Top 5 Most Scenic Cycling Routes in the UK

Cycling in the UK is a multifaceted activity that extends well beyond simple transportation, offering everything from relaxed family outings to rigorous multi-day bikepacking adventures. Because a well-chosen path can transform a standard ride into a memorable journey, finding the right fit for your specific skill level and interest is essential. Britain’s extensive cycling network is designed to accommodate this variety, providing a wealth of options for riders of all aspirations.

To help riders navigate these options, the team at Sigma Sports conducted a comprehensive, data-led analysis to identify the best routes. For this article, by applying consistent assessment methods, including surface quality, accessibility, and environmental value, they have ranked routes based on what matters most to cyclists looking for a scenic route. 

For many, the primary draw of cycling is the opportunity to escape daily life and immerse themselves in nature. Scenic routes are specifically curated for their visual appeal, featuring diverse landscapes ranging from coastal vistas to historic woodlands. Beyond the physical exercise, these routes are chosen for their ability to lower stress and boost mental wellbeing through wildlife sightings and cultural landmarks. This guide highlights the UK’s most beautiful locations where cyclists can focus entirely on their surroundings.

Jump to Data Section.

We have also mapped out scenic routes by region so you can prepare for a UK cycling holiday or explore some of the scenic routes near you. 

North East / North West

• Hadrian's Cycleway (Route 72): Score of 71.60; combines a good traffic-free percentage (32%) with a high asphalt score (97.7%) and scenic appeal.

The scenic cycling routes identified offer beautiful landscapes and a chance for cyclists to connect with both nature and explore local history. These routes, rich in visual appeal and cultural significance, cater to cyclists of all abilities. Wales stands out as having several routes noted for their scenic qualities, offering breathtaking views and a high percentage of traffic-free paths. Yorkshire & the Humber features a mix of coastal and inland routes, emphasising the diverse landscapes that enhance the cycling experience.

Whether you’re riding along the coastline, exploring historical sites or enjoying natural parks, you can find a route that allows you to appreciate the stunning beauty of the UK. 

Appendix: Methodology

Routes were assessed and ranked using a structured methodology designed to balance safety, usability, experience and purpose. While the weighting of individual factors varied depending on the type of cycling being analysed, the underlying approach remained consistent.

Data collected for each route included its name and location, distance, estimated time, percentage of traffic-free sections and the proportion of asphalt surface, ensuring comparability across regions. Routes were also analysed for their intersections with designated landscapes, including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and, in Scotland, National Scenic Areas (NSA), to reflect environmental and visual quality.

Text-based analysis was used to enhance the scoring process. Sentiment-derived metrics such as a Family-Friendliness Score, Scenic Word Score and Easy Word Score were generated from route descriptions to capture how positively routes are characterised in terms of safety, visual appeal and accessibility. 

Scenic routes placed greater emphasis on environmental designations, surface quality and descriptive scenic language, while still accounting for traffic-free riding to support immersion in the landscape. All scores were normalised to allow fair comparison, resulting in ranked lists that reflect the most suitable routes within each category.