YOUR NEXT GREAT RIDE

SEDBERGH, THE PENNINES

SUMMER IN BRITAIN. There’s no better time to be out on a bike – and no better place than the high hills of the North of England. When the sun is out and the skies are blue, the landscape seems to shine with vitality. Just standing there is enough to make you glad to be alive. But we wouldn’t want to do too much standing around – not when there are roads like these to be ridden.

There are loads of great bikefriendly places to stop in Yorkshire, Cumbria and County Durham. With the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines on the doorstep, a few days based in Sedbergh opens up a world of riding possibilities – whether you want to ride over England’s highest A-road (Killhope summit) or visit its highest pub (the Tan Hill Inn), ride its steepest pass (Hardknott Pass) or just enjoy a more laid-back loop on broad and scenic roads that wind across open moors.

There are roads here to suit all kinds of bikes – tight and challenging single-track lanes for adventure bikes as well as broad, smooth ones to suit two-up tourists. Some popular roads can see a bit of traffic at the weekends (especially if you head into the Lakes) but if you treat yourself to a midweek trip, you’ll barely see another soul. For the finest, quietest riding, head into the Pennines – it’s what British summer was made for.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s remarkably easy. If you’re in a hurry, just follow the M6 to J37 and pick up the A684 to Sedbergh. If you are in less of a rush, the A684 through the Dales from the A1 is much more fun. WHEN TO GO: At any time outside winter, but the height of summer is best. WHERE TO STAY: Try the bike-friendly Bull Hotel on Sedbergh Main Street. WHERE TO RIDE: You’re spoilt for choice out here. We have day trips in the Pennines, Lakes and Dales available to download from www.ride.co.uk/routes