Central England and the Midlands in the United Kingdom offer a variety of road cycling routes with stunning landscapes, tourist attractions, and challenging passes.
Maps and trails
The 10 most beautiful road cycling routes in Central England and the Midlands
Road Cycling
· South Wales
Circular ride taking in Grosmont, Pontrillas and Skenfrith
25.2 km
1:19 h
253 m
259 m
A pleasant circular route - partly on the 4 castles cycle route.
Road Cycling
· Central England and the Midlands
Offenham cycle tour of local villages
Difficulty
easy
30.8 km
2:06 h
150 m
150 m
Offenham to Honeybourne circuit, all on roads
Road Cycling
· Central England and the Midlands
Road Cycling on 21 January 2023 at 09:00
132.3 km
3:55 h
2,572 m
2,381 m
Whitworth Park - Sir Joseph Whitworth - Darley Dale - Two Dales - Forty Acre Piece - Wayne Corner Plantation - Whitesprings Plantation - Sitchs Plantation - Peak District National Park - Chatsworth Park - Derwent - St Peter - Edensor - Hassop - Calver Sough - Calver - Grindleford - St. Helen's - Badger House - Grave of Little John - Hathersage - Hathersage Methodist Church - The Square - George Herbert Lawrence - St Michael The Archangel - River Noe - Shatton - Brough-on-Noe - Hope - St Peters, Hope - Quarry - no entry - Peak Forest - Charles, King & Martyr - Bee Low Quarry - Dove Holes - St Paul - Buxton - Buxton and High Peak Golf Club - The Parish Church of St. Peter - Ashwood Park - River Wye - The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist - Pavilion Gardens - Serpentine Park - Gadley Wood - Burbage - Christ Church Burbage - Danebower Colliery ventilation chimney - Wildboarclough - Allgreave - River Dane - Knotbury - Upper Hulme - Blackshaw Moor - Bradnop - Holly Bush Farm - Apesford Crossing Cottage - Bottomhouse - Onecote - Warslow - St Lawrence - Hulme End - River Manifold - River Dove - Hartington - War Memorial - St Giles
Road Cycling
· South West England
Cotswold Cycleway Chipping Campden-Tetbury
Difficulty
moderate
65.1 km
4:35 h
544 m
565 m
All on road. 40.36 miles, 794m ascentPart of a grid of roads in the Cotswolds
Road Cycling
· Central England and the Midlands
Derby - Norbury - Sudbury - Derby 50 miles
80.9 km
3:53 h
701 m
708 m
Sudbury 50 Flat n quiet lanes
Road Cycling
· South East England
Cotswold Loop
Difficulty
moderate
117.6 km
8:08 h
805 m
805 m
A loop route of 73 miles from Charlbury to Minster Lovell, Burford, Northleach, Chipping Campden, Moreton, and Kingham
Road Cycling
· Central England and the Midlands
Bike ride 6 Feb 2022
23 km
5:58 h
210 m
210 m
Rainy and windy ride
Road Cycling
· Central England and the Midlands
Luston cycling 60k
60.6 km
3:06 h
498 m
495 m
Circular bike route incorporating parts of NCN and quieter roads
Road Cycling
· Central England and the Midlands
Palterton Sutton Scarsdale Hardwick
Difficulty
moderate
38 km
1:57 h
396 m
395 m
nice easy little ride out
If you're looking for scenic road cycling routes, Central England and the Midlands have plenty to offer. This region is known for its diverse geography, ranging from rolling hills to picturesque countryside.
Best Places for Road Cycling
There are several fantastic locations in Central England and the Midlands where you can enjoy road cycling:
- The Peak District: With its breathtaking scenery and challenging climbs like Winnats Pass, this national park offers incredible road cycling opportunities.
- Cotswolds: Known for its charming villages and gentle rolling hills, Cotswolds provides idyllic roads perfect for leisurely rides on your road bike.
- Shropshire Hills: This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasts quiet country lanes that wind through stunning landscapes ideal for both beginners and experienced cyclists.
Road Cycling Routes
In addition to these beautiful locations, there are numerous well-established road cycling routes throughout Central England and the Midlands:
- Birmingham Loop Canal Route: A flat route that takes you along Birmingham's canal network while passing by iconic landmarks such as Gas Street Basin.
- Oxfordshire Circuit: Starting from Oxford city center, this circular route showcases the beauty of rural Oxfordshire with lovely villages like Woodstock along the way.
- Snowdonia National Park Circular Route: Although slightly further west than Central England, Snowdonia offers an awe-inspiring backdrop with challenging climbs suitable for more advanced riders.
Road Bike Passes
If you're seeking exhilarating uphill challenges on your road bike, Central England and the Midlands have some fantastic passes:
- Winnats Pass: Located in the Peak District, this steep and winding pass is a favorite among road cyclists due to its stunning views.
- The Cat and Fiddle: Situated between Buxton and Macclesfield, this notorious climb offers a demanding ascent with rewarding panoramic vistas at the top.
Best Seasons for Road Cycling
The best seasons for road cycling in Central England and the Midlands are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these times, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures without extreme heat or cold. However, it's important to check weather conditions before heading out on any route.