The UK has so much to offer when it comes to stunning scenery and culture that it can be difficult to choose where to go on your motorcycling holiday. From the rugged scenery of the Scottish Highlands to the rolling hills of the South Downs, it’s easy to see why motorcyclists flock to the UK each year to sample some of what the country has to offer.
To help you plan your next motorcycling holiday, we’ve compiled our pick of the five best motorcycling routes in the UK. You can check here to apply for a 2nd passport.
The North Coast 500 – Scotland
In 2017, Scotland was voted the most beautiful country in a poll carried out by Rough Guides, and it’s easy to see why. The Highlands offer some of the most stunning and imposing views the UK has to offer.
Fortunately, in 2015, the Northern Highland Initiative (NHI) launched the North Coast 500, a 500 mile circuit across the nation’s northern coast.
Along the way you’ll pass through some of Scotland’s most famous towns and villages including John O’Groats and Loch Ness. The route is simply dripping with historical sites, so this is a route for those who like to take their time and enjoy the surrounding culture along the way.
Starting and ending at Inverness Castle, the route takes about six days to complete.
Pass of the Cross – Dinas Mawddwy, Wales
Bwlch y Groes, or Pass of the Cross, is the second highest public mountain pass in Wales.
The climb takes too 1,788 feet above sea level, and is so steep that some bike manufacturers even use it to test their new models. The climb is well within the abilities of most modern bikes however, but the route itself is still a bit of a challenge.
At the top you’ll get stunning views, and at the bottom you’ll get an exciting double hairpin.
Check out this video of a section of the route – it’s a bit grey at the time of shooting, but in the height of summer you can see why these dales would be a treat.
Trans Euro Trail – Nationwide
Based on the success of the Trans America Trail, the Trans Euro Trail is the first fully mapped legal trail route throughout Europe.
It’s 38,000km long and takes you through 30 countries, and 2,923km of that route are in the UK. It takes 14 days to complete, starting in Dover and Ending in Newcastle.
Along the way you’ll take in the best of what the UK has to offer when it comes to scenery as you wind your way through the Cotswolds, Snowdonia, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Pennines.
A350 – Sherborne to Shaftsbury – South West
This route isn’t as well known as the others in this list, but we just couldn’t miss this out. Highlighted in this guide of top UK biking routes by mustard.co.uk, the route from Sherborne to Shaftsbury offers a variety of slow technical and fast bends, making for an interesting and varied ride.
The route can be found by taking the A350 rather than the A30 and, as well as interesting riding, offers some of the most breathtaking scenery Dorset has to offer.
Cat and Fiddle – Peak District
The A537, or the Cat and Fiddle, is one of the UK’s most famous biking routes. It runs from Macclesfield in Cheshire to Buxton in Derbyshire and is one of the most popular routes for bikers for a reason.
The road offers sharp bends and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and the Cat and Fiddle Inn at the summit provides a welcome break from what will prove to be a challenging ride.
Fame comes at a price though, and the Cat and Fiddle has earned the reputation of the UK’s most dangerous road. Police patrols and restricted speed limits are now in place to prevent further road accidents.
For more inspiration for your next UK road trip, check out these great pages:
· https://www.motorcyclenews.com/great-rides/
· https://www.best-of-scotland.co.uk/blog/scotland-motorbike-guide-galloway-motorbike-route/
· http://www.twistyride.com/contentArticles/roads/Best-Motorbike-Rides.html