12 of the best coastal cycling routes for summer

We might not have had a classic summer so far, but with peak holiday time happening right now and some warmer weather forecast, now could be the time to take your bike to the seaside for some ice cream (for you) and great rides (for you both).

We highlight 12 great coast rides with some amazing views, coffee shops and fish and chip restaurants for refuelling along the way. We cover everything from epic multi-day adventures to short all-ability rides. Dive in!

1. West Kernow Way, Cornwall

Start/finish: Penzance
Length: 230km
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Starting and ending in Penzance, this 230km adventure route takes in some of Cornwall’s most spectacular coastal scenery, including amazing views from Lizard Point and Land’s End.

The full route would make an excellent summer cycling challenge for experienced cyclists, or you could plan a shorter section for a more leisurely ride. Penzance to Lands End is 28km and wends its way through villages, harbours and beautiful coves – with plenty of places to stop off and enjoy a Cornish pasty or traditional cream tea.

It’s mixed terrain, with both on- and off-road sections and some spicier parts.

2. Viking Coastal Trail, Kent

Start/finish: Margate
Length: 51km
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The full circular route combines off-road coastal paths with quiet inland roads through pretty Kentish villages.

Starting at Margate means you can choose to cycle the whole route, starting and ending near the train station, or ride a shorter section either heading west to Reculver or east to Ramsgate. There are plenty of pubs, cafés and restaurants where you can stop to refuel or treat yourself and the kids to a well-deserved ice cream.

You’ll follow clifftop paths with views of sandy bays and chalk cliffs. Largely traffic free, quiet and on level paths, as well as easy to break down into shorter rides, this is good for family riding.

3. North Norfolk Coast Cycleway

Start/finish: King’s Lynn/Great Yarmouth
Length: 95km
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Much of this route passes through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering wonderful views of the Norfolk countryside and a host of wildlife. It starts and ends close to train stations and you could tackle the whole thing in one go.

However, there are plenty of places to stop for the night if you wanted to take it more slowly. The gentle gradients and quiet roads make this a great ride for cyclists of all ages and abilities. A shorter alternative would be to end at Cromer for some famous Cromer crab.

4. Bay Cycle Way, Cumbria to Lancashire

Start/finish: Walney Island/Glasson Dock
Length: 129km
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This long-distance route hugs the coastline of Morecambe Bay, offering breathtaking views across the bay. It follows quiet roads, greenways, towpaths and promenades. Much of it is traffic free or on quiet lanes, however some sections can get busy. It’s mostly flat, but a couple of climbs will give you more of a workout.

Morecambe Bay is a haven for wildlife – look out for terns, curlew, knot, oystercatcher and even grey seals. You’ll also pass through several nature reserves. There are plenty of places to stop for the night or just to refuel on your journey.

There are train stations in Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster.

5. Berwick to Holy Island, Northumberland

Start/finish: Berwick-upon-Tweed/Lindisfarne
Length: 24km
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Explore Northumberland’s dramatic coastline and historical monuments on this linear route. Berwick is a great place to start – take some time to check out the medieval castle and 19th century lighthouse.

After crossing the River Tweed, the ride follows the coast, offering clifftop views of the North Sea. The terrain is mixed, with the riding on quiet roads, coastal paths and unsurfaced tracks.

You’ll need to cycle across the causeway – with its views of the sand and mudflats – to get to Holy Island; check tide times before you set out. The island is home to a 12th-century priory, a castle and a national nature reserve. There are also B&Bs, self-catering cottages and a coffee shop.

6. Fife Coastal Path

Start/finish: Leven/North Queensferry
Length: 62km
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The whole of the Fife Coastal Path runs for 183km, linking Kincardine in the Firth of Forth and Newburgh in the Firth of Tay. Much of the path isn’t suitable for cycles, however this section heading west from Leven to North Queensferry offers some good cycling.

