Best of British
There are amazing castles in every corner of the kingdom – so why not visit one?
FROM DOVER IN the south of England to Thurso on the Scotland’s north coast, the UK is covered with castles. Some are mere ruins – a few walls or a grasscovered mound is all that remains. Others are more substantial, many better preserved and one or two of the grandest are still inhabited – and most of them welcome visitors.
The great British castle makes a great destination to provide the focus for a ride. Choose which one to head for carefully – some will entertain you for an hour, while others are so large they can occupy you for an afternoon or even longer. Many of the most impressive castles are in the centres of the cities they were built to defend, but there are plenty of others in rural locations, surrounded by brilliant roads. Here are 10 routes round some first-class fortresses for you to enjoy.
NORTHERN POWERHOUSES
Start/finish: Jedburgh Distance: 135 miles This route passes Alnwick, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne castles, as well as the ruins of Floors Castle in Kelso. Check the tide tables before going to Lindesfarne.
HISTORIC HIGHLANDS
Start/finish: Inverness Distance: 245 miles A full day’s ride on amazing roads, from the well-preserved Cawdor Castle to the magnificent ruins of Dunotter Castle on the coast.
FORTRESSES OF DUMFRIES
Start/finish: Moffat Distance: 125 miles This flowing, involving route is built around two majestic ruined castles – three-sided Caerlaverock and towering Threave.
YORKSHIRE’S FINEST
Start/finish: Thirsk Distance: 125 miles This route involves three of Yorkshire’s most spectacular ruined castles (Helmsley, Richmond and Bolton castles) as well as one of the county’s best roads (the B1257).
EASTERN PROMISE
Start/finish: Diss Distance: 80 miles Two very different castles in the rural heart of East Anglia – the ruined Orford Castle and preserved Framlingham Castle – united by one flowing, rewarding route.
DYFED DEFENCES
Start/finish: Carmarthen Distance: 115 miles Miles of quiet, twisty, spectacular roads link two of the most beautiful ruined castles in South Wales: Carreg Cennen and Cilgerran.
NORN IRON
Start/finish: Ballymena Distance: 125 miles From the largest Norman castle in Northern Ireland at Carrickfergus, this is a truly memorable ride that heads out to the windswept, romantic ruins of Dunluce Castle.
KINGS OF KENT
Start/finish: Tunbridge Wells Distance: 95 miles There are four amazing castles on this route – Bodiam, Pevensey, Herstmonceux and Hever. Choose one (or at the most two) for a decent-length visit.
SOUTHERN STYLE
Start/finish: Dorchester Distance: 115 miles From the elegant ruins of Corfe Castle to the still strong-looking Old Wardour Castle, via Zig Zag Hill, this is a great ride.
STUFF OF LEGENDS
Start/finish: Bodmin
Distance: 75 miles Cornwall’s Restormel Castle is a stunning, elegant ruin while Tintagel’s famed as the birthplace of King Arthur. The roads between them deliver a magical ride.