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Cycling in England and Wales Voyage Tips and guide

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    Cycling in England and Wales is quite good for leisure routes, with a national network developed and signposted by Sustrans. Some routes follow former railways. There are also some regional routes, and byways. Some roads will also have dedicated cycle lanes, especially in major urban centres.

    A separate guide exists at Cycling in Scotland for an overview of touring and mountain biking in Scotland.

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    Choosing a bike

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    The bicycle of choice for most cyclists in Britain is the hybrid - they have the comfort and practicality of a city bike combined with the performance (multi-speed gearing) and ruggedness of a mountain bike. Conventional mountain bikes and single-speed roadsters are also common, and folding bikes are becoming more popular in major cities. Expect to pay £100 or more for a basic model hybrid bike.

    Get around

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    By bike

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    Cycling and road conditions vary from place to place throughout England and Wales. It is not always possible to travel between towns and cities on traffic-free cycle routes.

    National Cycle Network

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    Active travel charity Sustrans looks after the National Cycle Network of signposted leisure cycle routes, on a mix of urban streets, quiet rural roads and traffic-free routes. Each route is assigned a number, displayed on a red panel - National Cycle Network Route 6 sign - throughout the United Kingdom. Routes do not always provide the fastest connections between villages, towns and cities. Notable routes includeː

    Some routes are incomplete. The National Cycle Network is marked on Ordnance Survey Explorer and Landranger series maps.

    London

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    See also: Cycling in London

    London has a network of signposted cycleways, marked with green panels - Lime green background with text: "C6" - and managed by Transport for London, the borough councils and the City of London. Most routes use segregated cycleways, with occasional mixing with motor traffic. Some routes follow quieter roads, including residential streets. A mix of leisure and commuter cyclists use these routes.

    Transport for London operates a network of cycle hire docking stations throughout Central London and parts of East London, including Stratford. These are sometimes known as "Boris bikes".

    River crossings

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    Several major road bridges feature cycle crossings. Where they do, cyclists must not use motorways and should follow signs which might prohibit cycling on A-roads. Cycleways run alongside the main carriageways in many cases. Crossings includeː

    • Hawarden Bridge - across the River Dee between Shotton and Deeside Industrial Park in Flintshire. ̪Part of National Cycle Network route 5. A shared-use path runs alongside railway tracks.
    • Humber Bridge - across the Humber between Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire and Hessle, near Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 1. A shared-use path runs alongside the dual-carriageway between Barton-upon-Humber Far Ings Road and Humber Bridge Country Park in East Yorkshire.
    • Menai Bridge - across the Menai Straight between the mainland (Gwynedd) and Anglesey Island. Part of National Cycle Network routes 5 and 8. Cyclists should use the main carriageway with motor traffic.
    • Severn Bridge - across the River Severn between Aust, Gloucestershire and Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 4. A shared-use path runs alongside the motorway between Aust Passage Road and Chepstow Caerwent Lane.
    • Silver Jubilee Bridge - across the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 562. A two-way cycleway runs alongside the road.

    Cyclists cannot ride across () Dartford Crossing, part of the London Orbital between Kent and Essex. A free pickup service operates every day of the year at select times. Solo cyclists can use a yellow telephone to summon the pickup service to the designated collection areasː

    • Kent - Crossing Offices Roundabout, South Orbital Road, Dartford, DA1 5PR
    • Essex - 859 London Road, Grays, RM20 3AT

    Full Dartford Crossing information, including group booking information, is on the UK Government websiteː gov.uk/dartford-crossing-bike

    By plane

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    Among the largest domestic flight operatorsː

    • British Airways - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles as part of your baggage allowance, stored in a padded cover or box with the maximum dimensions 190 x 95 x 65cm. Bicycles are considered oversize luggage and additional restrictions may apply. E-bikes are not permitted.
    • easyJet - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles for a fee, stored in a padded cover or box with a maximum 32kg weight. E-bikes are not permitted.
    • Ryanair - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles for a fee, stored in a protective bag or box with a maximum 30kg weight. E-bikes are not permitted.

    By ferry

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    Woolwich Ferry

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    You can take your bike on the Transport for London Woolwich Ferry across the River Thames. The ferry operates between Woolwich and North Woolwich (Silvertown) and is free. Cycle routes are signposted, to the side of the main carriageway.