The market town of Leven has a train station, as well as guesthouses and a variety of cafés. The path follows the coast, with wonderful views across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. You’ll experience former mining communities, fishing villages, stunning beaches and ancient ruins.

The route ends in North Queensferry at the iconic Forth Road Bridge.

7. The Caledonia Way, Argyll and Bute to Highland

Start/finish: Campbeltown/Inverness
Length: 374km
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This Scottish coast-to-coast starts at the shores of Campbeltown Loch and ends at Inverness on the Firth of Moray. This challenging ride is a mix of road cycling, with several steep climbs, canal towpaths, forest trails and some remote off-road sections.

However, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery the UK can offer. You’ll cycle the whole of the Kintyre peninsula and Great Glen, and along lochs including Loch Ness and into the Highlands. You’ll encounter ancient castles, pretty harbours, magnificent mountains and many whisky distilleries.

A shorter route is the 79km mostly traffic-free and largely flat path from Oban to Fort William.

8. The Hebridean Way

Start/finish: Vatersay/Butt of Lewis
Length: 297km
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This epic adventure takes in 10 islands, six causeways and two ferries. The riding is all on quiet island roads. However, it gets very remote at times, and you’ll need to pack plenty of snacks and water. There are also some challenging climbs.

Along the way are stunning white sandy beaches, dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and encounters with wildlife that could include otters and golden eagles. This is a route to take your time over, with ancient monuments, historical sites, wildflower meadows and more to visit. There are also many cyclist-friendly cafés, pubs, accommodation and shops.

9. Millennium Coastal Path, Carmarthenshire

Start/finish: Bynea/Pembrey Country Park
Length: 21km
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This family-friendly, accessible route runs along the Carmarthenshire coastline. It starts in the village of Bynea, just outside Llanelli. You cycle onto the Millennium Coastal Park and around the shores of Loughor Estuary, with stunning views of the Gower Peninsula.

The route goes through nature reserves to the pretty harbour at Burry Port, to finish at Pembrey Country Park. It’s a fantastic day out with cafés along the way and a host of wildlife to look out for. You’ll even go through Llanelli Wetland Centre with its flock of flamingos.

10. North Wales Coastal Cycleway

Start/finish: Talacre/Penmaenmawr
Length: 55km
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This largely hard-surfaced and off-road route is part of the 1,400km Wales Coast Path. Much of the path is off limits for bikes, but this section is also part of NCN 5. On a few occasions, the path diverts from the cycle route; cyclists should follow the NCN signs.

The route links the seaside resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno and the walled castle town of Conwy. It provides glorious views of the sea and coast, as well as inland to the Clwydian Hills, the Vale of Clwyd and the northern slopes of Snowdonia National Park.

11. Belfast Docks to Loughshore Park

Start/finish: Belfast/Jordanstown
Length: 12km
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This traffic-free, family-friendly ride starts at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, where you can visit Titanic Belfast and learn about this famous ship and the city’s maritime heritage.

You’ll cycle along hard-surfaced, largely flat paths along the shores of Belfast Lough, with wonderful views across the lough. At Jordanstown, you can continue along Shore Road to Loughshore Park or take NCN 93 to Glen Park, Three Mile Water Conservation Park and Mossley Mill. There are plenty of places for a spot of lunch at Jordanstown.

12. Causeway Coast Cycle Route, Co Antrim

Start/finish: Castlerock/Giant’s Causeway
Length: 37km
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Start near the beach at the seaside resort of Castlerock. There’s also a train station and, importantly, an ice cream parlour.

A good proportion of the route is off road, with some sections on quiet coastal roads. It’s almost all well surfaced, too. There are several short climbs and two longer, more challenging ascents.

You can enjoy fine sea views at Barmouth Viewpoint, while looking over the sandy beach at Portstewart you can see across to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. Other highlights include a whiskey distillery at Bushmills and the ruins of Dunluce Castle.

Leave some time to explore the iconic Giant’s Causeway. Refreshments are available at the National Trust visitor centre.