Go Bicycle Touring in the United Kingdom
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On this self-guided tour you cycle the fantastic Tarka Trail, Granite Way, Drake Trail and Plym Valley Way, all railways converted into cycle paths. They take you deep into the Devon countryside and offer superb views over Dartmoor National Park.[/one_third] [one_third]
Don’t miss this unforgettable 7-day cycle tour covering the most historic, iconic sites in England. Starting in Oxford, travel through glorious chocolate-box Cotswold towns and villages stopping at multiple iconic UK locations along the way.[/one_third] [one_third_last]
Discover the history and landscapes of Scotland as you cycle through the Scottish Highlands. A romantic landscape of deep lochs, secluded glens and purple heather clad hills littered with castles and steeped in history.[/one_third_last]
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is an island nation harboring four unique countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The largest of the four countries – England, has a population of 53 million people (making up 83% of the population of the UK), yet it covers only 130, 395 square kilometers. The total population of the UK is around 66 million people.
From a cycling standpoint, the United Kingdom has something for everyone. From London’s sprawling metropolis, to magnificent mountain biking trails in Scotland. Scotland is also the end of the line for Land’s End – John O’Groats bicycle tourists. Wales boasts it’s own bicycling trails, both road and mountain biking, with Cardiff’s 55-mile Taff Trail, that traverses from Cardiff to Brecon and is traffic-free. Across the Irish Sea by ferry, and arrive in Ireland. Sweeping Irish country lanes and historic islands offer majestic cycling to escape the city.
Popular Bike Tour Destinations In the United Kingdom
- London is the English capital, and the official capital of the United Kingdom. It is also home to various Royal Residences including the world-famous Buckingham Palace. It shares rich history with the hustle-and-bustle of city life. It is ripe with famous architectural wonders such as the London Eye and the Tower of London. It is also the most populated capital city in the European Union. It comes with it’s own bike-hire service.
- The Yorkshire Dales National Park is located in the North of England, it is a challenging – but beautiful place to ride your bike, whether the road, or the trail takes your fancy. The Yorkshire Dales promises steep climbs in the Upper Dales, but climb-rewarding, breathtaking scenery. It was recently ranked #2 in a study of the best places to cycle in the UK, conducted by British cycling magazine – “Cycling Weekly”.
- The Lake District in the Northwest is home to England’s highest peak – Scaffell Pike. It sports numerous mountain trails and therefore is more suitable for rugged mountain bikes. You’re in for a real treat with the two forests of Whinlatter and Grizedale, these forests offer something for every mountain biker, from the beginner, to the highly-skilled.
- Scotland is also a popular mountain biking destination, boasting some of the best trails in the world. Like the Lake District, it offers something for everyone, although the trails favour the more advanced among mountain bikers. It is also the finish line for the Land’s End to John O’Groats bicycle tour – traditionally, a bottom-to-top tour of the United Kingdom, which spans 875 miles and begins at Land’s End, at England’s southern most point.
- Northern Ireland plays host to spectacular scenery and enchanting coastal roads overlooking the Irish Sea, there’s also many mountain bike trails further inland. The coastal roads (particularly the Torr Head Road), are full of steep hills that will challenge even the fittest and best among road and touring cyclists.
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If you enjoy traffic calmed cycling and sightseeing from your bicycle, whether on your own or with your loved ones, this route is for you. It features the best cycle routes of southern England, together forming a continous route from London to Land’s End, taking in as many famous English landmarks as possible. [/one_third] [one_third]
Discover the history and landscapes of Scotland as you cycle through the Scottish Highlands. A romantic landscape of deep lochs, secluded glens and purple heather clad hills littered with castles and steeped in history.
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The quiet single-track roads of Western Scotland follow glens, lochs, rivers, seashores, and across wide open moors, and are so quiet you will often feel like the sky and the ever-changing view are all yours.
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Facts About the United Kingdom
- The national currency of the UK is the Pounds Sterling (GBP).
- At it’s height, the British Empire ruled 25% of the World’s population, and spanned over 30% of the World’s area.
- There are 28 World Heritage Sites in the UK. These include: The Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and the Kew Botanical Gardens.
- England was the birthplace of many things, including the world’s most famous playwright – William Shakespeare, along with authors J.R.R Tolkein, H.G Wells, Charles Dickens and many more.
- England is 74 times smaller than the United States.
- Big Ben is not a clock, as most people think. It actually refers to the thirteen-tonne bell inside St. Stephen’s tower.
- The London Underground was the world’s first – and largest underground rail system.
- For a time, following the Norman Conquest of England by the French in 11th century – French became the official language of England.
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