Top 10 Rail-to-Trail Cycleways in the UK

Over the years many old and disused railways have been turned into stunning cycling routes that a perfect for a summer bike ride through the gorgeous UK countryside. Here are our 10 favourite paths that we think you should check out…

 

Trossachs Path, Scotland

 

Passing through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nation Park, via the disused railway cycleway, cyclists can expect stunning views of the mountainous Scottish landscape. The trail is 24 miles long, from Callander to Killin, with a homely café at the mid-point. The path also crosses the old viaduct, over Glen Ogle – which is perhaps the most picturesque spot on the journey!

 

Mawddach Trail, Wales

 

From Barmouth to Dolgellau, at the foot of Cadair Idris, the Mawddach Trail can be found. This flat, coastal route in southern Snowdonia is ideal for beginners and families! Following the old Victorian railway, the Mawddach Trail is an 18-mile return journey on which cyclists can expect stunning views rich in wildlife. At the end of the trail, cyclists will find the George III public house for the perfect bite to eat!

 

Bristol & Bath Railway Path, Somerset

 

Commencing at the Bristol Harbour and finishing in Bath City Centre, this railway path is perfect for those looking to see the city and the countryside. Boasting gorgeous views of rural Gloucester, Somerset and the River Avon towards the end, this 16-mile path is great for beginners. Cyclists can even stop at the Old Warmley Station café for some tasty food on their journey!

 

Shepherd Trail, Suffolk

 

The Shepherd Trail at High Lodge in Thetford Forest has two routes to choose from and is perfect for families! The Green route is ideal for beginners or those with young ones: it is quiet, flat and provides a wide berth. The second, or Beater Trail, features more tight corners and bumps which are perfect for more experienced cyclists. Both routes boast stunning scenery, in a picturesque woodland setting.

 

The Cinder Track, North Yorkshire

 

Along the beautiful east coast, the Cinder Track can be found! At 21-miles long, boasting views of the Scarborough and Whitby cliffs, this path makes for a great day out for the more experienced cyclists. Be sure to block out the whole day as the track has many incredible spots to stop off at including Maw Wyke Hole and Robin Hood’s Bay! And the cherry on top? Cyclists can explore Scarborough Castle at the end of the track.

 

Leicester City to King Lear’s Lake, Leicestershire

 

Following alongside the River Soar through Abbey Park and finishing at the Watermead nature reserve, this path is easy to follow and relatively traffic-free. Cyclists can expect to see the remains of the 12^th Century abbey and the National Space Centre – both of which are great places to stop and explore! Upon arrival at Watermead, cyclists will find two-cycle loops which traverse the flower-filled meadows and wildlife areas of the reserve. Being just a 15-mile return journey, this path is great for families!

 

The Solar System Greenway, York

 

Space exploration in the centre of York? The perfect day out for families with little ones, it’s the Solar System Greenway located on the East Coast Mine Line. The 12-mile return path features a scale model of the solar system (created by the University of York) and a ‘green corridor’ with lots of wildlife!

 

Deeside Way, Aberdeenshire

 

Feel like a royal, on the route to Balmoral! This picturesque and traffic-free trail down Deeside Way follows the former railway route that used to transport the Royal Family to Balmoral Castle. Starting at the eastern side of the Cairngorms National Park, this path follows a relatively flat route through the forest, by the Cambus O’May bridge to Aboyne! The trail is 22-miles there and back – it’s perfect for nature lovers.

 

Camel Trail, Cornwall

 

Perhaps the most famous rail-to-trail cycleway is the Camel Trail in northern Cornwall. Starting at Bodmin Moor, the trail is mostly off-road and follows the River Camel into Wadebridge, down to Padstow – which is well-known for its lovely restaurants and cafes. It’s 18-miles long, so provides plenty of time to sample the gastro delights ins Padstow.

 

Tarka Trail, Devon

 

Last but not least – and certainly not for the faint-hearted – is the Tarka Trail in Devon. Coming in at close to 200-miles long this is no short feat! Comprised of a few disused railway tracks, the trail is the country’s longest traffic-free former railway line. The route begins in the market town of Barnstaple, looping north by Exmoor, back through Barnstaples and down to Okehampton! Why not make a staycation of it and stay at one of the many hotels or guesthouses along the route?

 

There are so many fantastic places to explore, so why not make an adventure out of them this summer for your staycation? Don’t forget, at PF Jones, we have all the equipment you need including cycle carriers for all family sizes and budgets – get yours here.