Start: River Thames, Wandsworth
Finish: The Grove, Carshalton
Distance: 9 Miles
The Wandle Trail follows the River Wandle through three boroughs, with more than 10 parks and green spaces along the way. Spot local wildlife and escape the hustle and bustle of south-west London as you pass local attractions such as Merton Abbey Mills, Deen City Farm and Wandsworth Museum, before jumping on a train or bus home from Croydon. sustrans.org.uk/wandle
Start: Tiverton
Finish: Bampton
Distance: 7.3 miles
Starting in the picturesque town of Tiverton, head north through People’s Park then past the Gothic estate of Knightshayes, which has acres of gardens and parkland with more than 1,200 species of plant. From the estate, continue up Vanpost Hill and on to Old Tiverton Road into the historic town of Bampton. Lying right on the edge of Exmoor, it is a great starting point to explore the national park. sustrans.org.uk/tiverton
Start: Padstow Finish Bodmin
Distance: 12 miles
A beautiful route following an old railway line, the Camel Trail runs from Padstow to Wenford Bridge, via Wadebridge and Bodmin. It is fairly level all the way, and particularly fabulous in autumn with lots of berries in the hedgerow, and waders on the estuarine section. sustrans.org.uk/camel
Start: Plymouth
Finish: Tavistock
Distance: 21.3 miles
Cycling out of Plymouth past the marina, you will ride through the gently undulating Plym Valley, with gorgeous woodland to one side. The route passes Saltram Estate, a National Trust property which makes for a great early stop, otherwise continue through Plymbridge Woods and over several viaducts. Descending to Gem Bridge is one of the highlights of the ride, before you way your way into Tavistock via the town’s riverside meadows. sustrans.org.uk/drakes
Start: Heathfield Finish Polegate
Distance: 10.4 miles
One of the most popular family cycle rides in the south-east, the Cuckoo Trail takes its name from an old Sussex tradition of releasing a cuckoo at the Heathfield Fair. This route was once a railway line and offers a peaceful and traffic-free ride ideal for cyclists of all ages. The trail runs through a mixture of broadleaf woodland, open grassland and farmland that will be rich with autumnal colours. Listen for the laughing call of the green woodpecker and a host of other birds, while also enjoying the dramatic sculptures and carved wooden seats that dot the way. sustrans.org.uk/cuckoo
Start: Canterbury
Finish: Whitstable
Distance: 7.6 miles
Linking the charming cathedral city of Canterbury with the seaside town of Whitstable, this route is mostly traffic-free and follows the railway line from the Winding Pond (a great place to picnic). On the way you will cycle through Blean Woods, one of the largest areas of ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain, where you can find the rare heath fritillary butterfly. There are some hills, with a 61m climb out of Canterbury and an undulating middle section, but you will be rewarded with fine views over Kent. The route ends at Whitstable station, but is signposted to the harbour, where you can sample the local seafood. sustrans.org.uk/crab-and-winkle
Start and finish: Upminster
Distance: 6.4 miles (return)
Ingrebourne Hill boasts leisurely routes as well as mountain bike trails, plus a picnic site and two play areas. Follow National Cycle Network (NCN) 136 to the Ingrebourne River, from where it is almost entirely traffic-free to Upminster. Stay on the riverside until you reach Hornchurch stadium, where you then turn right towards Upminster Park. sustrans.org.uk/ingrebourne
Start: Ely
Finish: Wicken Fen
Distance: 8.2 miles
Leaving the historic Fenland city of Ely, follow a traffic-free path on NCN 11 alongside the River Great Ouse. The route travels through the village of Barway and past Soham Mere before reaching the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve. One of Europe’s most important wetlands, Wicken Fen is home to an abundance of wildlife, including dragonflies, rare butterflies and birds, such as bitterns and hen harriers, as well as grazing herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies. sustrans.org.uk/ely
Start: Bristol
Finish: Bath
Distance: 13.9 miles
