Travel the country – courtesy of Swift Go
Broaden your horizons and travel further. Here we share a range of routes across the country to allow you to maximise your cycling adventures.
Looking for a family ride?
Visit the Lake District: Ambleside to Grasmere via the Grasmere Trail
Distance: 10.4 miles
This is a stunning ride from the off, leaving the busy traffic of Ambleside behind as you cross Rothay Park and head towards Grasmere on bridleways and quiet lanes.
The route goes along the idyllic shorelines of Rydal Water and Grasmere with time to stop for a picnic and a paddle! Reward yourself in Grasmere village with the famous gingerbread or visit one of the numerous cafes before heading back. With little traffic, this is an ideal ride for active families and leisure cyclists.
Bike hire is also available from Ghyllside Cycles, Ambleside.
Fancy taking the scenic route?
Yorkshire Dales, with views of the Dentdale Valley
Distance: 12 miles
This route begins in the picturesque 'book town' of Sedbergh, in north-west of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Surrounded by the Howgill Fells and moorland hills this is a beautiful area for a bike ride.
The route takes you out on quiet country roads across some rolling hills on its way to the cobbled streets of Dent and its white-washed cottages. There are some beautiful views to take in on the way to Dent that can be discussed over a well-earned drink and snack at half distance. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, so remember to bring some money for cake, coffee or whatever takes your fancy.
The return portion of the route treats you to some views of the Dentdale valley from the opposite side of the River Dee as it uses the Pennine Cycleway (route 68 of the National Cycle Network) to wind itself back to the start point in Sedbergh.
Great for a relaxing ride
Travel the Pennines: To the Summit!
Distance: 19.1 miles
This steady ride follows the route 66 of the National Cycle Network along the towpath of the Rochdale Canal as it cuts its way through the Pennine Hills. The ride starts at Littleborough and passes through the quaint and quirky towns of Walsden, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, showcasing the best of Calderdale.
The Rochdale Canal is the highest broad canal in England at 600 feet and was the first of the trans Pennine routes to be fully opened. The canal passes by the summit tunnel which is one of the oldest railway tunnels in the world and was credited as the longest when it opened in 1841. The half-way point is Hebden Bridge's Stubbing Wharf where there is a lovely pub serving good food and beverages. The return journey retraces the outward route back to Littleborough.
Keen to explore?
New Forest: Hythe Ferry to Calshot
Distance: 29.4 miles
Starting from Southampton Town Quay we recommend you take the ferry to Hythe and explore the quiet lanes and cycle paths of the New Forest.
When you arrive in Hythe take a short walk along the Pier which sits next to the oldest continuously operating public pier train in the world. Cycle along quiet lanes and cycle paths onto the New Forest and Beaulieu, famous for its National Motor Museum and Abbey before reaching the famous Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway. There's a great cafe here so stop off and enjoy some refreshments.
The route continues to the coast road and up to Lepe which has great views of the Isle of Wight. Breath in the fresh sea air and take time to explore the coast. Lepe is famous for the building of The Mulberry Harbours used in the D Day landing of France! Stop at the Calshot Activity Centre and explore the velodrome or ski slope before returning back via quiet country lanes to Hythe and the ferry.
About Swift Go
Swift Go enables you to seek out new experiences with amazing flexibility and comfort, but without the hassle of booking hotels. Their vehicles are superbly equipped and can be driven with a standard licence, and they offer free secure parking for your car at their Manchester and Edinburgh bases.
Online booking takes just a few clicks and everything you need is included in the price, so there are no hidden extras to worry about. From a fully equipped kitchen and washroom, to a TV and even onboard WiFi, each vehicle is ready with the home comforts for your perfect escape.
British Cycling members get 10% off motorhome hire from Swift Go, visit our member benefits page to claim the discount.
