Many of us have had to put our bikes away during the winter months, so the Spring equinox on Sunday 20th March 2022 was a welcomed relief as we can now start planning our next trip and get back out on the road!
As we head into the warmer months of the year, we’ve put together a list of the best motorcycle routes in the UK that you should add to your riding list for 2022 and beyond. These are our top 10 for you to try, including a day out at The Lakes, a coastal ride to remember and a trip via the UK’s very own Route 66.
10 – The Cat and Fiddle, 11.5 miles – Link to map
Running over the heart of the Peak District from Buxton to Macclesfield, this route is named after the pub which lays at the summit, so definitely plan in a stop there on your trip! The road has been fitted with average speed cameras, but the 50mph allows you to take in beautiful landscape that the Peak District has to offer – perfect on a sunny day.
Top tip: This road has been made famous by motorcycle riding enthusiasts because of the many and challenging bends, coming with a high accident rate, so ride with caution.
9 – Rivington Round, 19 miles – Link to map
A nice winding motorbike route that goes through Rivington and past Rivington Great House Barn. Taking you just over 40 minutes to complete, you will get to enjoy the scenery around the Rivington area, passing through Withnell Fold and the quaint Abbey Village.
Top tip: The Great House Barn in Rivington is a popular meeting point for bikers and is surrounded by more excellent biking roads to choose from for other journeys.
8 – Yorkshire t’Yonder, 123 miles – Link to map
Travelling up from Skipton to Gretna, this is near enough a 4-hour journey right through the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines. Taking in the beauty of The North, you will pass Settle and Kirkby Stephen, to name a few, so make sure you plan in a few stops and make good use of local establishments.
Top tip: Fancy a little detour? Well, turn north off the Buttertubs Pass to visit Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in the UK.
7 – Snakes Pass, 25 miles – Link to map
A twisting and challenging route that may not be long but should be on every rider’s list to tick off. Taking you from Glossop to the Ladybower Reservoir along the A57, you will ride through the heart of the remarkable Peak District where you can then carry on to Sheffield if you’re looking to make the most of your day.
Top tip: Snake Pass has an unwanted accident record, so take care whilst travelling and never travel alone. It’s also known for the Pass to close at times, so plan and check before you leave to avoid delays and disappointment.
6 – The Windermere Loop, 65 miles – Link to map
This 65-mile loop through the stunning Lake District National Park will take you roughly an hour and a half. That is without any stops, but you should plan in and make at day of it by stopping at the array of cafes and restaurants that this stunning part of Britain has to offer.
Top tip: Make sure you take a camera for the unbelievable views around Coniston Water and Windermere.
5 – Southport Ride, 26 miles – Link to map
A popular ride with a regular motorbike meeting point at Southport’s Lower Promenade, this route offers fast roads and long winding country lanes. Starting on Rainford Road in St. Helens, it will take you 54 minutes to head up to the sunny seaside of Southport.
Top tip: A short but sweet trip, with the Southport promenade being a popular meeting point for bikers because of its picturesque scenery and array of eateries.
4 – The Black Mountain Pass, 18.2 miles – Link to map
Fourth on our list is the A4069, otherwise known as the Black Mountain Pass which is perfect on a sunny day. Taking you around 35 minutes, the Black Mountain Pass runs through the beautiful Welsh Brecon Beacons and, unsurprisingly, takes in the wild Black Mountain.
Top tip: Look out for the sheep! Be prepared for brilliant corners, huge views and a decent surface with little traffic.
3 – The Trans European Trail, 1634 miles – Link to map
So, you may be thinking that this is a lot of miles, but the Trans European Trail (TET) is the first fully mapped legal trail route through Europe, with this being the section through the UK that can be picked up at any point across the country as you wish. The real draw is in the ease of being able to follow the route which can be downloaded via the official TET website here: https://transeurotrail.org/united-kingdom/#3.86/52.10/0.98
Top tip: If you’re doing the full UK route, then get ready to see the best of Britain. We’re talking quaint villages, trail roads and national landmarks. Check on the TET website for your bike’s suitability for different parts of the Trail.
2 – A Devonshire Delight, 63 miles – Link to map
Passing through the top of Exmoor National Park, this is one of the most uninterrupted coastal routes in the UK. The trip from Woolacombe to Bridgwater will take a little over 2 hours and provide you with cliff-tops, steep hills and quaint Devonshire villages to stop at on route.
Top tip: Watch out for steep and twisty hills as you head into Porlock and make sure to plan in a pit stop at the harbour front in Lynmouth.
1 – The North Coast 500, 500 miles – Link to map
Arguably the UK’s most iconic road, the North Coast 500 is our answer to Route 66 and, you guessed it, is a mammoth 500 mile plus journey that is most likely to be on every rider’s bucket list. It’s advised to plan a minimum of 5 days for the route, so it’s worth making a trip of it and taking in everything that the Scottish north coast has to offer including the dramatic driving roads, beautiful coastal scenery, turquoise blue seas and white sand beaches.
Top tip: Don’t rush it if you don’t have to. This is truly a ride to remember, so make the most of it and take every opportunity to stop at the amazing locations.
Have any more amazing routes that you are planning? Then let us know in the comments!
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