    Isle of Wight

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    You can take your bike on Wightlink ferries betweenː

    You must make a reservation at no additional cost. Bikes are stowed on the ferry car decks of car ferries or the bike store on Portsmouth–Ryde Pier Head FastCats.

    You can take your bike on Red Funnel ferries betweenː

    • Southampton, Hampshire and West Cowes, Isle of Wight
    • Southampton, Hampshire and East Cowes, Isle of Wight

    You can bring bicycles on board free of charge. Cyclists should board via the lower car deck on the car ferry between Southampton and East Cowes. Bike racks are available aboard ferries between Southampton and West Cowes.

    Isles of Scilly

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    You can take your bike on the Scillonian passenger ferry between Penzance, Cornwall and St Mary's Harbour in Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly. You must book your bike on the boat before you travel, and excess luggage fees may apply.

    By train

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    National Rail

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    Folding bikes are allowed on all trains. You must carry folding bikes in a protective carrying case if you use c2c or Stansted Express services in London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

    Cycle reservations are compulsory for a small number of journeys. Cycle spaces are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis, if they are unreserved. Some operators require passengers with bikes to use vestibule areas near the doors or another clearly marked area.

    E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on all trains. Check with the operator.

    Tandems are not usually permitted.

    For other cycles, check with the train operatorː

    Bicycles are not generally permitted on rail replacement services, during periods of disruption.

    London Underground and DLR

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    As a rule of thumb, non-folded bicycles are allowed on London Underground and DLR services when they are not in tunnels.

    Non-folded bicycles are not allowed on the entire London Underground or DLR (Docklands Light Railway) network weekdays between 07ː30 and 09ː30 and between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Outside of these busy times, non-folded cycles are allowedː

    Bicycles are allowed on the cable car (between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks) at any time.

    By coach

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    Some FlixBus coaches in the UK are cycle-friendly with special carriers or covers for non-folding bikes. Cyclists can check online whether the coach for their journey can carry non-folding bikes - and reserve a slot - when they book their journey. Folding bikes can be booked on FlixBus as "special luggage" with passenger journeys.

    Non-folding bikes are generally not permitted on Megabus or National Express coaches.

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    Mobile maps and apps

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    Mobile signal to load maps and apps is generally very good in urban centres, but it can become patchy in rural areas, national parks and forests.

    Apps and websites to plan your journey include:

    • MAPS.ME. A complete maps app (in-app purchases may apply) with options to download maps for offline use. Great for areas of patchy signal.
    • OpenCycleMap. A simple-to-follow map of cycleways in England, Wales and further afield based on OpenStreetMap sources.
    • OsmAnd. Save OpenStreetMaps layers to your phone with OsmAnd, which you can use on the move, particularly in areas with patchy signal. In-app purchases may apply.
    • Strava. Record your cycle trips and track your fitness with the Strava app. You can also plan routes using the Strava website and app, or follow routes planned by fellow cyclists. It is compatible with Garmin smartwatch technologies.
    • Sustrans - National Cycle Network. The Sustrans charity website features thorough information about the UK-wide National Cycle Network, including digital maps and online guides.

    Paper maps

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    • Ordnance Survey - OS Landranger. OS Landranger maps with pink covers are designed for route planning within sub-regional areas of the UK. Major cycle routes and bridleways are shown. Examples include 116 Denbigh and Colwyn Bay and 133 North East Norfolk.
    • Ordnance Survey - OS Explorer. OS Explorer maps with orange covers are detailed maps of reasonably small areas, design for outdoor activities including mountain biking, leisure cycling, day trips and holidaying. Cycle routes and bridleways are shown in a great level of detail. Examples include OL2 Yorkshire Dales, 108 Lower Tamar Valley and Plymouth and 174 Epping Forest and Lee Valley.
    • Sustrans - Regional cycle maps. Sustrans - the charity behind the National Cycle Network - publishes a series of pocket-size cycle maps and guidebooks (e.g. Cornwall Cycle Map, Severn and Thames Cycle Map etc.).
    • Sustrans - Long distance cycle routes. Sustrans - the charity behind the National Cycle Network - publishes a series of cycle route maps, which are based on itineraries rather than regions (e.g. Way of the Roses Cycle Route Map - Morecambe to Bridlington, Celtic Trail Map/Lôn Geltaidd Map - Chepstow to St Davids Cycle Route etc.).

    Road rules

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    Road laws and etiquette are set out in the Highway Code.

