10 UK Cycling Routes Perfect for This Time of Year

Cycling | Outdoor Activities | Posted 2026.01.14

Quiet roads, crisp air and a well-earned pint at the end of the ride – late winter and early spring are some of the best times to explore the UK by bike. The crowds are thinner, the landscapes are waking up, and there’s something deeply satisfying about warming up beside a pub fire after a day on two wheels.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a leisurely pedaller, these 10 UK cycling routes are ideal for this time of year — and even better when paired with a stay in a pub along the way.

1. Camel Trail, Cornwall

Best for: Traffic-free cycling with coastal flavour
Distance: Up to 18 miles (flat)

Running between Padstow and Wenford Bridge, the Camel Trail is a firm favourite for good reason. This former railway line is mostly flat, making it perfect for early-season legs, with estuary views that feel fresh and invigorating at this time of year.

Where to stay: A cosy Cornish pub with rooms near the trail makes it easy to ride out and roll back in time for supper.
Recommended pub stays: Old Custom House, The Oystercatcher

2. Monsal Trail, Peak District

Best for: Limestone scenery and gentle gradients
Distance: 8.5 miles

Spring brings fresh colour to the White Peak, and the Monsal Trail delivers dramatic views without punishing climbs. Tunnels and viaducts add interest, while nearby villages offer plenty of reasons to linger.

Pub stay tip: Choose a Peak District pub with hearty food and comfortable rooms – ideal after a cooler ride.
Recommended pub stays: The Castle, The Rutland Arms Hotel, The Ashford Arms

3. Bristol & Bath Railway Path

Best for: Easy miles with historic interest
Distance: 13 miles one way

A classic route that works beautifully year-round, this path follows the River Avon through woodland and suburbs before delivering you straight into Bath. Early in the year, it’s far quieter than in high summer.

Stay nearby: A characterful pub just outside the city makes a peaceful base.
Recommended pub stays: The Wellington, Horts Townhouse, The Channings Hotel

4. Tissington Trail, Derbyshire

Best for: Long, relaxed riding
Distance: 13 miles

Wide, smooth and gently rolling, the Tissington Trail is ideal for steady riding at this time of year. Views across the Derbyshire countryside reward the effort, especially on bright but cool days.

Pub pairing: Look for a traditional village pub near Ashbourne with rooms upstairs.
Recommended pub stays: The Cow, The Dog & Partridge, The Peacock

5. New Forest Circular Routes, Hampshire

Best for: Wildlife spotting and quiet lanes
Distance: Flexible loops

Late winter is a wonderful time to cycle the New Forest. The ponies are still out, the roads are calmer, and the open heathland feels expansive and peaceful.

Where to stay: A New Forest pub with rooms lets you set off straight from the door.
Recommended pub stays: White Rabbit, Forest Park, The Huntsman, The Pilgrim 

6. Yorkshire Dales Cycleway

Best for: Big skies and rewarding climbs
Distance: 130 miles (ride in sections)

You don’t need to tackle the full loop to enjoy this route. Shorter sections in early spring are perfect for quieter roads, crisp air and proper countryside cycling.

Pub stay idea: Break the journey with a night or two in a Dales pub known for good food and warm hospitality.
Recommended pub stays: The Devonshire, The Fountaine Inn

7. Hadrian’s Cycleway, Northumberland

Best for: History lovers and open landscapes
Distance: 174 miles coast to coast

Cooler months suit this epic route, with fewer headwinds than high summer and plenty of space to enjoy the Roman remains and coastal stretches.

Stay en route: A lot of pubs in Northumberland are stone-built and centuries old, sitting close to Roman history and vast open landscapes.
Recommended pub stays: The Tynemouth Castle, The Seaburn Inn, The Corner House

8. Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Scotland

Best for: Scenic riding without crowds
Distance: 13 miles

This circular route offers peaceful cycling and dramatic views across the loch, with snow-dusted hills still visible in early spring.

Pub stay: A Scottish inn with roaring fires and generous suppers completes the experience.
Recommended pub stays: The Hawes Inn, The Caledonian Hotel

9. Lôn Las Cymru (Short Sections), Wales

Best for: Adventurous riders
Distance: Varies

Wales’ famous coast-to-coast route is best tackled in sections at this time of year. Expect quiet roads, fresh air and a sense of real escape.

Where to stay: Welsh pubs on Lôn Las Cymru often sit miles from anywhere, offering a rare mix of big mountain views, genuine quiet and a warm welcome. 
Recommended pub stays: The Pontcanna Inn, The Beverley,

10. Thames Path (Oxford to Henley)

Best for: Gentle riverside riding
Distance: Around 18 miles

Flat, scenic and easy-going, this stretch of the Thames Path is ideal for a relaxed spring ride. Early in the year, the river feels calm and uncrowded.

Pub base: A riverside pub with rooms makes an idyllic overnight stop.
Recommended pub stays: The Head of the River, The Bear & Ragged Staff

Why Cycling Breaks and Pub Stays Go Hand in Hand

Cycling at this time of year is about balance – fresh air and movement by day, comfort and warmth by night. Staying in a pub means you can enjoy local routes without worrying about logistics, refuel properly, and relax somewhere that feels genuinely welcoming.