FOUR MORE GREAT BRITISH B-ROAD RIDE-OUTS

Settle to Buttertubs

Miles 30 Good for Whoops and swoops Best bit Ribblehead Viaduct

Climbing out of Settle, the B6479 runs between the peaks of Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough on either side, winkling through small villages and farms until it opens up between drystone walls for the approach to the junction at the Ribblehead Viaduct. From there, the B6255

takes over, with a dramatic and challenging rollercoaster of a ride into Hawes — the focal point for Dales riders and always busy with bikes. Leaving Hawes, take a left turn for Hardraw, over the river, then left again up the famous Buttertubs Pass – and be glad you don’t have to pedal.

Langholm to Heriot

Miles 60 Good for Dramatic views, heather Best bit Altrieve valley

The B709 starts in Langholm and ends up 60 miles later at the A7 a few miles outside Edinburgh. Further on, beyond the tiny hamlet of Crosslee, is the Altrieve valley — a hidden gem of Borders scenery with a dramatic view from one end of the U-shaped bowl to the other.

From there the B709 hugs the hillsides north towards the town of Innerleithen and then a glorious last few miles between steep slopes either side of the road carpeted in heather which, when in bloom, is like riding across a great big Cadbury’s Fruit & Nut purple quilt.

Boscastle to Land’s End

Miles 100 Good for Pasties and tin mines Best bit St Ives!

Boscastle is a cute little fishing village and site of the famous flood in 2004 – leave on the B3263 through Tintagel with its medieval castle, a few miles further on. Beaches, bays and cliff tops are the name of the game on a ride around the region — Polzeath beach, Porthcothan

Bay, the beach at Porth, and the coastal nooks and crannies around Newquay are all picture postcard perfect destinations. The B-roads connecting them (with a few necessary As and unclassified roads, sometimes with fab cliff-top views out to sea) are a bonus.

Revesby to Conningsby

Miles 110 Good for Pure rhythmic riding Best bit Bardney Bends

From breakfast in Horncastle, a coffee in Caistor, then looping round to lunch at Willingham Woods, the first half of the route is a romp of pure B-road chicanery. Then the second half, south of Market Rasen, flows through Wragby and then on to Bardney and its eponymous

bends – the ride is all about reading the road; a good chance to hone riding technique. Glide through Woodhall Spa with its 1940s High Street, then a short loop around Methringham with its complex series of bends, before finishing with a blast back to Boston.