Our Gym Is Better….
Why spend hours on a stationary bike in a stuffy gym when you can enjoy the fresh air and scenic views by cycling outdoors? Not only will you get a great workout, but you’ll also benefit from the additional health perks that come with exercising in nature. Our gym is the outdoors… why not join us?
Our Pick of the Best UK Cycling Routes
Power up your pedal with these workout routes from British Cycling. A perfect low impact cardio workout it’s time to ditch the spin bike and head outside and explore a new area. We have chosen a selection of family friendly routes, a few nice hilly routes and some nice long routes to test your pedal power.
Cycling Inspiration
Read More Inspiring Advice for Winter Wellness…
Allesley Park – Coventry
This is an ideal route for all the family and all abilities. Totally off road and traffic free. The route is within the popular Allesley Park with free parking. The ride takes you round the park anti-clockwise and takes you past a childrens play area, magnificent trees and a pond. There is just one slight incline to get those muscles warm. You can ride ride round as many times as you want. A wonderful piece of greenery to explore within a busy city!
Blaise, Tyntesfield & the Avon Bridges – Bristol
This route takes in a number of landmarks around the Bristol area. Stop at the National Trust’s Tyntesfield House, ride across the River Avon, the Avonmouth Bridge and across Brunel’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.There are a few hills and the longest climb is 400 feet over a distance of just more than 2 miles.
Bays, Trails and Mansions – Cardiff
A steady circular route of just under 18 miles highlighting some of Cardiff’s gems. Starting in Cardiff Bay, riding across the famous barrage and along the Ely Trail to the Welsh Folk Museum, St. Fagans. The open air museum is situated in the grounds of a 16th century mansion with stunning surroundings. After a quick break and photo opportunity, we return via an exciting route with a coffee stop at Insole Court Mansion and its unique grade 2 listed garden. The final section of the route passes by Llandaff Cathedral, through Llandaff and Pontcanna Fields and returns to the Bay via the Taff Trail. Please note the Ely Trail has some unpaved sections but suitable for all bike types.
Vale Farm Sports Tour – London
Starting at a swimming pool (you might like a quick dip before the ride!) and finishing at a running track, this route focuses on more than just the three sports of the triathlon. Exploring some of Wembley’s sporting heritage, you pass by Wembley Cricket Club, Wembley FC’s stadium and what was the site of London Wasps Rugby Football Club between 1923 and 2000, not to mention enjoying fabulous views of the new Wembley Stadium. The route is mostly traffic free but incorporates a few quiet roads – great to build confidence of cycling on the road!
Bolt to Bolster – Manchester
Get away from the hustle and bustle and head for the hills! This ride starts at Alexander Park, Oldham, takes you along breathtaking scenic roads through the pennines into West Yorkshire. Sites along the route include New Years Bridge & Dowry Reservoirs and Bolster Moor. We return through the villages of Slaithwaite and Marsden, then through the scenic areas of Oldham, Diggle, Delph, Scouthead and Austerlands. This ride has lots of hills but it’s more than worth the effort for the spectacular views
2 Valleys to Gibside – Newcastle
This is a family friendly ‘out and back’ route along a popular cycle path with great views along the Derwent Valley. Red kites are often seen along the valley, and the gradual climb up to Gibside is rewarded with a visit to one of the finest National Trust properties in the Country. The National Trust has invested in a major project to offer Gibside’s visitors purpose-built, all-weather parking facilities and an improved arrival experience for pedestrians, cyclists and buses too. The local staff and volunteers want to show you that Gibside is a great local destination for people arriving by bicycle. Please check opening times before planning your ride.
The Great Bites Bait Lock Adventure – Cambridge
Come and try this fantastic 7 mile route that makes the most of the amazing traffic free cycling along the River Cam. Starting at Abbey Leisure Centre you make your way to the lovely Stourbridge Common taking in the views of Cambridge United football ground along the way. From here you pick up the iconic River Cam National Cycle Route 11 all the way to Baits Lock where there is the option to take a breather and have some refreshments (don’t forget to bring some sandwiches!) before making your way back to the start point. This route is perfect for anybody wanting to get out and stretch the legs a little taking in some amazing views by bike!
Tour of the Test Valley – Southampton
This 21 mile road route heads out from the Sainsbury’s store at the Lords Hill District Centre into the rolling lanes and villages of the Test Valley including part of The Test Way. As you head off, enjoy wonderful riverside views, perhaps catching a glimpse of salmon fishing on the Test. It is a wonderful exploration on rural roads of the beautiful Test Valley including historic Romsey.
Churches and Chapels – Plymouth
Embark on a journey passing some of Plymouth’s religious sites with this great route along quiet streets, park paths and shoreline wonders. Overlook Firestone Bay, Drake’s Island, and Mount Edgcumbe as you set off from Devils’ point. Take in parks, churches, chapels and heritage sites of the old towns of Stonehouse and Devonport before meandering through the Historic Barbican. Finish with a climb up to the panoramic view from Plymouth Hoe.
Frankley We’re Lost! – Birmingham
This is a challenging, hilly route with almost 400 metres (1300 feet) of climbing. Quickly escaping the City limits, you ride out into the countryside taking you around the Waseley Hills and through Catshill, straight over the Lickey Hills and passing through Barnt Green.
Knights and Queens – Maidstone
Leave the hustle and bustle of a Maidstone city centre behind and within a few miles you will experience the breath-taking vision of Leeds Castle, rising majestically from the moat as it has done for over 900 years, amongst the beautiful parkland and formal gardens. Starting your journey at Shepway Community Centre, you’ll be met with a few short, sharp climbs as well as breath-taking views of Kent countryside. It all makes for an incredibly enjoyable route. Have some refreshments at the Castle before making your way back to the Shepway Community Centre.
Snacks at Snape – Ipswich
This route takes you from Kesgrave out to the world famous Snape Maltings, home of the Aldeburgh Festival and spiritual home of Benjamin Britten. On the Outward journey the route passes through picturesque Woodbridge and rural routes before arriving at Snape where there will be a chance to see the river and surrounding marshland. You can spot a a couple of Henry Moore sculptures and grab a cuppa before returning via Rendlesham Forest, scene of a well documented UFO incident near the US airbase, through Woodbidge and looping round back to Kesgrave mainly via quiet back roads.
The Richard III Ride – Leicester
This ride will take you back to 1485 and the end of the Plantagenet dynasty. Starting in the centre of Leicester you will pass the site of the car park where King Richards’s body was discovered. Using mainly quiet roads and traffic free paths you will arrive at the hamlet of Sutton Cheney and the Church where, legend says that the King took his last communion prior to the Battle of Bosworth. From the Church it’s a short ride to the site of the Battle. Returning to Leicester you finish at the Richard III visitor exhibition.
A Bold Day Out – St Helens
This is a lovely flowing route which encircles the estate of the Earl of Derby in Knowsley. You head out via St Helens, Thatto Heath, Clock Face, Bold Heath, Penketh, Cronton and finally back to Knowsley via Childwall. The route is challenging in nature but easily attainable by anybody that fancies putting themselves to the test!
Le Tour de Trowbridge
This scenic route is set in the picturesque surroundings of eastern Trowbridge’s beautiful countryside. Heading out of suburbia through the green parks you’ll embark on rural lanes passing quaint villages. Other sights include Steeple Ashton which dates back to the 1200’s and is described as one of the finest examples of perpendicular Gothic architecture in England and makes for a great stopping point.