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Cycling UK launches 'adventure' series of long-distance routes

Deniz Huseyin
22 August 2025

 

An Adventure Route Series that links quiet roads, scenic trails and places to “rest and refuel” across Britain has been launched by Cycling UK. This follows the opening of the Royal Chilterns Way long-distance cycle route, which starts in Reading and covers 282km (175 miles) of off-road track. 

As well as promoting domestic tourism and supporting local economies, the new series also offers an “affordable and healthy way to explore the country while boosting mental wellbeing”, says Cycling UK.

Each route is designed for a long weekend trip – spanning 250 to 300 kilometres (150 to 190 miles) – all of which are accessible by train. This means cyclists can easily enjoy National Landscapes – protected areas of exceptional, nationally important beauty and character – without the need for a car, the charity says. The routes are built for competent cyclists using gravel, cyclocross or mountain bikes, it adds.

Routes are free to download from the Cycling UK website as a GPX file, for use with a cycling computer or smartphone. Cyclists will also receive safety tips about how to ride responsibly and respect the countryside.

The Royal Chilterns Way (pictured left) is the ideal introduction to “bikepacking”, allowing riders to tackle it in segments, says Cycling UK. The route is served by two London Underground lines and several overland stations. 

The charity has also created a series of guidebooks to purchase, with funds going towards future routes. 

Cycling tourism generates more than €44bn (338bn) annually and supports thousands of small businesses, from rural guesthouses to bike rental shops, according to the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF). Once economic gains from better health and fuel savings are factored in, the ECF estimates that cycling produces €150bn (£129bn) in total benefits for Europe. 

Hannah Foster, Head of Membership at Cycling UK, said: “Long-distance cycle routes are one of the best ways to explore Britain. They connect cities, towns and villages and bring real benefits to local communities by supporting regional economies.

“They also offer a healthier, greener way to discover the incredible corners of our countryside that are impossible to access by car.”

Max Darkins, Ride Guide and Route Planner, said: “Growing up in the Chilterns sparked my passion for cycling and inspired a lifelong love of the area. This lesser-known part of the south-east has so much to offer and in working closely with Cycling UK we carefully crafted a route that would give people the chance to escape and connect with nature.”

Adventure Route Series

Adventure Route Guidebooks

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