Epic bike rides

Hold on to your handlebars as Fi Darby reveals some of the UK’s most exhilarating long-distance cycle routes

Nationwide, top seven

1 ABERDEEN TO INVERNESS

National Cycle Network (NCN) 1 journeys through Aberdeenshire countryside and along the Moray Firth coast before winding its way past Elgin Cathedral (pictured) towards Inverness. The 150-mile cycleway is 17.3% traffic-free and includes a mix of lanes, tracks and a few main roads.

2 GREAT GLEN WAY

Mountain bikes and fitness are recommended for the NCN 78 route, which includes some steep ascents and descents. Running for 66 miles through a series of glens between Fort William and Inverness, it forms part of The Caledonia Way. Combining tracks, towpaths and roads, it is 42% traffic-free, skirts Loch Ness and offers views of Ben Nevis.

3 HADRIAN’S CYCLEWAY

Incorporating much of NCN 72, Hadrian’s Cycleway spans 170 miles, from Ravenglass in the Lakes to South Shields and the North Sea. This popular coast-to-coast route is 32% traffic-free and has some climbs as it crosses the North Pennines.

4 BELFAST TO BALLYSHANNON

Taking in the historic city of Belfast, Lough Neagh and the Sperrin Mountains, this coast-to-coast cycle route (NCN 9, 91, 93, 94 and 95) offers a combination of Irish history and countryside. It covers 242 miles, is 18% traffic-free and winds along quiet roads and towpaths before climbing the Sperrins and descending into the lakelands of Fermanagh, finishing at the Atlantic Ocean.

5 GARDEN OF ENGLAND ROUTE

Starting in the heart of London at Greenwich, this 180-mile route (NCN 1, 2) follows the Thames to Dartford then climbs into Canterbury before traversing the south-east coast to Dover. Passing the Thames Barrier and Canterbury Cathedral, it is mainly traffic-free in London and 50% traffic-free overall.

6 CELTIC TRAIL

This coast-to-coast route (NCN 4) crosses Wales from Chepstow to Fishguard on the Pembrokeshire Coast. It offers 43% traffic-free riding and covers 358 miles of the 431 miles available on the NCN 4 London-to-Fishguard route.

7 WEST MIDLANDS CYCLE ROUTE

Right in the heart of England, this 164-mile cycle trail (NCN 5) travels through industry, history and culture. Starting in Oxford, the 38% traffic-free route passes Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham and Burton upon Trent on its way to Derby. sustrans.org.uk