Flat, traffic-free and lined with greenery, the Bristol and Bath Railway Path runs along a disused railway line. The mix of trees along the route form a gorgeous autumnal backdrop as you travel between two of England’s finest cities. There are sculptures and artwork along the way, as well as refreshment stops. sustrans.org.uk/bbrp
Start and finish: Yatton train station
Distance: 21 miles
Taking its name from the fruits this former railway line carried from the fields of Cheddar, the Strawberry Line follows gentle paths through the rolling Somerset countryside. Follow signposts throughout for NCN 26, passing wooded valleys, cider apple orchards and the spectacular Cheddar Gorge. When you reach the village of Cheddar, stop for refreshment and return the way you came. sustrans.org.uk/strawberry
Start and finish: Exeter Bridge, Derby
Distance: 26 miles (return)
This flat route runs from Derby city centre to Worthington along canal paths and a former railway on NCN 1. Along the way you will pass the Grade II listed Trent viaduct near the town of Melbourne, before enjoying views of Cloud Quarry. There’s the option to continue for 10 miles along quiet lanes until you reach Loughborough, where you can catch the train back, or return the same way. sustrans.org.uk/derby
Start: Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Finish: Fairfield Station
Distance: 5.4 miles
An attractive loop which follows a former railway line in south Manchester, this former green corridor linking parks and green spaces such as Debdale Park and Gorton reservoir is particularly splendid to see in autumn. Continue past Fairfield Station to Ashton Branch Canal if you want to extend the trip. sustrans.org.uk/fallowfield
Start and finish: Chester
Distance: 14.8 miles
Connecting Mickle Trafford through the historic city of Chester to the wharf at Connah’s Quay, cycle along an old railway line surrounded by rich arable farmlands. The route is fairly flat and mostly traffic-free; make sure to explore the medieval city walls and 13th-century Chester Cathedral. sustrans.org.uk/chester
Start: Safe Ways park, Scarborough
Finish: Whitby
Distance: 21.7 miles
From the starting point in the seaside town of Scarborough, cycle under the road traffic bridge and join the traffic-free path that is signposted all the way to Whitby along NCN 1. You will pass the beautiful Robin Hood’s Bay, a small fishing village with stunning scenery, and head over the Larpool Viaduct, high above the River Esk, before heading into Whitby. sustrans.org.uk/whitby
Start: Garforth
Finish: Woodlesford
Distance: 7.8 miles
Leaving Garforth, you will enter Townclose Hills Nature Reserve (or Billy Wood, as it’s known locally) on the edge of Kippax. From the grassland plateau, there are beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Pause for a short detour at Woodend to visit RSPB St Aidan’s on the banks of the River Aire – teeming with wildlife and home to thousands of birds, brown hares, roe deer and insects – then follow the river and canal until you reach Woodlesford Lock and the train station. sustrans.org.uk/garforth
Start and finish: Bakewell train station
Distance: 8.9 miles
Cycling through the heart of the Peak District National Park on NCN 680, riders will travel through four railway tunnels – Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton and Chee Tor – inbetween beautiful countryside on peaceful paths, before ending at the viaduct at Wye Dale. Look out for birds such as green woodpeckers, nuthatches and treecreepers. sustrans.org.uk/monsal
Start: Reading
Finish: Wallingford
Distance: 16.8 miles
Rolling through the quiet lanes of Berkshire and the thickly wooded Chiltern Hills, this is a great way to take in the changing leaves. An up-and-down ride, emerge from the woods for a fantastic view over the plain below, with Oxford in the distance. sustrans.org.uk/reading
Start: Hunt’s Cross
Finish: Aintree
Distance: 10.8 miles
The Loop Line provides a flat green corridor through the urban environment of east Liverpool, and forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail on NCN 62. Managed like a linear woodland park, the route runs through rocky cuttings and high embankments, with views across the city. sustrans.org.uk/liverpool
Start: Llanfoist Crossing car park
Finish: Brynmawr
Distance: 7.9 miles
