The best road cycling routes in England

England offers a vast network for road cyclists, with over 100,000 routes available on komoot. This includes more than 34,000 easy routes, over 63,000 moderate routes, and more than 9,000 difficult routes, catering to all skill levels.

England's diverse landscape provides a variety of terrain for road cycling. You can expect everything from the dramatic coastlines and sweeping moorlands of areas like Exmoor National Park, to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, and the ancient woodlands found along routes such as the Chigwell and Epping loop from London Fields. Many routes also feature quiet country lanes and disused railway lines.

Yes, England offers numerous challenging routes. For instance, the Round the Island Route is a difficult 65.2-mile (104.9 km) trail with extensive coastal views and varied terrain. Another demanding option is the Fred Whitton Challenge western loop from Grasmere, which features significant elevation gain in the Lake District.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in England, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse scenery, from dramatic coastlines to tranquil woodlands, and the well-established network of routes that cater to various skill levels. Many appreciate the blend of physical activity with opportunities to explore charming villages and historical sites.

Yes, England has several family-friendly options, often found on traffic-free paths or disused railway lines. The Tissington Trail in the Peak District and the 10-mile Meon Valley Trail in the South Downs National Park are excellent examples, offering gentle rides through scenic landscapes suitable for all ages.

Absolutely. Many road cycling routes in England are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the 28-mile circular route around Windermere in the Lake District, the challenging 130-mile Yorkshire Dales Cycleway, and the Epping Forest, Toot Hill & Ethos Coffee loop from Walthamstow.

England's National Parks are prime cycling destinations. You can find routes in the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, South Downs, and Northumberland National Parks. These areas offer breathtaking scenery and dedicated routes for various skill levels. For more information on cycling in these protected areas, you can visit nationalparks.uk.

Many routes offer access to stunning natural attractions. You might encounter dramatic coastal views, serene lakes, and majestic mountains. Some routes pass near impressive waterfalls like Aira Force or geological formations such as Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Waterfall. The St Ives, St Just & Penzance loop from Hayle in Cornwall offers beautiful coastal scenery.

Yes, areas around London and the Home Counties provide access to quiet country lanes and beautiful landscapes. Routes like the St Albans loop from Hampstead Heath, the Leith Hill loop from Barnes, South West London, and the Hertford & Essenden loop from London Euston offer excellent escapes into the countryside, including challenging climbs like Box Hill.

Many road cycling routes in England are designed to pass through charming villages and towns, offering ample opportunities to refuel. You'll often find quaint cafes and traditional pubs along the way, perfect for a break. For example, the South London lanes loop - Brixton to Maison du Velo Reigate offers a destination at a cycling-friendly cafe.

The best time for road cycling in England is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Summer months offer the warmest temperatures, but spring and autumn can provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.