No cycle ride is complete without a well-earned pit stop. We asked Sustrans to choose their favourite rides that conveniently take you past some very fine watering holes. Think open fires, pub gardens, craft beer, dominoes and hearty fare. Bliss.
The Wild Rabbit on the Cotswold Line
The Peregrine Path, Herefordshire/Monmouthshire
This unique route straddles England and Wales, showcasing some of finest scenery in Britain. Following the route of the River Wye, the route travels past a great pub called the Saracen’s Head at Symonds Yat – just under midway, it’s an ideal stopping off point. It's right on the water with spectacular views, and on a sunny day you have a bite to eat outside and happily watch the world, and a few boats, drift by.
High Peak Trail, Derbyshire
This traffic-free route takes you through the Derbyshire Dales, offering stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. At the end of the ride you’ll find the fantastic Royal Oak at Hurdlow. The food is beautiful and all ingredients are sourced within 20 miles of the pub. There is a campsite here, too, so it’s a perfect place to pitch up and relax for the night if you are planning a multi-day trip.
Aire Valley Towpath, Yorkshire
The Aire Valley Towpath in Yorkshire passes through urban areas and tranquil countryside, connecting the shopping Mecca of central Leeds with nearby Bingley. The highlight of the route is Saltaire – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has amazing architecture, galleries, boutiques and antique shops. And as luck would have it, it also has an award-winning brewery, where a pint of Cascadian Black comes highly recommended. Or two if you're sticking around…
The Cotswold Line, Oxfordshire
This ride takes you into the heart of the Cotswolds and through the quaint village of Kingham – where we recommend stopping in at the newly opened Wild Rabbit pub. Stylish yet traditional, this pub is the perfect pitstop. Relax into one of the large leather chairs in front of the roaring fire and sample beers from local artisan breweries. There's dominoes, too. Now you're talking.
Bath Two Tunnels Circuit, Somerset
This scenic 13-mile loop between Bath and Midford not only takes you through the longest cycling tunnel in Britain, but conveniently past the fantastic 18th-century Wheelwrights Arms in Monkton Combe. If you feel you’ve earned another rest stop (who are we to judge), take a slight detour to the Hope and Anchor in the Cam Valley, Midford, which is on the new Colliers Way cycle path that leads straight into the pub car park.
Sustrans is a leading charity enabling people to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys on two wheels. sustrans.org.uk