If you’re looking for a great day out with your friends then look no further. Whatever you’re interested in, the National Cycle Network can take you there. And when you travel by foot or bike the journey will be as fun as the destination.
The National Cycle Network is a great day out whether food, culture or nature is your thing.
For foodies听
The听Glasgow Waterways Loop听takes you on a great tour of the city, starting and finishing at Speirs Wharf.听
听on Great Western Road is a slight detour from the route but well worth it. Offering modern Scottish cuisine since 2006, it has won many awards including Entertainment Awards Scotland's Best Restaurant in 2013 and 2014 and has featured in The Sunday Times 100 Best British Restaurants.听听
Culture vultures听
If you like art then听Baltic to Bill Quay cycle route听is perfect.听
The route starts and finishes at the BALTIC, a major international centre for contemporary art housed in a landmark industrial building on the south bank of the River Tyne.
Bird lovers听
The Barnsley to Old Moor RSPB Reserve听is the perfect route for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.
The largely traffic-free route takes you from Barnsley Train Station before taking you on a traffic-free path to the RSPB reserve where you can spot a diverse range of wildlife and birds while enjoying some alfresco dining at the cafe.听
When you travel by foot or bike the journey will be as fun as the destination.
Picnickers听
While the weather in the UK doesn't always permit it, there's nothing nicer than heading out for a picnic.
The Forest Way听takes you from East Grinstead to Groombridge and is used by cyclists, walkers and horse riders. The tree-lined path cuts through the picturesque East Sussex countryside, with there being an array of wildlife to marvel at along your travels.听There's also plenty of seats and picnic benches along the way to take a breather and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.听听
Fashion fans
The听Sheffield to Rotherham (via Meadowhall)听route takes you between two of South Yorkshire鈥檚 main urban areas along the canal and the River Don Valley.
It passes the shopping mecca of Meadowhall along the way where you can shop to your heart鈥檚 content.
City slickers听
If you鈥檙e a hip city slicker, then the听London Docklands and Lea Valley听ride through East London is perfect.听
Taking you through some of the area鈥檚 best-loved green spaces including Hackney Marshes, there are lots of cafes and pubs along the way.
Seek out London's best spots on the National Cycle Network.
Sports fans听
Whether you like rugby or football, a visit to the Liberty Stadium in Swansea is a must.听
Home to the Ospreys and Swansea City FC the听Swansea Valley cycle ride听takes you right past its front gates.听
Adrenaline junkies听
The听Afan Valley route听travels between Port Talbot and the gorgeous听听in south Wales.
With world-class mountain bike trails, you can really test your mettle. Don't worry if you turn up on a road bike, there are bikes available for rent there.
Afterwards, make sure you kick back with a cold drink from the caf茅 and soak up the amazing panoramic views.
Get more ideas for great days out from our听walking and cycling inspiration or听find a route near you.听