With breathtaking views of the Clydach Gorge Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Brecon Beacons and Sugar Loaf and Skirrid Mountains, this route looks spectacular. Look out for mining and quarrying ruins, as well as peregrine falcons as you cycle west along the Heads of the Valleys (NCN 46), towards Blaenavon. sustrans.org.uk/clydach
Start and finish: Llanelli
Distance: 9 miles
Following a mixture of stunning coastline and woodland, this is one of the most spectacular sections of the Celtic Trail. Starting at the Discovery Centre in Llanelli, wind through the Ashpit Ponds Nature Reserve and the new marina at Burry Port, before reaching the Pembrey Forest – one of Britain’s rare sand dune forests and home to much rare botanical wildlife including 35 species of butterfly, migrant songbirds and birds of prey. Here you’ll find a variety of tracks to follow around the country park, all with varying levels of difficulty. Return the same way. sustrans.org.uk/llanelli
Start: Sandy Water Park, Llanelli
Finish: Cross Hands
Distance: 10.8 miles
Running along NCN 47, once past Old Castle Pond you will quickly leave behind the rows of Welsh terraced houses to enjoy views up to the splendid mansion and grounds of Parc Howard. As you climb through the rural landscape, there is a clearing in the woods at Horeb with picnic benches to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, ride uphill to the village of Tumble, where the Gwendraeth Valley will open in front of you, before passing Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park to finish by the beautiful Art Deco public hall and cinema. sustrans.org.uk/swiss
Start: Porth Penrhyn
Finish: Llyn Ogwen
Distance: 11 miles
The peaceful Porth Penrhyn is a tranquil beginning to this ride, with the Menai Strait stretching out ahead. A railway path through mature broadleaf woodland takes you alongside the River Cegin and on to the village of Tregarth, where there is a pub that provides a good rest stop before the hilly ascent from Bangor to Llyn Ogwen. Keep an eye out for wild mountain goats, which enjoy the craggy slopes of Tryfan. sustrans.org.uk/ogwen
Start: Dolgellau
Finish: Barmouth
Distance: 8.9 miles
Running alongside the spectacular Mawddach estuary below the foothills of Cadair Idris, cycle along the old railway line on NCN 8 from the historic town of Dolgellau to the seaside town of Barmouth. Passing stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife, you will also travel over two wooden bridges, the first a toll bridge at Penmaenpool carrying road traffic and the other at the mouth of the estuary into Barmouth. Here, you leave the traffic-free path and follow a short on-road section into town. You can return the same way. sustrans.org.uk/mawddach
Start: Elan Valley Visitor Centre
Finish: Rhayader
Distance: 8.9 miles
This route follows the old Birmingham Corporation Railway, which was built to construct the Elan Valley Reservoirs. Cycling alongside the lakes through the mountains will be rewarded with sights of millions of gallons of water pouring over the dam’s edge, while the tunnel near to Rhayader is a nature reserve for rare bats. The trail also travels through red kite country, so look out for the magnificent birds with their distinctive forked tail. sustrans.org.uk/elan
Start: Pitlochry
Finish: Blair Atholl
Distance: 7 miles
A ride along the Lochs and Glens Way will take cyclists to Faskally Forest to see the radiant autumnal colours of the trees and explore the banks of the River Tummel. If you fancy a longer adventure, keep following the Lochs and Glens Way until you reach Blair Atholl. From here you can explore Blair Castle and the local whisky distillery. sustrans.org.uk/lochsandglens
Start and finish: Charlotte Street, Perth
Distance: 19.5 miles (return)
Enjoy the autumnal hues that colour Highland Perthshire on this enjoyable cycle. From Perth, join NCN 77 at Charlotte Street then follow the trail until you cross Smeaton’s Bridge and reach Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park. Here you will find eight miles of trails through the woods which are perfect for cyclists. Climb Kinnoull Hill (728ft) to admire the views of the Tay Valley below, then cross back over Smeaton’s Bridge and follow the River Tay north until you reach Dunkeld to enjoy a break in Big Tree Country by visiting The Hermitage or Dunkeld House Tree Trail. sustrans.org.uk/perth
Start: Oban
Finish: Loch Leven
