Cycle Paths and Waterways
Easy short spring routes just ninety-minutes long
We may not be able to come out and repair your bike punctures, but we can point you in the right direction. AA Travel has plenty of mapped rides for the coming spring.
With the current mild weather, there really is no excuse for leaving the bikes in hibernation. Even stiff, fair-weather cyclists should have no trouble with our selection of warm-up rides. The routes mostly follow rivers and canals and are therefore flat or, er, flattish. And speaking of flats, do remember to take a puncture kit [Don't put them off - AA ed].
Foulridge to Greenber Field
Lancashire
This easy ride beside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is entirely flat all the way. With only one brief road crossing to deal with as you switch sides of the canal, the miles simply slip by. Look out for darting kingfishers. They like to perch on branches overhanging the canal, from which they dive into the water to catch small fish. Well worth a visit are the cellars of the Anchor Inn at Salterforth, which have impressive 'straw' stalactites and some rather stunted stalagmites.
Around Pitsford Water
Northamptonshire
Our route around Pitsford Water is a gentle and enjoyable ride on smooth gravel tracks. With great views of the reservoir and little in the way of hills or other challenges to contend with, it's ideal for families with younger children. Pitsford Water was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (or SSSI) in 1971. It is home to numerous species of wading birds, is the site of the county's largest winter gull roost, and is regularly visited by ospreys on their spring migrations.
Askham to Bampton by the Lowther valley
Cumbria
The valley of the River Lowther leads south from Askham to Bampton. Delightful on a fine day, it may also escape the worst of the weather when it's raining, as it lies in the 'rain shadow' of the Lakeland fells. This pleasant road circuit has few steep gradients and is away from the main tourist routes. This is a great ride for wildflower-spotting as the low altitude and sunny aspect conspire with the limestone-based soils to produce a variety of colour along the waysides.
Richmond to Ham House
Greater London
The fairly gentle circular ride takes you from the the buzzy cultural hub of Richmond to the village atmosphere of Ham. Quarries once occupied the site of Ham Lands Nature Reserve, through which our route passes. These quarries were filled in after the second world war with rubble from London buildings destroyed in the blitz. The variety of soils from all over the capital has created a unique pattern of different vegetation types attracting many unusual species.
The Tarka Trail from Braunton to Barnstaple
Devon
As you set off along the Tarka Trail from Braunton look right and in the distance you'll see a ridge of sand dunes. Those nearest the Taw estuary are over 30 metres (100ft) high. This is Braunton Burrows, the second-largest dune system in the UK, designated as a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve in 2002. The whole dune system is gradually moving inland, in some places as much as 3 metres (10ft) per year - so you better get a move on.
A New Forest loop from Burley
Hampshire
The route takes you through the heart of the popular New Forest village of Burley, known for its horse-drawn wagon rides. But we are here to pedal. Our heathland loop includes a level stretch of old railway line, which passes through Holmsley Bog as it becomes the small river of Avon Water. There are good opportunities for birdwatching, and if you need a halfway stop try the Old Station Tea Rooms at Holmsley.
◊ The National Cycle Network is in the AA Close-Up Britain Atlas
◊ Find more rides and walks on AA Travel
◊ Discover welcoming pubs for your local rides
◊ Look for spring events and attractions
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