Cycling Through Autumn

As autumn arrives, bringing with it a stunning palette of golden hues and cool air, cycling becomes an ideal way to experience the beauty of the season. Colder temperatures and picturesque landscapes make autumn the perfect time to venture out on two wheels and explore the changing scenery.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, autumn offers a unique opportunity to enjoy nature in its most vibrant form. From winding country roads to forest trails blanketed in fallen leaves, this season provides the perfect backdrop for memorable cycling adventures.

In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the most scenic autumn cycling routes, where the magic of the season meets the thrill of the ride.

Richmond Park, London

Richmond comes alive in autumn, as majestic deer roam freely, adding an enchanting touch to your cycling experience.

Richmond Park offers cycling routes for all experience levels, including road cycling, mountain biking, and family rides.

For road cycling, the 7-mile loop around the park’s edge features a mix of hills and flats.

The 7.35-mile Tasmin Trail is the only legal off-road mountain biking route in the park. It can also be combined with car-free roads that traverse the park or run alongside the Thames.

For family rides, there are flatter, safer roads suitable for families with children.

Two car-free roads run through the middle of the park, including a flat road that connects Ham Gate to Robin Hood Gate.

Due to its central location, there is no shortage of accommodation nearby. We suggest the following options based on their distance from the park:

Richmond Hotel – 1.2 miles

Practical Caravan – 1.4 miles

Double Tree Hilton – 2.3 miles

Travelodge Raynes Park – 2.8 miles

While you are visiting Richmond Park, there are a host of attractions nearby to enjoy:

Richmond Theatre is a historic venue that hosts an array of shows, from musicals and operas to family entertainment. The theatre is also used as a filming location for movies and TV shows, such as Ted Lasso and Killing Eve. Designed by renowned UK theatre architect Frank Matcham, the property opened as the Theatre Royal and Opera House in 1899.

Marble Hill was built in the 1720s as a Thames-side retreat for Henrietta Howard, the mistress of King George II. The parkland features a garden, a collection of early Georgian paintings, and a playground, providing something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Kayaking on the River Thames in Richmond provides the opportunity for a guided tour along the river, and there is also the option of a guided tour while paddleboarding.

The Sperrin Mountains

With over 37 miles of trails, this Irish landscape offers routes of varying lengths and difficulties to suit every cyclist. In autumn, the forest comes alive with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a stunning display along the pathways.

The trails are suitable for all levels and offer multiple route options, a mountain bike is required due to the terrain.

The trails are separated as follows:

1. Davagh Forest Mountain Bike Trails: an intermediate trail in the heart of the Sperrins with paved roads.
2. Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails: this moderately difficult trail located on Carlingford Lough, offers an exhilarating mountain bike experience.
3. Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails: an easy trail featuring the Mourne Mountains as your backdrop.
4. Banagher Forest Trails: this moderate, partly off-road trail includes open mountain tracks, green pastures, a large dam, and a large lake.
5. The White Hare route: this moderate, hilly trail starts at the An Creagán Visitor Centre.
6. Cumber House route: this surfaced trail runs through the former grounds of Cumber House.

As the routes are nestled in the mountains, it is best to find accommodation nearby. We recommend the following options based on their distance from the trails:

Drum Manor Forest Park – 10.1 miles

The Belfray Country Inn – 12.9 miles

The Mellon Country Inn – 13.7 miles

Bishop’s Gate Hotel – 16.5 miles

While you are in this part of Northern Ireland, there are many attractions to see and activities to enjoy:

Dunluce Castle is the ruin of a 16th-century castle that features historical and archaeological exhibits for visitors to enjoy. It offers picturesque views of the coastline as the surrounding land plunges directly into the sea. Recently, it is famous for appearing in Game of Thrones as ‘the Great Castle of Pyke’.

The Titanic Quarter is a 185-acre waterfront regeneration project in Belfast, making it one of the world’s largest Titanic visitor attractions. The Quarter is located on Belfast’s Maritime Mile, which connects key attractions, sculptures, and lookout points on both sides of the river. This presents a spectacular opportunity for Titanic movie fans to explore this part of history.

