Cycling is not only eco-friendly but also a great fun for all the family. Here are Lucy Dyer's top five places to go riding this summer

 

 

Summer is here believe it or not and we need to make the most of it. The environment’s favourite form of transport is a great way to keep fit and is fun for all the family. Listed below are some great places to cycle in the UK:

 

The Camel Trail, Cornwall

 

The Camel Trail is 18 miles long and runs partly along the Camel River. You can lock your bike up in the town and walk to the coastline which offers beautiful sites and a perfect place to stop for a rest and maybe even a picnic. On route you will pass The Camel Estuary, which is a bird watchers paradise as well as the quaint city of Wadebridge and some magnificent woodland and trees looked after by the Forestry Commission. Along the route there are several camp sites if you wish to make your cycle into a mini holiday break for all the family.

 

Go to visitcornwall.com for more details.

 

York’s Solar System Model

 

A cycle route with a difference. The route is 6.4 miles long and is a scale model of the solar system, every 100m on the track corresponds to over 57km in space.

 

The track used to be a railway line so you can see the remains of old train stations along the way. The site itself is a nature reserve and there are pubs and restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat. Being able to marvel at the wonders of the solar system while travelling at ten times the speed of light makes it a truly great day out for the kids.

 

Visit solar.york.ac.uk for more details.

 

The Mountain Biking Wales Organisation

 

If you're more of an adrenaline junkie you might fancy a bit of mountain biking and there's no better place to do it than Wales.

The Mountain Biking Wales organisation allows you to choose the grade and length of your route as well as the facilities available and the area of Wales you want to visit.

Plus if you don’t know how to cycle they offer lessons. Whether you just need a little reminder or you have never cycled before they will have you riding like a pro in no time.

Visit www.mbwales.com/trails/ for details.

 

Norfolk Coast Cycleway

 

The 92 mile Norfolk Coast Cycleway runs parallel to the Norfolk coast. It’s mostly flat so great for kids and inexperienced cyclists as you don’t have to do the whole 92 miles. You don’t even have to cycle home as you can take your bike on the train with you from Great Yarmouth of Sheringham or Kings Lynn.

 

If you’re up for an adventure there are ten possible circular  routes coming from the main route, which range from 18 to 40 miles.

Travelling along the main route there lots of refreshment stops, medieval churches and grand country estates.

To learn more about the cycle way visit www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk

 

Sacred Sites and Secret Places Tour, Scotland

 

This tour can be four or seven days long and it runs all year round. You will travel through the heart of the Scottish Highlands through quiet roads and trails. It's a great tour for geographers and historians as you will visit Fortingall Yew Tree, which is the oldest tree in Europe along with Roman ruins, ancient Caledonian woodlands, lochs, rivers and mountains.

Fancy going but don’t have a bike? No worries you can hire a bike from Cycle Scotland.

To find out more about the Sacred Sites and Secret Places Tour or any other of the tours that Cycle Scotland have to offer visit www.cyclescotland.co.uk

 

So now you have no excuse not to dust off your helmet and set off for a cycle.

 

Written by Assistant Web Editor, Lucy Dyer

 

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