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    At night, you must ride with white front and red rear lights lit. Flashing lights are permitted. You must also fit your bike with a red rear and amber pedal reflectors.

    You must not cycle on pavements, which are reserved for pedestrians, but cycling is permitted on shared-use paths marked with Shared-use path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon above an icon showing two people holding hands. or similar blue signs bearing the white bicycle icon.

    Cyclists must not use motorways (e.g. ) which are marked with UK motorways symbol - a blue sign with a white symbol of a bridge crossing two carriageways signs or any road/passage marked with the Cycling prohibited sign - a circular white sign bearing a bicycle icon with a red border (no cycling) sign. This could include major dual-carriageways (e.g. ), pedestrianised streets or small passageways.

    You must obey all traffic signs and signals. At red traffic lights or cycle-only crossings, cyclists must not cross the stop line. Some junctions shared with motor traffic have an advanced stop line, which will be marked for cyclists' use. Cyclists may at these locations cross the first stop line at a red light but must not cross the second.

    You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a zebra crossing, and must give way when they have moved onto the crossing. Drivers and cyclists should also give way to cyclists approaching parallel crossings (a cycle lane next to black and white stripes), and must give way when they have moved onto the crossing.

    Cycleways

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    Cyclists pass each other on a two-way cycle lane
    Cycleway 6 at Blackfriars, in the City of London

    Cycleways vary in style, quality and width throughout the UK. Examples include:

    • Shared-use path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon above an icon showing two people holding hands. - shared-use paths are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon alongside other modes of transport. Cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians (horse riders, if signposted) must share the space together. You should cycle with great care on shared-use paths, paying attention and being patient with other shared-use path users, who are also entitled to the same space you are using. Canal towpaths are usually shared-use paths, for example, Regent's Canal between King's Cross and Lisson Grove, London.
    • Cycle and pedestrian path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon to the right of a line, and two people holding hands to the left - segregated pedestrian and pedal cycle routes are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon on one side and walking people on the other. Cyclists must stay on their side of the pavement or route. One such route runs alongside Brighton King's Road between Hove Lawns and Brighton Pier.
    • Cycle-only route - a blue sign with a white cycle icon - cycle-only routes are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon. Only cyclists are permitted to use cycle-only routes. These could run in either one or two directions, so pay attention to arrows and No entry sign - a red sign with a white bar across the centre (no entry) signs. Cycle to the left on two-way cycleways, unless instructed otherwise. Victoria Embankment in London features a busy two-way cycleway between the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London, which can become congested at peak times. Newmarket Road () in Norwich features a city centre-bound one-way cycle track, next to the main carriageway.
    • Cycle lane sign - a blue sign with a white bike behind a diagonal white dashed line and a straight vertical line - cycle lanes are marked with square blue signs bearing a cycle lane pattern. These sit alongside lanes designed for motor traffic. Drivers of motor vehicles must not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line. They may drive in a cycle lane marked by a broken/dashed white line, but only if it is unavoidable. Drivers of motor vehicles should give way to cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind. Cardiff's Penarth Road/Heol Penarth () features narrow painted cycle lanes between the River Taff and Cardiff Central station. Cyclists may also use most bus lanes, shared with some motor vehicles. Check local signage.
    • Recommended route for pedal cycles sign - a blue sign with a white bike icon - a recommended route for cyclists, particularly on quiet roads. This is a recommendation by highways authorities and not an indication of cycling infrastructure.
    • National Cycle Network route 8 sign - a blue sign with a white bike icon, with a red panel and the number "8" printed within - a National Cycle Network route. This symbol indicates the route is part of a national cycling route and not an indication of cycling infrastructure.

    Etiquette

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    In the UK, you should cycle to the left of the road or cycleway unless told otherwise. Make room for other cyclists to overtake. Ring your bell or call "on your right" if another cyclist has not noticed you waiting to pass them.

    Cyclists are allowed to use roads with motor traffic even where a cycle lane is present, unless signposted otherwise. There is no obligation to use routes with cycle lanes.

    You can ride two abreast but make room for other cyclists and drivers to overtake where appropriate.

    You should be aware of other road users, including pedestrians and particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians.

    City cycling

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    Some cities in England and Wales have well developed cycle networks. Others have patchy networks and cyclists may need to rely on roads designed for motor traffic.

