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Best UK Day Rides To Try This Spring

Spring is upon us, which means many of us are looking to dust off our saddles and get back to exploring the world on two wheels. whether you've just gotten a new bike or are an experienced rider. Even while it's entertaining, it's all too simple to get caught up in the habit of picking a few local routes and following them continuously. ⁠⁠So if you're looking to reignite your love of cycling, then look no more.

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Hannah Cox 
updated on: February 21, 2023
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Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Castleton, Peak District (MBUK316)
Difficulty moderate
Distance 39 km
Duration 15:44 h
Ascent 1,139 m
Descent 1,138 m

Technical, rocky riding on classic Dark Peak trails, with breathtaking climbs, wonderful views and exhilarating descents

17
from Mountain Biking UK Magazine,   Mountain Biking UK Magazine
Difficulty easy
Distance 19.2 km
Duration 1:55 h
Ascent 60 m
Descent 72 m

From Hooton Station the path runs through broadleaf woodland, banks of wildflowers and, as you proceed north, you will enjoy views across the Dee ...

12
from CycleCity Guides,   CycleCity Guides
Bike Riding · United Kingdom
Box Hill Olympic Cycle Route
Map / Box Hill Olympic Cycle Route
Difficulty moderate
Distance 16.7 km
Duration 2:16 h
Ascent 232 m
Descent 231 m

A scenic road route, with a mixture of A & B roads, country lanes with some good hills. Also follows some of the Olympic Cycle Route.Note there is ...

from Luke MN,   Community
Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Macclesfield Forest (MBUK 302)
Difficulty moderate
Distance 28.6 km
Duration 4:11 h
Ascent 913 m
Descent 912 m

A wide mix of trails and terrain, from good surfaced track and sheltered.

11
from Mountain Biking UK Magazine,   Mountain Biking UK Magazine
Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Long Mynd, Shropshire (MBUK 317)
Difficulty moderate
Distance 20.9 km
Duration 7:51 h
Ascent 478 m
Descent 478 m

A quick tour around the Long Mynd plateau, going up the big green hillside and taking in the impressive views on the top before descending the ...

8
from Mountain Biking UK Magazine,   Mountain Biking UK Magazine
Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Irfon Forest, Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales (MBUK 323)
Difficulty moderate
Distance 23 km
Duration 8:53 h
Ascent 682 m
Descent 681 m

A classic route for these here parts, with a fair amount of forest track riding but some excellent technical trails and singletrack to keep things ...

3
from Mountain Biking UK Magazine,   Mountain Biking UK Magazine
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 2
Distance 28.1 km
Duration 2:20 h
Ascent 379 m
Descent 394 m

After leaving Scarborough head along quiet coastal roads and the old railway line, now known as the Cinder Track (CT) passing the wildlife haven ...

North York Moors National Park
Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Scar House Reservoir, Yorkshire Dales (MBUK 323)
Difficulty easy
Distance 15.7 km
Duration 2:37 h
Ascent 433 m
Descent 435 m

This route has some steep hills to climb – and descend – on good tracks, with stunning views and a few challenging sections to keep you on your toes.

4
from Mountain Biking UK Magazine,   Mountain Biking UK Magazine
Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Settle, Yorkshire Dales (MBUK 302)
Difficulty moderate
Distance 15.6 km
Duration 1:45 h
Ascent 363 m
Descent 363 m

A short but energetic introduction to the Yorkshire Dales, with wonderful views, good tracks and simple navigation up over the moors.

7
from Mountain Biking UK Magazine,   Mountain Biking UK Magazine
Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Richmond Park, London (MBUK 327)
Difficulty easy
Distance 17.4 km
Duration 8:25 h
Ascent 161 m
Descent 161 m

A gentle ride along well surfaced, traffic free trails through woods, fields and wildlife, all within the urban sprawl of London. Distance: 17.4km ...

2
from Mountain Biking UK Magazine,   Mountain Biking UK Magazine
Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Epping Forest, Essex (MBUK 303)
Difficulty easy
Distance 11.7 km
Duration 1:34 h
Ascent 142 m
Descent 141 m

A nice introductory ride through Epping Forest, which can be extended by following other trails into the trees.

7
from Mountain Biking UK Magazine,   Mountain Biking UK Magazine
Bike Riding · United Kingdom
North Coast 500 by Mark Beaumont
Map / North Coast 500 by Mark Beaumont
Difficulty easy
Distance 897.3 km
Duration 309:34 h
Ascent 7,268 m
Descent 7,265 m

The route followed in this video: https://youtu.be/8J2gAY-WZhU

from Steve Scott,   Community
Mountain Biking · United Kingdom
Inverness, Forests and Caledonian Canal Circuit
Difficulty easy
Distance 20.8 km
Duration 2:06 h
Ascent 281 m
Descent 278 m

Easy route follows the Great Glen Way out of Inverness and returns via the Caledonian Canal.

2
from David Wilson,   Community
Bike Riding · United Kingdom
Chew-Blagdon Lakes Circular Cycle 67K
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 67.3 km
Duration 4:49 h
Ascent 372 m
Descent 371 m

This is a lovely scenic circular cycle around the country lanes to the south of Bristol.

1
from Andy Brice,   Community
Bike Riding · United Kingdom
Bure Valley, Norfolk
Difficulty easy
Distance 21.4 km
Duration 1:27 h
Ascent 34 m
Descent 13 m

Enjoy a scenic train journey through Norfolk on the Bure Valley Railway, before cycling back alongside the track Distance 15 miles (24 km) Type ...

1
from BBC Countryfile Magazine,   BBC Countryfile Magazine