Exploring England on two wheels—how to plan a cycle tour

England is a nation of bike enthusiasts and, as a result, possesses an excellent cycling infrastructure. Two-wheeled tourers have an impressively large choice of places to ride, whether it’s forests or fells, cities or cycle superhighways, canals or coasts. With the right gear and a good idea, you can zoom along wild coastlines, camp beside a Roman wall and find solitude high on windswept plains. Here’s how to plan the perfect English cycle tour.

How do I get started?

Consider where you’d like to visit and use online resources to help plan the best itinerary. Cycle.travel has a range of comprehensive guides for on- and off-road cycle touring, as well as a detailed route finder. Take a look at Sustrans’ National Cycle Network maps, which can also simplify planning your itinerary.

Before setting out on a cycle tour, test how far your legs can take you with pannier bags on your bike — they’re considerably more comfortable over longer distances than carrying a backpack. Trialling riding times and distances will ensure you plan sufficient stops into your route. Alternatively, companies such as Pedal Power offer luggage transfer options for various cycle routes.

For those who don’t already own a bike, there are usually hire shops close to popular cycle touring routes. They’ll be able to help you find the right size bicycle and make sure that it’s in top condition before you depart. Find a detailed list of rental businesses across England on the Sustrans website.

When is the best time to go?

The South Coast Cycle Route — which connects Devon with Dover in east and west sections — is truly glorious in spring, when the sea sparkles in the sun or stirs with an incoming storm. Although English weather can be unpredictable, daily temperatures usually reach between 12 and 18C in the springtime.

Even during busy summer months there are places in the country that remain crowd free. You’ll often find yourself alone as you zoom through the blustery northern end of the 350-mile Pennine Cycleway in the Peak District, no matter what time of year. The cycle tracks in southern England's New Forest National Park, which weave through leafy woodlands, provide the best opportunity to see the autumnal colours of rich copper and gold on full display.

What route should I take?

Hadrian’s Cycleway (National Cycle Route 72) in the North of England is a good all-rounder that can be tackled on any type of bicycle — around a third of it is off-road, with the remaining two-thirds being on quiet, sealed roads. Pedal through the scenic countryside by day and stop along the way to enjoy a blissful sleep by night. There are numerous accommodation options on the route, including scenic campsites, hostels and pubs.

Start part-way through the 170-mile trail in Carlisle, Cumbria. Follow the signs through the sweeping countryside along the edge of Hadrian’s Wall — an almost 2,000-year-old stone and turf barrier built to defend the Romans’ northern frontier. The route then heads east and up into the peaks of the North Pennines, passing ancient Roman ruins along the way. Proceed deep into Northumberland’s undulating hills, where you’ll find more remnants of the grand wall that once rose over 13ft high. After riding for around 83 miles, you’ll reach the seaside town of Tynemouth on the North Sea coast.

Where should I stop?

It’s worth stopping for a break at Lanercost Priory, 13 miles east of Carlisle in Brampton, Cumbria. The large Augustinian monastery has weathered the centuries well and houses a 13th-century church that’s still in use today. Fuel up with a classic full English breakfast, jacket potato or tea and scone at the neighbouring Lanercost Tea Rooms.

Housesteads Roman Fort, near Hexham in Northumberland, is another must-visit. Also known as Vercovicium (which means ‘the place of the effective fighters’), it forms part of Hadrian's Wall and is Britain’s most complete Roman fort. The historic site occupies a commanding position on the Whin Sill escarpment. Nearby, visit an ancient bathhouse, walk beside the ruins of a granary and roam around a museum housing local artifacts at Vindolanda — an auxiliary fort occupied by the Romans from 85 CE.

What should I pack?

Along with practical, comfortable clothing and a water bottle, a cycle helmet is essential — consider one with a visor for keeping both rain and sun out of your eyes. Sunscreen, sunglasses and cycling gloves are also recommended for protection and comfort. Convenient communication devices such as Sena’s BiKom 20 are useful for hands-free GPS directions and staying in touch with your cycling partners — the small, lightweight gadget attaches to your helmet strap and has a range of 800 miles.

Hadrian’s Cycleway crosses one of England’s wettest regions, so pack suitable wet weather gear and use a waterproof bag to protect any electronics you’re taking with you (such as chargers and power banks). It’s advisable to carry a basic first-aid kit and a bike lock, too. Bike repair shops may be few and far between, so think about packing your own puncture repair kit, spare inner tubes and multitool case.