Quiet places to cycle

[Norm]

... and felt I should try and give something back...

I wouldn't worry about that, some of us have been here years and failed that test. Just to show that...

Norms right, Virginia Water is really nice to ride around (weekdays only, weekends it's full of families, kids, dogs etc) and you can then ride by the Guards Polo Club on the way out (a dead straight fast run just short of a mile) and work your way back into WGP.

I meant the village rather than the lake, as I consider the lake to be part of WGP and was covered in your opening post. If you go south past Virginia Water station, turn right at the lights you go down the hill and into Chobham Common, which has some lovely quiet routes and several miles of off road stuff too.

If you are going to Swinley, take a couple of quid for the day ticket. It's worth it (IMO) as it's "private" (Crown Estate) land and that money covers insurance and upkeep and I think it's great having a facility like that so close. If you like it there, a year's pass is only around £20.

 

[Andy_R]

I feel bad, as I've been a member for a couple of days now, keep asking lots of questions, and felt I should try and give something back, and I got it wrong! It wasn't even technical! HA!

Don't forget that by asking questions you are contributing and giving something to the forum too. If no-one asked questions, no one would have anything to say in reply. Questions keep the ball rolling.

 

[The Gourmet Wanderer]

You could try Route 6 Derby to Leicester on trails -brilliant. The Tissington trail and High Peak Trail both about 13 miles one way (Ashbourne to Parsley Hay nr Buxton and Cromford to Parsley Hay where the two trails meet) If you are spending any time near or in the Peak District there is Carsington water 8 miles round or the Monsal trail 8 miles and 4 tunnels - very beautiful.

 

[ufkacbln]

There is a charity called Sustrans who are an enabling organisation that liaises with local Councils to plan the National Cycle Network. Local implementation is sketchy as it is down to the local Councils.

People either love or loathe them as an organisation.

However from your point of view they offer what you want with lots of off road routes.

Here is the London list, and there will be equivalents for most areas.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Hi barnstormer,

As mentioned by Andy-r its Whitehaven or workington to tynemouth or Wearmouth taking in the lake district, vale if Eden up to hartside pass - a 5-mile climb to the highest cafe in England then the challenges of the North
Pennines before the 35 mile run down to the northumberland or durham coast.
Most tak 2-days stopping somewhere like Alston.

Def not a piece of cake which is why some do it in 3-days and take in more of the country and historical areas.
A few mad ones do it in one day!

 

[barnstormer]

Some excellent suggestions, thanks to everyone, I'll get looking at the map and plan some summer rides.

 

[The Gourmet Wanderer]

You could go from London up through the Peak and the pennine way then across the country on the C2C route which really has to be about the best for views. That way you are getting most of what has been suggested. You would also be very fit at the end of it.

 

[Marky-boy]

Morning all, i agree with the above, Windsor is a lovely place to cycle, i live on the outskirts of Reading and one of my sunday morning rides is from mine, up through the villiages of Hurst, Waltham St Lawrence, West End, Fifield, then Dedworth and up into Windsor for a coffee stop on the bridge. There are usually a lot of riders passing through the town at that time which is always good to see, i then head back home for the return ride. My computer reads 18 miles approx each way but this sunday i manadged to get up to 44 miles as i detoured through Twyford and Woodley before i got home , guess i was in one of those moods !!!

 

[Norm]

Morning all, i agree with the above, Windsor is a lovely place to cycle, i live on the outskirts of Reading and one of my sunday morning rides is from mine, up through the villiages of Hurst, Waltham St Lawrence, West End, Fifield, then Dedworth and up into Windsor for a coffee stop on the bridge.

Nice route, Mark, and you practically pass my door.

 

[DaveW]

I've been pleasantly surprised by how few cars I encounter on my weekend rides. I live in South Wonston a few miles north of Winchester and find the lanes around here, out to Micheldever, Littleton, Chilbolton Down etc all fantastic. I think 3 cars passed me in 21 miles on Sunday (but about 20 cyclists!).