FOUR TOP PLACES IN THE UK FOR TOURING CYCLISTS

I HAVE TOURED ALL OVER THE UK and these are four of my favourite journeys. All are rides that offer great challenges, are mainly on quiet roads and the scenery takes the breath away. They are some of the UK's great outdoors

BEALACH NA BA

I cycled Bealach Na Ba in October 2013. It is a single track road rising 2,053ft from sea level with gradients up to 20%. Set in Wester Ross mountains and overlooking the Isle of Skye, it is one of the most awe inspiring roads in the UK. Beware of the weather however and the top was heavy in cloud on my journey.

Coming a very close second was the Figure of Eight on the Isle of Mull. I have done it twice, once in brilliant sunshine and the other in an October gale. The roads are quiet with jaw dropping views and in October listen out for stags calling

THE HEART OF WALES

Wales has three remote scenic long distance routes that converge on Rhayader and this town with its bike shop that doubles up as a pub in the evening must qualify as a mecca for bike tourers. The bike shop has twice got me out of trouble. Head north to Snowdonia, east into the old county of Radnor, south into the Black Mountains and west into the Cambrian Mountains. Follow National Cycle routes 8, 81 and 825 and you will find everything to satisfy a touring cyclist.  Watch out for red kites souring in the skies above

THE ANTRIM COAST

On a clear day, it is possible to see the Paps of Jura, one of Scotland's fabulous Hebridean islands. My first visit was in 2015 and I will going back again later this year. The route is beautiful, rugged   and hugs the coast. It is 70 miles long. Beware weekends and holidays when the road can be quite busy.
Watch out for impressive colonies of sea birds.

DARTMOOR

Dartmoor is home territory for me. Two iconic cycle routes can be found using the Dartmoor Way Website The area is known for its high moors with granite peaks known as torrs while the perimeter is a land of secret valleys with rivers rushing off the moors, ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows.  They are very beautiful when the sun shines but dark and menacing in the mist and when it rains.  Listen for cuckoos in the spring.

Another favourite is to cross the Pennines by bike and I hope to do a new route later this year The Lakes and Dales Cycle Route