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Cycling: Take your own tour

April 29, 2024

If you like cycling and fancy an adventure then we recommend heading to the Sustrans website and planning a ride via the National Cycle Network. There are loads of routes to choose from in all areas of the country.

These challenges are great if you prefer to ride at your own pace and take in some scenery along the way. A couple of years ago Danielle and Louise, the Sportsister Founders took on the famous Coast to Coast route - 180 miles from Walney Island to Whitby. You can read about their ride here.

The Sustrans website is jam-packed with routes and advice and you can even shop maps and guides in their online shop. Take some time planning so that you get the best experience possible and check out the comments sections below each ride to see what others have to say.

Build up with a couple of day trips to get yourself in gear, then head off on your own mini tour!

Essential advice:

- You’ll need to sort out a good puncture repair kit (and be able to actually use it)

- Map and/or guide. Don’t just rely on your phone app – if the battery goes flat you will be stuck.

- Snacks and hydration. Even if you plan to stop at café’s it’s always advisable to take some food of your own too.

- Layers, if you are out all day pack some lightweight layers, when you are tired you feel the cold more and that will sap your energy even more.

Ready to get going? Here are a couple of routes to whet your appetite:

Devon Coast to Coast

This coast to coast route combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of evocative West Country rivers. Most riders do this route over a couple of days, but you could take three days if you want to take it at a really leisurely pace.

Route Details

Route: Ilfracombe (in the north) to Plymouth (in the south)
Distance: 99 miles of which 71 are traffic-free
Type: Largely traffic free and flat, although the off-road nature makes it more suitable for hybrids and mountain bikes
National Cycle Network: Route 27 and Route 3

Route Description

The route combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of the Torridge, the Tavy, the Walkham and other evocative West Country rivers. The route also skirts round the western flank of Dartmoor offering superb views of Cornwall and the surrounding area. There are also many local links and spurs to explore. Largely tracing the course of former railway lines, the route takes you through tunnels and across the breathtaking viaducts and bridges bequeathed by Victorian railway engineers.

Click here to find out more

Hadrian’s Cycleway

A ride through some of England’s most dramatic and wild countryside, taking in magnificent coastal views, breathtaking countryside and Roman forts. This route can be cycled in either direction although it is normally cycled west to east. Most people do the route in three days, but if you want to enjoy the attractions en route take four or five.

Route Details

  • From: Glannaventa Roman Bath House, Ravenglass
  • To: Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum at South Shields.
  • Distance: 174 miles
  • National Cycle Network: Route 72

Route Description

The ride stretches the length of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site in the North of England. Magnificent coastal views, breathtaking countryside, roman forts and museums, inspiring modern attractions, quaint villages and attractive market towns, all set in a World Heritage Site: this cycle route has it all!

You will ride through some of England’s most dramatic and wild countryside where you can get away from it all and enjoy the freedom of cycling in this unspoilt area.

Click here to find out more

Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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