Travel Geeks

The experts’ travel manual

Q // I’d like to do a long-distance cycle in the UK. What do you recommend?

It’s the Everest of British cycling: the longest, hardest ride you can do without running out of road. But pedalling from John O’Groats to Land’s End (or the other way) is a long, logistically fraught endeavour, however, so if you’re set on testing your mettle on two wheels, then check out the 980mile Deloitte Ride Across Britain for a fully supported, nineday annual event. rideacrossbritain.com

But there are shorter and o„en more spectacular alternatives for those who want a proper endtoend journey to break up the usual cycle of circuits or loops. The next mostfamous — and more popular — longdistance route is the Sea to Sea (C2C) ride across the width of Britain rather than the length. Running between the Irish Sea and the North Sea, from Cumbria to Tyneside, the 137mile route passes through the Lake District before climbing the Pennines and descending to the railway paths of County Durham. You’ll have more favourable winds — and longer downhill sections — riding from west to east, and you could do it in a day if you’re very fit. If you prefer to break it up, Saddle Skedaddle o—ers a more leisurely fiveday alternative in June, July and September, with B&Bs booked along the way. Sustrans has all the route information if you’re keen on doing it solo. skedaddle.com sustrans.org.uk

The North Coast 500, meanwhile, is actually a loop. It brings together 516 miles of spectacular Scottish coastline and Highland scenery and can be cycled over several days. Just beware the summer crowds and plan ahead — the route has been a huge hit with cyclists since its launch in 2015. Northcoast500. com has a suggested eightday itinerary starting in Inverness, including recommended sights and stops, with an average of 65 miles’ cycling each day.

Or why not go o—road as part of the current trend for ‘gravel’ — a cross between road and mountain biking? The South Downs Century is a 100mile legbuster from Winchester to Eastbourne, mostly along chalk tracks, with beautiful views of the Downs and English Channel. You’ll find routes online, or sign up for a supported event staged each July by CX Sportive, which includes food and drink stations along the way. trailbreak.co.uk/cx-sportive SIMON USBORNE

FROM LEFT: Cycling in the Lake District; Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam, a short train ride from Berlin