Some of the best cycling experiences in the UK and Ireland which can be self-guided with advice from Jonathan Friend

Here are 12 long distance cycle routes in the UK and Ireland mostly for duration up to 4 days except for two which are full weeks. There is a mix of on and off-road, and some with both. Two are in Scotland, one in Wales and two in Ireland. The rest in England. Four are C2Cs and half are recognised routes whilst the other half are my own creation. Bear in mind these are my favourites so you will no doubt note some omissions (such as LEJOG).

1. The C2C Coast to Coast Cycle Route – the ‘Sea to Sea’ 136 miles up to 3 days

This is the iconic coast to coast cycle, normally cycled in two and half to three days. Some testing hills and beautiful scenery.

The route is normally cycled West to East, with start points at Whitehaven and Workington, and end points at Tynemouth or Sunderland.

Mainly on road but some optional off road – hybrids recommended

2. Wainwright’s Route Coast to Coast 170 miles 4 to 5 days

This cycle tour follows (as close as possible) Alfred Wainwright’s famous coast to coast walking route. A challenging bike ride the route takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Northern England. For the more adventurous rider there are some optional off-road sections taking you off the beaten track. The first two days are in the spectacular Lake District National Park with an overnight stay in Keswick. Leaving ‘The Lakes’, the route climbs over the remote Pennine Hills before descending into the Yorkshire Dales to ‘Swaledale’ (a real gem). Riding through many picturesque villages along quiet country roads lined with dry stone walls you reach the market town of Richmond. The final section of the route passes through North Yorkshire Moors National Park, renowned for some of the best off-road biking in England. The tour finishes in the quaint fishing port of Robin Hood’s Bay.

3. Hadrian’s Cycleway Tynemouth to Carlisle 85 miles 2 to 3 days

Probably the second most popular and easier coast-to-coast route.

Often cycled East to West for best views of the Wall. Starting in Tynemouth along the same route as the C2C, the route then keeps to the Tyne Valley to cross the Pennines and closely follows Hadrian’s Wall visiting most of the iconic Wall features. It is best enjoyed at leisure by explorers of history, psychogeography, and teashops!

4. Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route 102 miles 2 to 3 days

From either Ilfracombe or Bude on the north coast of Devon to Plymouth on the south coast.

This is a wonderful route taking in coasts, estuaries and beaches, plus The Granite Way on the flank of Dartmoor, the Plym Valley Trail and the famous Tarka Trail.

Easier than the North of England’s C2C, but still with some climbs – it’s not flat! If you’re not sure about the real C2C as a challenge, maybe do this one first?

5. English South Coast -Dorset, IOW and New Forest 170 miles in 3 days

A substantially coastal ride of great variety within easy reach of London. Commencing in Weymouth

the route runs close to the Dorset Coast ( with recommended hiking excursions to visit the iconic coastal sites such as Durdle Door. Then on to the Isle of Purbeck, Bournemouth and Lymington, the jumping off point for the Isle of Wight. After a full circumnavigation of the island, the route returns to the mainland at Lymington after which follows an exploratory ride through the New Forest finishing in Brockenhurst. Both start and finish points are on the main rail line into London. Suitable for road bikes but if you wish to take advantage of the amazing network of trails in the New Forest, then go for a hybrid.

6. Great North Trail - English section 265 miles 6 to 7 days

From the Peak District (Matlock) to Scottish Border (Keilder Forest -Cheviots)

A tough off-road route which has been recently devised and is as close as possible to the famous walking Pennine Way. The route continues to Cape Wrath in Scotland.

7. Lake District Round 167 miles on and off road in 4 days

A mix of on and off road (some single track) which visits every major lake, water, reservoir. Quite strenuous in parts, this is certainly a ‘challenge ride’ including some 25% grades. However, with probably the most beautiful scenery in England this Ride is quite stunning.

8. Wales -North West to South East 210 miles in 4 days

This is not the North to South close to the Welsh/English Border but from Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey to Chepstow on the Severn Estuary. Visiting Caernarvon with its famous castle, Snowdonia, the remote central Welsh Cambrian Mountains, Hay-on-Wye and the Black Mountain. A Ride full of variety and excitement and all on-road.

9. West Highland Way 95 miles 3 to 4 days

One of the classic walking routes in Scotland which can also be cycled with a mountain bike. Commencing at the southern end of Loch Lomond, it follows the Loch and then across the wild Rannoch Moor to Fort William. An Iconic route.

10. Northern Scotland 500 – 500 miles in 8 days

Already reviewed in a previous Blog. This is a new on-road route through the best mountain, glen and coastal scenery in Scotland. A world class road route which also features the highest road pass in Scotland.