Distance: 34 miles
This delightful trip along the coast of Argyll features the wonderful woodlands of Glencoe and Loch Leven. Start your journey in Oban, before cycling north to Ganavan Bay. Keep following the path until you reach Appin, where you can admire the famous Castle Stalker and take a detour to the Isle of Lismore – the most easterly island of the Southern Hebrides. Continue north along the trail to reach Glencoe or loop around the banks of Loch Leven. sustrans.org.uk/caledonia-way
Start: Callander
Finish: Killin
Distance: 24.5 miles
This stunning section of NCN 7 follows the old Caledonian railway line to the Pass of Leny – an ancient entrance to the Highlands. Follow the route until the landscape opens out at the northern end of Loch Lubnaig. Here, there is a short zig-zag climb from the old railway to the forest road, before the trail descends into Strathyre village and then past Balquhidder through the Glen Ogle and the final descent to Killin. sustrans.org.uk/lochsandglens
Start and finish: Broch Café, Strathyre
Distance: 5 miles
Ideal for beginners and families, this stunning, traffic-free section of NCN 7 begins at the Broch Café in the village of Strathyre. Meandering through the autumnal colours of Strathyre Forest and the rugged surrounding landscape of Rob Roy Country, make a pit stop at the hiker- and-cyclist friendly Mhor 84 café and bar before turning back. sustrans.org.uk/strathyre
Start: The Meadows, Edinburgh
End: Colinton
Distance: 5 miles
A traffic-free ride along NCNs 75 and 754, this route will whisk you from Edinburgh’s bustling centre to Scotland’s largest historical mural via the Union Canal towpath. Beginning at the Meadows in the centre of Edinburgh, follow the Water of Leith until you reach the Colinton Tunnel, where you will find the Robert Louis Stevenson mural. With a selection of pubs and cafés, the village of Colinton is an ideal turning point for an out-and-back trip. Bus services are also available back to the city centre. sustrans.org.uk/edinburgh
Start: Kilmacolm
Finish: Johnstone
Distance: 6 miles
This popular six-mile stretch of peaceful path meanders past Quarriers Village and Bridge of Weir before reaching Johnstone train station. Keep an eye out for Brick Traction and XVII Legion, two striking artworks by David Kemp which have become beloved local landmarks and draw heavily from the rich heritage of the area. sustrans.org.uk/glasgow
Start: Bowling
Finish: Balloch
Distance: 10 miles
Starting on NCN 7 at Bowling, follow the off-road cycle track up to Dumbarton, where you will see spectacular views of the Clyde. You can also visit Dumbarton Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots hid as a child, which has the longest recorded history of any British castle, dating back to 450AD. Continue to follow the River Leven from Dumbarton all the way to Balloch to enjoy the banks of Loch Lomond. With train stations along the way, this route can be shortened or extended. sustrans.org.uk/glasgow
Start: Leauchers
Finish: Dundee
Distance: 13.9 miles
Following NCN 1, this mostly traffic-free ride travels from the small Fife town of Leuchars to Dundee, the Unesco City of Design, via the quiet tracks of Tentsmuir Forest. Here you can spend time exploring the beachside pine forests and sand dunes, which are home to an abundance of wildlife, including roe deer and red squirrels. sustrans.org.uk/leuchars
Start: Bann Bridge, Portadown
Finish: Newry
Distance: 19.6 miles (return)
Forming part of NCN 9, the quiet towpath on the western bank of the Newry Canal has specially commissioned sculptures along the way linked to its history. Just to the north of Scarva, at a point known as Washbridge, the towpath narrows to pass around the abutment of the former railway bridge. You will then pass Lough Shark, which is home to a great array of wildlife, and from there it is easy cycling all the way to Newry. Take a train back to Portadown, or return the way you came. sustrans.org.uk/newry
Start: Queen Elizabeth Bridge, Belfast
Finish: Lisburn
Distance: 37.1 miles
An entirely traffic-free route passing through beautiful parks – such as the Lagan Valley Regional Park, which offers a rich array of biodiversity this time of year – this is a great ride for families. sustrans.org.uk/lagan
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