    London has a busy and comprehensive cycle network which Transport for London (TfL) coordinates. It is design for both commuter and leisure riders, with a great many traffic-free or traffic-light routes. Cyclists can plan their journeys using TfL's digital map. According to TfL, an estimated 1.26 million journeys were made by bike every day in the capital in 2023.

    Cambridge and Oxford are famous cycling cities with well developed cycle networks. Bike parking areas can become very busy.

    Cardiff has a network of numbered cycleways around the city centre, Cardiff Bay and the suburbs. These are signposted and many routes are traffic-free.

    Cycle hire

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    Cycle hire schemes are available in most major cities, with a mix of e-bikes and pedal bikes throughout England and Wales. Most schemes are pay-as-you-ride. Most schemes operate in zones, which means journeys should begin and end within defined areas. Check with the operator for details.

    Some of the largest schemes are:

    Safety

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    Do not cycle on pedestrianised streets or roads marked with the no cycling symbol Cycling prohibited sign - a circular white sign bearing a bicycle icon with a red border - a black bicycle surrounded by a red ring. Do not cycle on M-roads marked with the motorways (UK motorways symbol - a blue sign with a white symbol of a bridge crossing two carriageways) symbol (for example, in Leeds). You must stop at red traffic lights, including cycle-only traffic lights. You do not have to use cycle lanes.

    Bike theft is a risk in urban areas throughout England and Wales. To minimise the risk of theft, lock your bike to a rack, stand or object which is cemented into the ground. Ensure your frame and front wheel are secured. Securing your back wheel will further minimise the risk of theft. Report thefts to local police forces online or using the 101 phone number.

    Off-road cycling

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    Follow the Countryside Code if you are riding off-road.

    Cyclists can use bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic. Check local signage for additional restrictions. Not all bridleways and byways are well maintained, so surfaces vary.

    Some forest and national park authorities restrict cyclists to selected routes, usually to prevent damage to nationally significant ecosystems or erosion. Check local maps and signage.

    Mountain biking

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    Several authorities and private landowners run mountain bike trails - for all abilities. Be aware trails may close for maintenance from time to time. Check before you set out.

    Forestry England looks after around 2,500km of cycling trails, with full details online: forestryengland.uk/cycling

    Natural Resources Wales looks after forest trails west of the border, with full details online: naturalresources.wales/days-out/things-to-do/mountain-biking/

    Trails in England include:

    • Cannock Chase: The Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase Forest, Birches Valley, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2UQ. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course with "Grade - Black" lines featuring unavoidable rocks and rock gardens. The "Grade - Red" route features climbs, jumps, boardwalks and step-ups.
    • Dalby Forest: Black, Dalby Forest, Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Black" course designed for the most experienced MTB (mountain biking) riders, including elite riders. According to the Forestry Commission, "this is a technical world-class course, only for the best and most expert. There are many steep climbs and challenging descents, including the very rapid descent on Medusa's Drop".
    • Dalby Forest: Riggs and Dales, Dalby Forest, Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course with climbs and descents. The Forestry Commission describes the route as having "fantastic views" alongside "a good workout".
    • Dalby Forest: Jerry Noddle, Dalby Forest, Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course designed for proficient riders, with zig-zags and steep berms, plus views over Yorkshire's Langdale.
    • Forest of Dean: Freeminers Trail, Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Cannop Valley, Gloucestershire, GL16 7EH. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" series at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, with three loops and a mixture of steep climbs, descents, drop-offs and rocks.
    • Hadleigh Park, Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 2PP. Home to the London 2012 Olympic Games Cycling MTB (mountain biking) event, Hadleigh Park features several maintained courses "to suit all abilities" which are free to ride. The Olympic Mountain Bike course is 1.1 mi (1.8 km)-long and features sharp descents and climbs.
    • Sherwood Pines: The Outlaw Trail, Sherwood Pines, Kings Clipstone, near Nottingham, NG21 9JL. A 8 mi (13 km)-long Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course with berms, rocks and roots, through the famous Sherwood Forest (Robin Hood).
    • Thetford Forest: Lime Burner Trail, High Lodge, Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0AF. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course at High Lodge in Suffolk's Thetford Forest. This 10 mi (16 km)-course for experienced riders features drop-offs and rock features.
    • Thetford Forest: High Lodge mountain bike pits, High Lodge, Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0AF. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Black" course at High Lodge in Suffolk's Thetford Forest. The Forestry Commission has described this course as "severe, challenging and extremely difficult".
    • Whinlatter Forest: Red mountain bike trail, Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, near Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW. A 12 mi (19 km)-long Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course in the Lake District. It is divided into a north and south loop and designed for proficient mountain bikers.