A Food tour of Belfast is a guided experience that explores the city’s food and drink scene while visiting markets, bars, and restaurants. There are three types to choose from:

1. Belfast’s food tour
2. Belfast Walking food tour with Secret food tours
3. Belfast Secret food tour

Callander to Killin

This bike trail follows the old Caledonian railway line to the Pass of Leny, an ancient gateway to the Highlands. It offers a charming route that allows you to explore a different side of Scotland. The trail is mostly traffic-free and suitable for families; however, there are some small hills and a steep zig-zag section. The route passes the Falls of Leny, Loch Lubnaig, Strathyre, Kingshouse, Lochearnhead, and Lock Earn along 24.5 miles.

The bike route is suitable for all skill levels, but it requires a good level of fitness. Given the type of terrain, road and mountain bikes are the best options for this route.

If you wish to explore more of the Scottish Highlands, we recommend choosing accommodation based on its proximity to the trail:

Callander Hostel – 1.5 miles

Ardeonaig Hotel – 6.2 miles

Callander Woods Holiday Park – 9 miles

Crown Hotel – 15.7 miles

While exploring the Highlands, you will find many attractions and sights to see:

Trossachs Visitor Centre offers a great opportunity to see Highland Cows that live in the area. Three cows reside at the Centre – Hamish Dubh, Honey, and Holly. As part of the visitor experience, you can admire and feed these lovely animals with treat bags from the on-site store. There’s also a café where you can relax and enjoy refreshments.

Loch Lubnaig. As the bike trail passes through this small freshwater loch, it is a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. With facilities for fishing, camping, and picnicking, the area also provides opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on its deep waters.

Windermere, Lake District

The Claife Heights trail is a 10-mile round trip that showcases the vibrant colours of autumn, reflecting beautifully on Cumbria’s most iconic lake. With breathtaking views, Windermere invites cyclists to explore its paths and embrace the natural scenery as they ride through its lush forests and along the lake’s banks.

The bike route is suitable for all abilities, and both road and mountain bikes are ideal options for this trail.

To fully enjoy Windermere, we recommend staying at a nearby accommodation. Below are options based on their distance from the bike route:

Bowness Guest House – 0.5 miles

Lakes Lodge – 0.9 miles

The Windermere Hotel – 1 mile

Low Wray Campsite – 7.3 miles

While in Windermere, it is worth exploring other attractions and activities, such as:

A guided Brontë Sisters tour takes you through the Lake District National Park, including the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the family cemetery, the Black Bull Inn, and the church where their father served as parson. This tour is especially interesting for fans of Emily Brontë and her books.

Visit Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, which offers a variety of attractions, including the Lakeside Pier, wildlife, and activities like boating and paddleboarding. This destination is particularly appealing for families, as there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Tour of the 6 Lakes: This guided tour offers a scenic journey through the Lake District, p including Ullswater and historic sites like Grasmere. The tour also passes through the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle, which is 1000 years older than Stonehenge. This experience is a great way to maximise your time in the Lake District and see all that it has to offer.

Camel Trail

The Camel Trail is an 18-mile bike route that follows an old railway line in Cornwall, offering a diverse ride through lush forests adorned with a mélange of yellow and orange hues. It is mostly traffic-free, surfaced and level, running from Padstow to Wenfordbridge and passing through Wadebridge and Bodmin.

This trail is suitable for all abilities and ages, making it an excellent choice for everyone. Road bikes are the most appropriate option due to the paved tracks.

Cornwall has a lot to offer, so it may be worth finding accommodation close to the trail. We recommend the following options based on their distance from the bike route:

The Bodmin Jail Hotel – 0.8 miles

Travelodge Wadebridge – 1.2 miles

Premier Inn Wadebridge – 6 miles

Dennis Cove Campsite – 7.3 miles

While you are in Cornwall, take advantage of the opportunity to see other nearby attractions, such as:

Tintagel Castle is the ruins of a medieval castle famous for its connection to King Arthur. Part of the property extends out to the sea, providing a beautiful view of the ocean. The castle is situated atop the clifftop along the Cornish coast, offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the family .

