trail.
- Hardknott Pass, Eskdale, Cumbria. Another route in the Lake District, this one is markedly different from the one at Ennerdale Water. Two sets of brutally hard switchbacks make this a challenge fit for biking heroes and there is no shame in failing to stay the course as it is possibly the hardest trail in the country. 30% gradients will really get your heart pumping and the muscles in your legs screaming in protest as you battle your way to the peak before hurtling down the other side at a terrific rate of knots.
- Rutland Water, Leicestershire. After the strain you may have felt by simply reading about the Hardknott Pass, you can relax now as we contemplate the Rutland Water Cycleway, whose 25-mile route is mainly flat and off road. Following the perimeter of the 3,100 acre manmade lake, wherever you start you will, not unsurprisingly, finish in the same place. Pleasant views and a nice day out for families, couples, and single cyclists that fancy taking it easy.
- Tudor Trail, Kent. It starts at Tonbridge Castle and follows the River Medway for a stretch before heading out into the countryside on a mainly off-road track to Penhurst Place then continues along quiet lanes and bridleways to Hever Castle. This is a great choice for those who enjoy scenic routes that are not too demanding. At just over ten miles, it can be completed in under 2 hours at a very relaxed pace.
- The Manifold Trail, West Midlands. Another scenic choice, this disused railway path runs for about eight or nine miles and has no steep gradients to worry about. From Waterhouses to Hulme End in Staffordshire, you will pass through spectacular limestone gorges on this route and you will find a pub and visitor centre where you can rest at the end.
- Kennet & Avon Cycle Route. Following the canal towpath for most of the way, with detours along some picturesque country lanes in the Vale of Pewsey between Devizes and Marsh Benham, this is not a demanding ride as far as elevation is concerned. However, at 85 miles it is the longest on the list and will take most people around ten and a half hours to complete.
About the Author: Andrew Baldwin is the marketing manager at ProBikeKit. Established in the early 1990s, ProBikeKit is a leading online provider of cycle tyres, clothing, frames, and other items to customers across the United Kingdom.
3 comments
Kevin. An awesome post. I have experienced about two of the courses mentioned, albeit not completing the full course, and your post has reminded me of how very-beautiful the British scenery is.
Thanks. And I have shared this on my social-media ‘sites.
Barry.
Author
Barry,
Thanks for your comment. I wish I could say that I’ve had the opportunity to try even one of them. Better yet, I wish I could try them all. I can’t wait for a big trail trip to England. It is my dream trail destination.
Thanks also for sharing on your social media sites.
Kevin
Hi Ross, thanks very much for your feedback and for sharing my post. I couldn’t agree more, British scenery is fantastic and it’s a joy to ride through. These 10 are really just a drop in the ocean though, there’s a virtually limitless amount of great trails to explore in the UK.
Andrew