    Trails in Wales include:

    • Afan Forest Park, Afan Forest Park, near Port Talbot, SA13 3HG. Afan Forest Park features a selection of trails in the Welsh foothills - between the sandy beach at Aberavon and the steep Brecon Beacons climbs. Y Wal and Penhydd trails are both red-rated by Natural Resources Wales, with steep hills, berms, rocks, drop-offs and water crossings.
    • BikePark Wales, Gethin Woodland Centre, Abercanaid, near Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1YZ. Beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert and pro-line routes, with plenty of downhills, at a large purpose-built all-weather MTB resort.
    • Brechfa Forest, Byrgwm, near Carmarthen, SA32 7RD. Ride the red-graded Gorlech Trail or black-rated (expert) Raven Trail at Brechfa Forest, with steep descents and climbs, jumps and switchbacks.
    • Coed y Brenin, Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre, near Dolgellau, LL40 2HZ. Natural Resources Wales maintains a series of trails at Coed y Brenin, including the red-graded Cyflym Coch and Dragon's Back, and the black-graded Beast Trail. Some trails can last several hours with "continuous difficulty" - with exposed open hill sections, water crossings, berms, rocks and roots.

    Traffic-free routes

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    There are a great many town-to-town traffic-free routes. Some are well surfaced/maintained. These include:

    • Bishop's Stortford - Braintree (Flitch Trail) - ride between Bishop's Stortford (Birchanger) and Braintree town centre in Essex along the traffic-free Flitch Trail. There is a short section through Great Dunmow which is shared with motor traffic. It is part of National Cycle Network Route 16.
    • Cambridge - St Ives - ride between Cambridge and St Ives past Histon, Longstanton and Swavesey. The route is well surfaced with access points at Cambridge North railway station (near the River Cam), A1309 Milton Road, B1049 Bridge Road and B1050 Station Road. It follows the guided busway route, known as The Busway. It is part of National Cycle Network Route 51.
    • Cardiff Bay - Pontsticill - starting at Cardiff Bay, National Cycle Network route 8 has only short sections of shared road between the Welsh capital and the hilly Brecon Beacons. This mostly traffic-free route roughly follows the River Taff through Cardiff city centre, the industrial Welsh valleys including Pontypridd, Abercynon and Merthyr Tydfil, and into the mountains beyond.
    • Canary Wharf - Ware - ride between Canary Wharf and rural Hertfordshire on an almost entirely traffic-free route (with short sections shared with motor vehicles on quiet urban streets). The route passes Mile End, Hackney, Tottenham, Enfield, Waltham Abbey, Broxbourne and St Margarets. It follows the Regent's Canal, Hertford Union Canal and Lee Navigation towpaths, which are part of National Cycle Networks routes 1 and 61.
    • Hyde Park - Limehouse - ride through central London via Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Blackfriars and the Tower of London. The route is very busy with cyclists, particularly during the morning and evening "rush hours", and involves several traffic crossings, controlled by traffic lights. The route is completely segregated from motor traffic. It is part of London Cycleway 3 (C3).
    • Princes Risborough - Thame (Phoenix Trail) - this flat, rural route is traffic-free between Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire and Thame in Oxfordshire, part of National Cycle Network route 57.
    • Shoreham-by-Sea - Guildford - ride more than 35 mi (56 km) between England's South Coast and Surrey's cathedral city, with short sections of route shared with motor traffic. Parts of National Cycle Network routes 223 and 22, the signposted link passes Steyning, Southwater, Cranleigh and Bramley.
    • Stockton-on-Tees - Seaham - National Cycle Network route 1 is well surfaced, fairly flat and almost entirely traffic free between Stockton-on-Tees and Shoreham, via Thorpe Thewles and Wingate. It uses the Castle Eden Walkway between Stockton and Castle Eden. The route crosses several major roads, where cyclists should give way to motor traffic.

    Itineraries

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    • Cuckoo Trail, a 14 mi (23 km) surfaced track through the Sussex countryside.
    • Great Glen Way, a 79 mi (127 km) route for walkers and mountain bike in the Scottish Highlands.
    • Speyside Way is a walking and cycling route in Northeast Scotland.

    See also

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