It certainly seems like going abroad for a bike trip is getting ever more unlikely for this summer, unless you’re happy to deal with extra costs for tests and quarantine, so if you want to get away on the bike you’re stuck with the good old British Isles; let’s check out some great destinations, even if you can’t quite guarantee the weather!
Some people simply want to get away, and that’s perfectly understandable. Options are limited, but there are definitely still a couple. The nations that make up the British Isles have so much to offer to the biker.
The Channel Islands
The Channel Islands are a leftfield choice that many bikers wouldn’t even consider for a biking holiday, however if you’re looking to chill out and spend some time off the bike they could be a great choice. The main islands of Jersey and Guernsey are the main destinations for tourists, however the maximum speed limits of 40mph and 35mph respectively will mean speed freaks will need to look elsewhere. For those who ride for the scenery and experience won’t be disappointed, with varied landscapes, beautiful quiet little lanes and coastline rides aplenty. Jersey is the biggest island and will offer the most to a keen rider, while Guernsey offers a much slower pace of life, perfect for a chilled out cruise and time away from the hustle and bustle. For day trips, the car and motorcycle-free Sark is a great way to get away from everything, and Alderney is ideal for a day on a bicycle…maybe without an engine! Guernsey and Jersey do set their own Covid policies however, so be sure to check what the situation is before you travel, but being within the Common Travel Area does simplify things somewhat.
South West England
The South West of England is renowned for its countryside, and as a result it has some great roads to match. Head down into Cornwall and you’ll be rewarded with quiet country lanes, and as a plus you’ll be able to filter past the gopping summer tourist traffic when on the main roads. Devon’s Exmoor and Dartmoor offer plenty to the biker wanting to go for a blast or simply enjoy the scenery – the A39 that follows the edge of the Severn Estuary between Devon and Somerset is a proper stormer that deserves a run, with the legendarily steep Porlock Hill testing your nerves, and brakes!
Wales
Heading north and you’ll find Wales has plenty to enjoy, with the Brecon Beacons sitting within a short ride of either of the Severn Crossings. The A4069, aka the Black Mountain Pass, offers a ride unlike anything else in the south of England, while the A483 coming out of Brecon itself is a rip-roaring road that makes riding a bike in the UK make sense, with its twists and undulations blasting past fields and hedgerows.
Horseshoe Pass in the north of Wales is famed for its unique horseshoe-shaped bend and the Ponderosa café next door to it, but the entire region is littered with fantastic roads, along with Snowdonia National Park next to it, home to Mount Snowdon.
The Peak District
Cutting back across into England and we emerge into the Peak District which is heaven for bikers. Home to a multitude of excellent roads, and the infamous Cat and Fiddle (so-named for the pub at its summit – now a café and distillery) the Peak District packs villages that look like something out of postcard, with pubs aplenty for refuelling after a long ride.
Scotland
Heading well up to the north and we end up in Scotland, offering some proper wild rides that it’s impossible to find anywhere else in the UK. The North Coast 500 is a route that offers about all you could want from a proper road trip. It’s so packed with things to see and do, places to stay and eat it even has its own website! It packs John O’Groats right at the top of mainland Britain, and famous spots such as Loch Ness to tick off the bucket list. Budget at least a week to really get the most out of the trip and take advantage of what’s on offer. If you’re headed between Scotland and England then the best road is arguably the A68 running through Northumberland. You avoid the numbing dullness of the motorway and instead get a wide sweeping road to take you between nations – well worth the diversion and will happily take you to or from Edinburgh if you’re stopping there.
Suffice to say, while it’s a crying shame that going abroad this year on a bike is looking a bit unlikely, it’s also unfair to say we’ve nowhere to go. From rugged mountainous terrain, to lush, picturesque countryside, the UK really does have a lot to offer for the biking holiday. The weather can be a bit questionable at times, so it pays to be prepared for a bit of rain – check out last week’s blog to get our recommendations of some of the best wet weather kit for bikers.
If you need some expert advice, then you can have a chat online with us via web chat on our website. We’ve finally reopened with our café opening for takeaway at the weekends. If you’re a bit far from Stevenage, our online shop is alive and well, and taking orders for delivery. You can also check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365-day period – see our returns page for more details.
