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Original poster

Where is your favourite place ever to go on a bike ride

62 replies

Kittenswhiskers · 09/03/2025 14:47

ideally with a nice solid path for most of it
ideally water views and a proper cycle path not in the road

OP posts:
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Radiatorvalves · 11/03/2025 07:23

wastingtimeonhere · 10/03/2025 17:47

Following for inspiration. I'm currently researching ebikes. My knees aren't what they were for hills!

I recently went on an Exodus bike trip in the Far East. The majority had e-bikes even though it was fairly flat. I think they are fab - opening up so many possibilities.

raininginlanzarote · 10/03/2025 18:07

Sark

wastingtimeonhere · 10/03/2025 17:47

Following for inspiration. I'm currently researching ebikes. My knees aren't what they were for hills!

Cyclebabble · 10/03/2025 16:53

Hi OP if you are around the Midlands area as others have suggested Bristol to Bath is good and completely on a path, or for a good day ride try Bradford on Avon to Bath alongside the river and canal. It is a lovely ride and the views towards the end are spectacular. Bath is also surprisingly easy to cycle around if you follow the marked routes.

Jabberwok · 10/03/2025 16:50

Kittenswhiskers · 09/03/2025 22:59

Oh what’s your starting point ? I’d love to cycle around Bristol

Show quote history

Portishead, I may have exaggerated the road bit. It uses very, very quite roads. Alternatively you could park at the Avonmouth park and ride and cycle on the pavement on the A4 portway which is a cycle path through the Avon gorge, under the suspension bridge. You can them ride along the harbour side right into the centre of town without having to use a road. There are numerous cycle paths from there, in fact you can go to bath with only needing to cross roads via cycle specific pelican crossings.

MrsMoastyToasty · 10/03/2025 15:00

Bristol to Bath cycle track , especially in the Bitton area where there is a steam railway with a cafe.

Goodadvice1980 · 10/03/2025 14:50

Cinder path, Whitby 🚲

ZenNudist · 10/03/2025 14:25

Another good old railway line one is the one from keswick to Threlkeld in the lake district. That's by water too, the River Greta. There a great cafe in the townhall in Threlkeld or a lovely pub.

ZenNudist · 10/03/2025 14:23

Stumbleine · 09/03/2025 22:48

The Monsal trail in the Peak District

Came on to say this. It's such a fun route. Ever so slightly uphill on the way from bakewell to the other end so much fun freewheeling through tunnels on the way back. Love all the railway station cades en route but I like the one at bakewell so get back for a good lunch or tea and cake.

blobby10 · 10/03/2025 14:19

A friend of mine did a week in The Netherlands - said it was amazing. So flat and well set up for cyclists.

Radiatorvalves · 10/03/2025 14:18

grannycake · 10/03/2025 14:11

Lake Annecy bike path goes right around the lake. It's my happy place

I must try this. Have you ever been to Serre Ponçon lake (couple of hours south of Grenoble). It’s about 100km round and stunning. My very happy place!

stickygotstuck · 10/03/2025 14:18

1985

ElbowsUpRising · 10/03/2025 14:14

New Forest
The forest trails round Aberfoyle.

grannycake · 10/03/2025 14:11

Lake Annecy bike path goes right around the lake. It's my happy place

StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 10/03/2025 14:04

Exe Estuary Trail in Devon. It's only one day worth of cycling though.

There's also the Granite Way and Tarka Trail

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 10/03/2025 14:02

The New Forest has loads of cycling routes on gravel paths.

Faz469 · 10/03/2025 10:36

Stumbleine · 09/03/2025 22:48

The Monsal trail in the Peak District

I second this

augustusglupe · 10/03/2025 10:26

Ilovemyshed · 09/03/2025 21:12

Around Rutland Water

Same. Great memories of this place.

Mielikki · 10/03/2025 10:21

Mallorca. In the UK, New Forest - gravel roads with no motor traffic for miles.

Spann · 10/03/2025 10:18

I have too many favourites to mention, as it really depends on what kind of distance you're after and fitness ability, but a safe bet is to circumnavigate the Isle of Cumbrae, which although is on (very quiet) roads which I know you're not looking for, there is very little motor traffic and I'd say it's safe for young children too. About 10 mile flat route and amazing views across the water on the west side particularly, cafe stops and a 10 minute ferry from Largs to get to the island for that extra feeling of remoteness, wonderful 🤩

RiRaAgusRuailleBuaille · 10/03/2025 09:54

Hayling Island in Hampshire (ex railway line) and the Isle of Wight from Sandown to Cowes. Done both with kids (DS in a trailer and then on a tagalong) several times, always very enjoyable.

Runssometimes · 10/03/2025 09:49

The Loire in France. One of my favourite holidays ever. Nearly all cycle paths. Mostly along the river. Through beautiful towns and plenty of castles to visit, including Villandry and Chambord which are just gorgeous. Many people do 60km a day, we averaged 35 as we had long lunches with wine and then meandered along slowly. Check out Loire à Velo.

Cyclebabble · 10/03/2025 08:24

I am a keen cyclist and live in Norfolk. For a few days I would recommend the Norfolk coastal cycling route. It is relatively easy. Is not on any busy roads and has beautiful views. For a day ride I would recommend the route which goes between the National Trust properties of Blickling and Felbrigg and then onwards to Cromer. For a very short ride go from Burnham through the Holkham estate and on to the sea. The Holkham estate has a cycle path right through it which is traffic free (great for kids) and you see some fabulous things including the deer.

LindorDoubleChoc · 10/03/2025 08:15

A couple of people asked about my cycle to Vienna along the banks of the Danube. It was a pre-booked tour in a group although in practice we hardly saw anyone else in our group as everyone was free to set off at any time during the day. We weren't all together all the time.

The guest houses were booked in advance by the tour company and our luggage was driven from destination to destination (so easy peasy). The cycling was all flat and perfectly easy to do in an unhurried day. I think it took a week or 8 days. As you can imagine the scenery was breath taking at times and we didn't actually hit a road (apart from in the Austrian city of Linz, very pretty) until we reached Vienna.

soupyspoon · 09/03/2025 23:47

junebirthdaygirl · 09/03/2025 23:42

Ils de Re in France. Fly to La Rochelle, taxi across Bridge to island. Cars mostly parked up . Every village has bike rental so lots of cycling paths. Totally safe and not hilly. Cycle through vineyards and by the sea. Beautiful little villages. We love it. Best not to go in July August as gets very busy.

Im going to research this, sounds lovely

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