Minack Theatre is a famous open-air theatre perched on the cliffs above Porthcumo Beach. The theatre hosts a variety of performances each year, including plays, musicals, operas, and children’s events, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

Fistral Beach is a mile-long sandy beach that is popular for surfing and family attractions,such as rock pools for children to play in. This family-friendly spot offers plenty of space for games and relaxation with necessary facilities nearby.

Bristol and Bath railway path

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path is a 13-mile off-road bicycle and walking path that connects Bristol and Bath. This former railway line runs from central Bristol to Fishponds, looping north. It is part of the National Cycle Network and serves as a key wildlife corridor bordered by greenery, offering a beautiful autumnal landscape to ride through. The path is mostly flat and traffic-free, with a 3-meter-wide tarmacked surface. There are many access points to the path, allowing you to join wherever you like.

This bike route is suitable for all abilities and types of bikes, including road and mountain bikes.

If you want to complete the entire journey, it’s best to do so over a couple of days or to break it into smaller segments.

Bristol and Bath have much to offer; therefore, consider staying at nearby accommodation. We recommend the following options based on their distance from the railway path:

Royal Hotel – 0.1 miles

Harington’s Hotel – 0.4 miles

The Roseate Villa Bath – 0.5 miles

Bath Waterside & Marina and Caravan Park – 1.2 miles

While you are visiting Bristol and Bath, here are some attractions to check out:

The Roman Baths is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site where visitors can explore the ruins and the museum. These ruins date back thousands of years and were used for bathing and socialising during the Roman era in Britain.

Bristol Beacon is a music education hub, formerly known as Colston Hall. The Beacon hosts a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. There are also cafes and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy music while having a meal or a drink.

Blaise Castle Estate is a 650-acre park that is home to an 18th century castle, Blaise Castle. Built in 1766 by Robert Mylne, the castle was designed to provide views of the estate and ships passing by. The castle features a historical collection of items, including Victorian model trains and period costumes, which visitors can enjoy as they explore the property.

The Cuckoo Trail

The Cuckoo trail is a 14-mile traffic-free bike route in East Sussex that is popular with families and cyclists of all ages. It runs from Heathfield in the north to Hampden Park in Eastbourne in the south, passing through Hellingly, Horam, and Hailsham.

This former railway line is mainly off-road and features gentle gradients. It is part of the National Cycle Network and the Avenue Verte from London to Paris. The trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, cuckoos, and weasels. It also passes through ancient woodlands and wildflowers, including wild garlic and orchids.

As the route is designed for both cycling and walking, it is suitable for a variety of bicycles, such as road and hybrid bikes.

If you are planning to visit this trail, it is worth finding accommodation nearby to maximise your trip. Based on the distance from the trail, we recommend the following options:

Fairfields Farm Caravan & Camping Park – 0.5 miles

Premier Inn Eastbourne Polegate – 0.6 miles

Travelodge Eastbourne Willingdon Drove – 2.6 miles

The Star – 4.1 miles

While you are in Eastbourne, take the opportunity to explore the local area, which is bursting with attractions. These include:

Seven Sisters Country Park spans 280 hectares of famous chalk cliffs and open grasslands, teeming with flora and fauna, including pathways for migrating birds. The park is a great place for picnics, hiking, and kayaking along its winding rivers.

The Observatory Science Centre is one of the leading science centres, featuring over 100 exhibits. It offers an interactive and dynamic experience, including a large telescope in the astronomical observatory. Visitors can embark on a scientific journey while exploring all that the Centre has to offer.

Brighton Pier is a Victorian structure that is central to the Brighton and Hove coastline. The pier offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including fairground games, roller coasters, arcades, and restaurants. Built in 1899, it is one of only three original piers in Brighton that still stands.

Lon las Peris

This scenic route takes you through the popular village of Llanberis along the mesmerising Llyn Padarn Lake in North Wales, spanning 1 mile, making it our shortest suggested route. The route passes through a disused railway tunnel and offers views of Llyn Padarn and the slate quarries.

You can also explore the historic countryside of the slate valley by following country lanes to Deiniolen or Penisarwaun, or by cycling up the valley towards Nant Peris.

The bike route is suitable for all abilities and bikes from hybrids to mountain bikes.

