United Kingdom - Cycling Destination

The United Kingdom is a night-train ride from the Netherlands, and yet very few Dutch people cycle there. It’s a shame, because England, Scotland and Wales are very different and all three are worth a visit. You’ll find short, venomously steep climbs, endless single-track roads through the highlands, a strong mountain biking scene, and a cycling culture with cafés, clubs and tea houses at every corner.

Tour de France 2027: the start in Great Britain

In July 2027, the Tour de France will start in the United Kingdom, with three stages from north to south. The first stage will go from Edinburgh via the Scottish Borders to Carlisle (184 km), the second from Keswick in the Lake District to Liverpool, and the third through Wales from Welshpool to Cardiff. The Tour de France Femmes will also start in 2027 in Great Britain, with a route from Leeds to London. This is the first time that both rounds outside France start in the same country. We already explored the course: a great opportunity to go cycling there ourselves.

England, Scotland and Wales

England: the steep climbs of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District, and the rolling Cotswolds.
ScotlandThe Highlands, the Cairngorms and the Scottish Borders, with the Tweed Valley as the mountain biking capital.
WalesEryri (Snowdonia), the Brecon Beacons and one of the best bike parks in Europe.

Cycling in the United Kingdom: what you need to know

Driving on the left: Rest calmly on the first day, especially on roundabouts.
Narrow roads: Many country roads have high hedges or stone walls and little space. Drive slowly, even during the day.
Bridleways and bywaysUnpaved paths where you can ride your bike. Perfect for gravel, but often muddy after rain.
Weather: changeable weather. Always bring an umbrella and an extra layer.
Cafe culture: Every cycling route has a café or tearoom where cyclists are welcome. A scone at the halfway point is included.

Trips and events

The British love a sporty: An organized tour with time registration. A few classics to add to your list:

Fred Whitton Challenge (Lake District, May): about 180 kilometers over all the difficult passes of the Lake District, with Hardknott and Wrynose at the end.
Etape Caledonia (Pitlochry, Scotland, May): over completely closed roads through the Highland Perthshire.
Dragon Ride (Wales, June): long distances through the hills of South Wales.

Overnight stay

From B&Bs and pubs with rooms to youth hostels from YHA and Hostelling Scotland: you’ll find affordable accommodation everywhere, often with a bike storage area. In Scotland, Landal Whitekirk Hill is near North Berwick, a good base for Edinburgh and the 2027 Tour routes.

Three cycling trips to get you started

Lake District from Keswick: Short, extremely steep passes like the Honister, Hardknott and Wrynose, between lakes and bare fells. The toughest climbs in England, a few kilometers apart. Save them for dry days: the descents are steep and narrow.
Scottish Borders from Peebles: rolling hills, empty roads and the Tweed Valley, one of the best mountain biking areas in Great Britain. The Tour de France will also start here in 2027, on its way from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
Eryri (Snowdonia) from Betws-y-CoedMountain passes such as the Llanberis Pass and the Crimea Pass, small towns and the coast of North Wales. Wales also has excellent bike trails for those who bring their mountain bikes.

For whom is the United Kingdom?

For cyclists who don’t shy away from short, steep climbs, and who don’t mind it raining once in a while. Gravel riders will find thousands of kilometers of bridleways and byways, and race cyclists a cycling culture with clubs, sports clubs, and cafés that is nowhere else as strong. With the night boat from Rotterdam or Hoek van Holland, it’s easy to reach by bike, and in 2027 the Tour start is an extra reason to go.

When are you leaving?

JanFebmrtAprMayJuneJulaugsepOctNovDec

GoodLessNow

May to September. May and June are often the driest months and have the longest days; in the high north of Scotland, it hardly gets dark in June.

How do you get there?

By night boat: from IJmuiden to Newcastle (for Scotland and Northern England), from Rotterdam to Hull (Yorkshire, Peak District, Lake District) or from Hoek van Holland to Harwich (South England and Wales). Your bike can go along. With the Eurostar you are in London in four hours. Flying can take you to places like Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Bristol.

This is how we calculate: We calculate distances and travel times starting from Utrecht. Our flights always depart from Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport. Want to know how to travel from your place of residence the best way? Let us know, We are happy to help you. After all, we built this site together.

Are you flying? Read our guide Flying with your bike: Which airline, what the cost is and how to pack your bike.