There are few feelings more freeing than cycling out on the open roads, and the South West is home to some incredible routes. Whether you’re a nature-lover or like the hustle and bustle of a city route, there’s something for everyone in this part of the UK.
Read on to discover some of the best bike trails in the South West, giving you plenty of options. And since you can bring your bike on board our South Western Railway service, getting to your destination just got easier.
The best bike trails in London
With its diverse mix of lush green parks and impressive cityscape, London has some of the best cycling routes in the UK – perfect for a free day out. Here are some of our top picks:
With a mix of city views and glorious stretches of greenery, Big Ben to Richmond Park is a challenging route well worth the sweat. Start at Big Ben, then travel down the streets on the north side of the Thames and cross the river at Putney.
Cycle alongside the river in the direction of the wildlife-filled London Wetlands Centre. Ride around Richmond Park, then cycle back the way you came.
This cycling route along the Thames is packed with London’s best sights, from the London Eye to Tate Modern. You’ll be cycling on quiet roads and traffic-free paths, giving you plenty of time to admire the view. Afterwards, why not loop back the way you came and visit Battersea Power Station?
Regent's Park Outer Circle is a great place to start if you’ve always wanted to try a cycling route but feel overwhelmed following directions. It’s easy to navigate, and the path is relatively flat. Plus, you won’t be on the road, so pedestrians are the only potential obstacle. This route is one of the most scenic, with lakes, wildlife and greenery everywhere.
Difficulty Rating: Casual
Distance: 2.4 miles per lap
Starting Point: Regent’s Park
Closest SWR Station: London Waterloo
The best bike trails in the South West
Whether you’re searching for rural bike routes or urban trails, the South West has it all. These are our top finds:
With unmatched views and relatively flat terrain, Exe Trail is easily one of the best cycle routes in Exeter. Following the River Exe Estuary, you’ll pass through some of Devon’s most beautiful waterside villages. Then, once you reach Exmouth, you’re free to explore the pretty seaside resort before making your way back. You can turn your ride into a loop and catch the Starcross ferry back to the west side of the estuary.
If you’re looking for a family cycle route, then the Rodwell Trail could be perfect. Following a disused passenger railway line, this fully surfaced trail in Weymouth is the ideal place to ride your bike.
Now a wildlife corridor filled with butterflies, birds and various species of plants, the trail is beautiful all year. Along the way, you’ll pass old station platforms and Sandsfoot Castle. You’ll also enjoy striking views of Portsmouth Harbour as you breathe in the refreshing sea air.
Starting at Winchester and stretching over 100 miles, the South Downs National Park trail is one of the most varied in the South West. One minute you’ll be cycling through rolling hills and shaded woodland; the next, you’ll be out by the coast breathing in that sea air.
This off-road bike trail can take 2 to 4 days to finish, so you’ll want to consider accommodation along the way. Of course, you’re welcome to start and stop the trail at any point.
While this isn’t strictly a mountain biking route, we recommend bringing a mountain bike as the terrain can be rough.
Starting in Southampton town centre, the New Forest Loop takes you through lush green woodland on a mostly flat and tarmacked terrain. Look out for different wildlife species as you ride through the scenic woodland paths within the New Forest.
You’ll cross the Southampton Solent during your cycle by ferry, so why not pick up your ferry ticket ahead of time?
Round up the family and take Portsmouth’s seafront cycle ride, a fantastic coastal route through Old Portsmouth and along Southsea Seafront to Hayling Ferry at Eastney. Once your journey ends at Gunwharf Quays, you can loop back around or stop at the shopping centre for a bite to eat.
Developed by Cycling UK, King Alfred’s Way covers over 200 miles of spectacular scenery. Ideal for history lovers, you’ll pass iconic monuments, including Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals, Farnham Castle, Stonehenge, Avebury Stone Circle and numerous Iron Age forts. Break your trip down into daily segments, or choose a section that interests you the most:
Test Valley – Winchester to Salisbury
Stonehenge – Salisbury to Stonehenge
Salisbury Plain – Stonehenge to Chirton
Vale of Pewsey – Chirton to Avebury
The Ridgeway – Avebury to Reading
The Last Line of Defence – Reading to Farnham
The Devil’s Punchbowl – Farnham to Hindhead
Sussex Border – Hindhead to South Harting
South Downs Way – South Harting to Winchester
Difficulty Rating: intermediate
Distance: 217.4 miles
Starting Point: Winchester
Closest SWR Station: Much of the route runs close to South Western Railway stations, making it easy to get there by train. The trail begins at Winchester, but stations along the way include Aldershot, Liphook, Liss, Petersfield, Hook and Winchfield.
Overton to Steventon Jane Austen Cycle Trail
A circular cycle trail from Overton to Steventon, the birthplace and home for 25 years of Jane Austen, on country lanes and roads in the beautiful Hampshire countryside.
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate length: 12-mile circular cycle trail
Duration: 1.05 hours at 12.5mph
Terrain: On road
Total Ascent: 803.2ft
Starting Point: Overton Jane Austen Trails Information Board. Outside the Overton Community Centre, in the centre of the village.
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