THREE GREAT BIKE TRAILS

CYCLING has captivated the hearts and minds of the public and people are willing to spend vast amounts of money to book the perfect cycling trip abroad. However, there are some fantastic locations closer to home. Rob Penn, director of cycling travel company Bikecation shares his top three.

1. Bourton on the Water, The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is perfect for cyclists as there is a vast network of quiet country lanes to explore and plenty of picturesque country towns and villages to stop at and have a cup of coffee en-route. The area can vary between rolling country lanes to steep, sharp, but ultimately short climbs. Bourton-on-the-Water, or the Venice of the Cotswolds, was once voted one of the prettiest villages in England, and with its honey-coloured stone architecture and idyllic village scenes, it’s definitely worth planning a route around.

2. Callander, Stirlingshire

Even though it is sometimes classified as a mountain bikers’ paradise, Scotland offers some of the best road cycling in the UK. The small town of Callander is situated on the River Teith in Stirling. It has often been described as the gateway to the Highlands and offers visitors a chance to explore Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Make sure to attempt the summit of the Duke’s Pass, located 13 miles from the centre of Callander. The more difficult side to ascend is from the village of Aberfoyle to the south of the pass. Be prepared for long days in the saddle as you won’t have many route options to shorten your loops, but the roads are rolling and certainly not mountainous.

3. Blissford Hill, the New Forest

If you want woodland, wildness and coastline, as well as some of the UK’s best cycling, then the New Forest is your place. With more than 100 miles of car-free cycle trails, it’s ideal for the whole family. The legendary Blissford Hill, known for its short 20 per cent gradient, is sure to test the legs, but the views make the climb worth it.