Cycling UK’s guide to cycling guides

Cycle travel is one of the great pleasures in life, in part due to its ability to let you explore the familiar and unfamiliar parts of the world in such a unique way.

The perennial problem for the cyclist however is not when to go (the answer is always now or soon!) but where. With so much literature available on and off line, for many this wonderful choice is the hardest part of any tour.

Cycling UK staff have put together below a short list of some of our recent favourites which stretch across the varying disciplines of cycle travel to help inspire you. You can also read the full list of UK cycling maps on Cycling UK's Cycle A-way. 

Reviews

Lost Lanes Wales - Jack Thurston £14.99

I can see Lost Lanes Wales winging its way to my cycling friends. It’s a wonderfully approachable book that on and off-road cyclists of all levels can appreciate. The well-written routes are adorned with lush pictures (all strangely sunny considering it is a book about Wales!) and each has a downloadable .gpx file for those who forsake maps. It has tips for everything from wild swimming to gourmet dining and pubs along the way.

Sam Jones, Campaigns and Communications Coordinator

The Cyclist's Anthology – various £9.99

Comprising extracts from some of the greatest works of literature, the anthology is interspersed with interesting segments on iconic bicycle designs and fascinating cycling facts. It’s divided into separate sections which touch upon learning to ride, touring, and the varying types of cycling. The versatility of the machine, the sheer exuberance and - for the early pioneers - terror of riding a bike, are conveyed throughout the passages relating to cycling. Can there be any other machine that unites such a disparate array of literary greats? This small hardback volume is a fascinating read that would make a lovely gift for any cycling enthusiast - or anybody else who should be.

Julie Rand, Member Group Coordinator/CycleClips Editor

Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook - Neil & Harriet Pike £15.99

It’s the journey that matters, as the saying goes. For many cyclists, the first step of that journey is the planning. Now in its 3rd edition, Neil and Harriet’s wanderlust experience is a source of reassurance. This handbook is a real bible for adventure cyclists who are looking for advice or inspiration for their next tour. It’s packed with practical information, from choosing the right bike for the terrain to visa advice. There are routes on every continent to consider, first-hand top-tips from the authors and anecdotes all told with a pinch of humour.

Matt Mallinder, Membership Director

Mountain Biking on the North Downs - Peter Edwards £14.95

The North Downs is a paradise for mountain bikers, with a vast area of bridleways and tracks. From Dover in the East to Farnham in the west, there are miles of wonderful trails, man-made and ‘natural’. This book will be useful for encouraging people to explore less obvious parts of the South East. With 20 routes between 18.5km and 59km in length and graded for difficulty, the guide is suitable for those with at least some technical ability and fitness.

Julie Rand

Cycling UK’s End to End guide – various £12.50 (free to members)

Cycling from Land's End to John o' Groats (LEJOG) - the entire length of the UK - is a challenge that many thousands of people take on each year. Whether it's for your chosen charity or a personal ambition, our LEJOG pack, which benefits from all the tips and experience of Cycling UK’s 68,000 membership and 140 years’ worth of history, will help you plan and complete this epic ride. We’ve outlined four detailed routes, both on and off-road, and include useful tips such as transporting your bike to and from your destinations, and accommodation along the way. It’s the definitive guide and a must for anyone planning the ride.