Cycling holidays are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a fantastic opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to rack up the miles, discover breathtaking scenery and create lifelong memories. We have compiled a list of some of the best cycling holidays in the UK and further afield, selected for the cycling routes available, as well as the availability of cyclist-friendly accommodation in the local area.
Morzine, France
Morzine is a traditional French mountain town and a Mecca for road cyclists looking to test their skill and stamina on the famous cols of the French Alps. For the fittest riders routes can involve several legendary Tour de France climbs all in a day’s ride, whilst those wishing to go at a steadier pace can enjoy less gruelling routes through stunning valleys and alongside the great lakes of the region.
Whatever your level of cycling, you will find charming villages for lunch stops, a very welcoming cycling community and incredible natural beauty, including towering waterfalls, deep river gorges and breathtaking views stretching from Mont Blanc to Lake Geneva. If you are keen to upgrade your holiday to a multi-activity adventure, Morzine also offers rock climbing, white-water rafting, canyoning, a fantastic mountain luge (summer sledge ride) and an excellent outdoor swimming complex. To base yourself in the heart of all the action, but in a peaceful area of the Old Town, The Farmhouse Hotel is a bike friendly spot with secure bike storage, workspace and access to all the key cycling routes.
Viking Coastal Route, Kent
No matter your ability, you are sure to find a cycle route to suit you on the Viking Coastal Route in Kent. This is a 51km circular route which can be split into shorter family-friendly rides or spread across several days so you can ride at your leisure making it perfect for a wide range of cycling holidays.
The route is a variety of parkland and long coastal stretches and takes in plenty of picturesque villages and seaside towns such as Margate and Ramsgate. Along with the spectacular scenery, there’s also an array of historical landmarks to enjoy, such as Minster Abbey, founded in 670AD and the only pre-Reformation Monastery currently in use as a Religious House in England.
For full details of the route and the gems to be found along the way, click here.
Clay Trails, Cornwall
Clay Trails in St Austell, Cornwall is another excellent choice for beginners and young families. There are nine routes to enjoy, three of which are circular, and they vary from challenging hill routes offering stunning views of St Austell Bay to more gentle trails through woodland and heathland. The Clay Trails take their name from the long history of coal mining in the region and so there are plenty of interesting heritage features to see on your rides. If you fancy combining cycling with other activities, there’s a 7km trail to the Eden Project which has been dubbed by many as the Eight Wonder of the World.
Please click here to find out more details about each route and the local area.
The Four Abbeys Route, Scottish Borders
This challenging 90km route links four of Scotland’s most beautiful abbeys: Melrose, Kelso, Dryburgh and Jedburgh. Although an experienced cyclist could most likely complete this route in one day, it’s a wonderful choice for a holiday too. Splitting the route over a few days will give you a chance to explore the abbeys and the other historical points of interest along the way, such as Cessford Castle. Although this circular route features some tough ascents through the Eldon Hills, it is well worth it for the beautiful scenery.
To find out more details about the route and area, please click here.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
Whether you are a beginner, an expert or whether you have little ones in tow, Brecon Beacons is an ideal location for a cycling holiday. From 4k to 55km, there is a wide array of routes to choose from and each has been graded according to difficulty to help you to choose the right one for your abilities. Each route will allow you to enjoy some of the most stunning countryside that Wales has to offer.
Click here to plan your routes.
The Kingfisher Cycle Trail, Northern Ireland
Named after the kingfisher due to the beautiful lakes and rivers in the area, this route features two loops which can be done individually or as a figure of eight. Covering 480k, it is suitable for a range of abilities, and you can plan your route based on how long you want your holiday to be. There’s plenty of scenery to see along the way. One particularly popular attraction is the Marble Arch Caves where you can take a break from cycling and enjoy a boat ride through the caves.
For more information on this stunning route, please click here.
North Coast 500, Scotland
This is the one route where we have broken our promise of selecting holidays with plenty of accommodation available along the way. However, we couldn’t have forgiven ourselves if we missed this one from the list. Not for the faint-hearted, this ride through the Scottish Highlands is the ultimate challenge for experienced cyclists. It’s over 500 miles long and is also popular for driving holidays. The route starts and ends in Inverness and offers some of the most beautiful views that you can find in the UK. As accommodation is difficult to find, we would suggest bringing a lightweight tent and camping supplies so you can pitch up and relax after a long day cycling. We would not recommend undertaking this gruelling challenge without prior training.
Please click here to find out more.
Cycling Holidays: Conclusion
It was certainly hard to whittle down our list of cycling holidays from the multitude of available options in the UK but this list showcases some of the best routes on offer. You should be able to select a destination suitable for your ability and the length of holiday you want.
Whilst planning your holiday, don’t forget to factor in how long it may take you to cycle common distances and ensure to pack a suitable wardrobe!
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