Exploring the UK

The aim is to help you find what is right for you, whether it is the best route to nip out and go shopping or just going out for a ride at whatever level you are most comfortable, predominantly across the south of England ....... although wherever you are, check out the Sustrans website or download their National Network map. And how about cycling around Ireland as an alternative to the End 2 End or Coast to Coast?

You can download any UK maps you might need at the Kellogg's Cycle10 Challenge website, which is operated in conjunction with Sustrans

Cornwall .......

Already on this site at http://www.rsct.org.uk/pages/cycle_trails.htm and for instructors in county, if you need a little extra help check out http://www.rsct.org.uk/pages/who_we_are.htm as all the instructors I know and work with, are listed there and you will find out a little about them! They come in all ages, shapes and sizes and from different parts of the county as well. As an added bonus .. check out the Bike Barn right on the edge of several of the trails and all it offers, instruction both on road and off, traditional farmhouse B&B, camping, bike hire etc., www.thebikebarn.org

The National Byway is a 4,500-mile (7,240 km.) sign-posted cycling route round England and parts of Scotland and Wales. The project was developed out of the desire to make a contribution towards a lasting change in the quality of U.K. life through the integration of the social, environmental, health, economic and educational benefits to be derived by the community from bicycling. It is currently 80% complete and 70% funded.

The National Byway is a registered charity whose Patron is Viscount Linley and President is Lord Foster. Cycling author Anne Mustoe is chair of the Trustees.

Please remember there are 3 key principles to the Scottish Outdoor Code which are:

      - Respect the interests of other people
      - Care for the environment
      - Take responsibility for your own actions

For Ireland take a look at this rather comprehensive guide
http://www.cycletourer.co.uk/cycletouring/ireland.shtml

The establishing of Loop routes on the National Byway has been an integral part of the project since its inception. For while many leisure cyclists enjoy riding from point A to B, or out and back again along the same route (which is quite a different experience when cycling in the opposite direction), being able to start and finish in the same place and riding a circular route is very popular.

Loops are especially signposted in only one direction - usually anti-clockwise, which makes for safer riding. When a Loop shares the main Byway route, Loop signs are not used. They only appear when the two routes separate, and disappear when the main route is rejoined. Details about places of interest along the Loops can be found on panels on the map side of the maps, and on the copy side of the map when the main route is being used.

Loop distances vary in order to include suitable routes and to include places of interest, but they are suitable for a one-day or weekend ride. Starting points have been selected in market towns which have suitable infrastructure: parking, cafes, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and hotels. And whenever possible, railway stations to permit arrival by public transport.