While visiting this trail, it’s best to find nearby accommodation to fully enjoy what North Wales has to offer. Based on distance, we recommend the following options:

The Lake View Hotel – 0.6 miles

Camping In Llanberis Campsite and Glamping Yurts - 1.3 miles

Premier Inn Bangor North Wales – 5.2 miles

Travelodge Bangor – 7 miles

As you are visiting North Wales, there are other attractions to enjoy like:

Snowdonia National Park is renowned for its mountains, valleys, forests, and lakes. The park offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, mountain climbing, hiking, and exploring. Snowdon, the highest peak after which the park is named, is the tallest point in Wales and England, standing at 3,560 feet.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a World Heritage site and a monument to civil engineering, celebrated for its innovative structure. Constructed in 1805, the aqueduct features metal arches and slender masonry pipes. Visitors can walk along the aqueduct, take a boat across the river below, or visit the Trevor Basin Visitor Centre.

The National Slate Museum offers a preserved display of the slate industry in Wales. The site consists of the remains of a 19th-century quarry workshop. Visitors can gain insight into the equipment, tools, and materials used during its operational days. One of its major features is the giant waterwheel located on the grounds.

St. Albans loop

The route, nestled in Hampstead Heath, spans 41.6 miles. This is an intermediate road ride that is mostly well-paved and easy for bike enthusiasts, but it requires a good level of fitness. Due to its paved roads, it is well suited for road bikes.

Hampstead Heath is rich in history and attractions, we suggest staying at nearby accommodation based on its distance from the route:

Premier Inn London Hampstead – 1.1 mile

The Hide London – 2.4 miles

Canopy by Hilton London City – 5.8 miles

Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park – 7.7 miles

While enjoying the bike route and choosing to stay to explore the area, here are some fun sites to visit:

Parliament Hill was once a point of defence for Parliamentarian troops during the English Civil War. The hill now offers a vantage point for fireworks on New Year’s Eve and Bonfire Night. These 800 acres of land are among the highest points in London, providing stunning views of the skyline and popular buildings like the Shard and St. Paul's Cathedral.

The Holly Bush pub is a traditional 18th –century establishment, popular for its tucked-away location in one of Hampstead Heath’s many lanes and the cosy atmosphere it offers.

Kenwood House, formerly a stately home built in early 17th century, spans 112 acres and is home to esteemed paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Turner and Vermeer. The beautiful landscape has been used for weddings, corporate events, and parties, making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the surrounding tranquil greenery.

Blickling Estate

This multi-use trail offers a 4-mile route around the Blickling Estate in Norfolk, along with the option to hire a bike to explore the lush farmlands that make up the wider estate.

The trail is hard-surfaced and suitable for all weather conditions. It features sand tracks, some tree roots, and occasional seating. The route passes through woods and open land, including landmarks such as an 18th-century tower, an ancient woodland, and a pyramid mausoleum.

The bike route is suitable for all abilities and types of bikes, ranging from road bikes to e-bikes.

As the Estate spans roughly 400 acres, it is wise to find nearby accommodation to make it easy to get to and from the route. We recommend the following options based on its distance from the route:

Buckinghamshire Arms – less than 1 mile, located on the estate

The Plough Inn – 3 miles

Mill Farm Camping – 5.3miles

Beechwood Hotel – 6.3 miles

While visiting this trail, you should take advantage of other attractions in Norfolk, such as:

Sandringham Estate is a 20,000-acre private country estate that is home to the British monarchy. Sandringham House is renowned for its architecture, gardens, and history. Visitors can marvel at this property by exploring waymarked trails and the play area in the Royal Parkland. There is also the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.

Cromer Pier is an award-winning Victorian pier that should be on your bucket list to visit, as it offers spectacular views of Norfolk’s coastline. The pier has numerous f restaurants and shops to explore and is a well-known spot for crab fishing, complete with a gift shop where you can find everything you may need for a successful catch.

Holkham Hall is an 18th century country house set within a rich landscape populated by deer, featuring a garden blooming with flowers and a piece of history within its walls. The property offers activities such as hiring a bike, a ropes course for kids, and a variety of places to eat.

Final thoughts

And there you have it - the best cycling routes for you to explore this Autumn season. Hopefully, this inspires you to keep your bike out a little longer this year. To embark on these adventures with peace of mind, insure your bicycle with us today!