--- title: "Bicycle touring in United Kingdom | Cycle Planet" description: "The United Kingdom is made up of 4 different territories that originate from the countries united in the kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern…" canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom" meta: "og:description": "The United Kingdom is made up of 4 different territories that originate from the countries united in the kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern…" "og:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BUnited%2BKingdom%2Cdescription_~VGhlIFVuaXRlZCBLaW5nZG9tIGlzIG1hZGUgdXAgb2YgNCBkaWZmZXJlbnQgdGVycml0b3JpZXMgdGhhdCBvcmlnaW5hdGUgZnJvbSB0aGUgY291bnRyaWVzIHVuaXRlZCBpbiB0aGUga2luZ2RvbSAoRW5nbGFuZCwgV2FsZXMsIFNjb3RsYW5kIGFuZCBOb3J0aGXigKY%2Cheadline_Western%2BEurope%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvdW5pdGVkLWtpbmdkb20i%2Cs_QIoA6XG7HCEmcUqt.png" "og:image:height": "600" "og:image:type": image/png "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Bicycle touring in United Kingdom" "twitter:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BUnited%2BKingdom%2Cdescription_~VGhlIFVuaXRlZCBLaW5nZG9tIGlzIG1hZGUgdXAgb2YgNCBkaWZmZXJlbnQgdGVycml0b3JpZXMgdGhhdCBvcmlnaW5hdGUgZnJvbSB0aGUgY291bnRyaWVzIHVuaXRlZCBpbiB0aGUga2luZ2RvbSAoRW5nbGFuZCwgV2FsZXMsIFNjb3RsYW5kIGFuZCBOb3J0aGXigKY%2Cheadline_Western%2BEurope%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvdW5pdGVkLWtpbmdkb20i%2Cs_QIoA6XG7HCEmcUqt.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Western Europe # United Kingdom [**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=52.942,-1.912,6.5) [** Download GPX (5) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/GB) ## **About ** The United Kingdom is made up of 4 different territories that originate from the countries united in the kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). In all countries the official language is English. Welsh is also spoken in Wales and in some other areas. Last updated 18 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom/edit/about) ## **People ** The population is correct, reserved, but also cordial. Etiquette is important, and saying a lot of please & thank you works wonders. However, the Scots are stiff, sometimes helpful, but often not at all. Scots are very laid back, if you take the time with them! and always up for a chat. There is no response to cyclists. On the Isle of Sky, the people are helpful with a good dose of humor. You are greeted extensively, cars are pulled over. Last updated 18 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom/edit/people) ## **Visa ** England is part of the United Kingdom and makes use of their visa policy. There are quite some nationalities that need to have a visa to enter England. Visa policy of the United Kingdom United Kingdom Freedom of movement / [**Common Travel Area**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Travel_Area "Common Travel Area") Visa-free entry for 6 months, subject to UK Visitor Rules (no UK jobs market work, no recourse to public funds) Electronic visa waiver countries Visa required for entry, and landside transit (unless holding exemption documents); visa-free airside transit Visa required for entry, and both landside and airside transit (unless holding exemption documents) Source: [**Wikipedia**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_Kingdom). Last updated 20 Mar 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom/edit/visa) ## **See and do **(4) Sorted by most likes 1. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**1. Cold War underground ROC Post**See & doA small underground room previously used as a nuclear bunker/monitoring post. Should be dry inside so can be used for camping although bikes won’t fit down the…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/511e5a12-fc7f-47bf-8844-6fc0857f4dd2) 2. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**2. Greenwich Cutty Sark**See & doVisit Cutty Sark, the celebrated historic sailing ship and fastest of its time. Now an award-winning visitor attraction in Greenwich, London.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/713eda63-bacd-486b-b7f1-267b0a8ecedd) 3. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**3. John Ryland Library**See & doThe John Rylands Library is a late-Victorian neo-Gothic building on Deansgate in Manchester, England. The library, which opened to the public in 1900, was…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/8e330b10-3aaa-4efd-b478-34be648924db) 4. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**4. Marriott's Way**See & doThe Marriott's Way is a long-distance footpath, cycle-path and bridleway between Norwich and Aylsham, Norfolk, England. It forms part of the National Cycle…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/0322eaf9-b800-4e3d-8ee5-9f0b652d4e17) ## **Sleeping ** ### **(Formal) camping** Plenty of camp sites with charges anywhere between £10 to £20 per night ### **Wild camping** Not legal unless you ask the Land owner. Last updated 18 Jun 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom/edit/sleeping) ## **Safety ** It's generally a safe country for cycling. Battle in Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland you are regularly confronted with the consequences of 25 years of political struggle between Catholics and Protestants: checkpoints, closed streets in high-risk cities like Cookstown, graffiti in major cities on this subject, sometimes separate shops for both parties , etc. Especially around the 12th of July (Protestant holiday), the tension rises and patrols become clearly visible in the streets. ### **Traffic** Driving is on the left. Be alert in the cities: at traffic lights, cars are parked close to the curb so that it is difficult for cyclists to pass; left-turning cars cut off cyclists; cars entering from the left often do not give way to cyclists (if the cyclist is driving on the priority road); clearly indicate what you intend to do (hold out your hand left/right). On small roads it is very quiet and good road surface, but the more through roads can be busy. The motorists are not very used to cyclists: They drive fast. On small roads, most motorists continue to drive behind a cyclist until they can really safely pass them - but the devil is in the single car that does speed past you and forces you into the verge. In rainy and foggy weather, it may be advisable to wear a reflective vest and because the weather can change very quickly, my advice is: just wear such a vest all the time. Brits often wear reflective clothing in all weather conditions. In the dark, cyclists hang themselves with several lights. Officially flashing lights are not allowed on the bicycle, but they are allowed if you wear them on your body. ### **Nature and animals** In the west of Scotland and in Wales, be aware of midges. These are tiny, highly irritating gadflies that appear in swarms in dry and windless weather. Usually early in the morning and towards dusk. It helps to find a (camping) spot with a dry surface and to catch as much wind as possible. Anti-mosquito stuff works a bit, covering yourself better. Last updated 18 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom/edit/safety) ## **Transport ** ### **Train** The UK has no fewer than 28 different railway companies, each with its own rules for taking bicycles on the train. It is possible that the bicycle has to be put in a separate carriage, which is not accessible during the journey and closes 10-15 minutes before the train leaves. Keep this in mind and arrive on time. Before the car is closed, you also have to attach your bike and get back in another car. ### **Boat** The ferries on the west coast, including the Western Isles, Scotland are largely owned by Caledonian MacBrayne. The bicycle facilities are generally good. There is no need to pay for the bicycle. You only pay as a passenger. There are few or no catering options on the short routes, while food is also available on the longer routes (hot and cold). Last updated 18 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom/edit/transport) ## **Food and drink ** Almost every reasonable village has a shop and a slightly larger village has a supermarket that is usually open until 7 am. Larger supermarkets are open 7 days from 9 to 9 In Scotland, you can get typical dishes such as haggis and black and white pudding in the supermarket. **Restaurants** Pub meals are cheap, very variable in quality (be surprised!), but a guaranteed cozy atmosphere. Almost everywhere there is at least 1 vegetarian dish on the menu, even in pubs. **Drinkable water** Water is available everywhere, even in the lonely highlands. There is always a house, farm or shop to be found there. Last updated 18 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom/edit/foodDrink) ## **Other places **(1) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Water](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Water.png)**1. Highest Aqueduct in the world**WaterPontcysyllte Aqueduct The 18-arched stone and cast iron structure is for use by narrowboats and was completed in 1805 having taken ten years to design and…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7b7c8c62-e857-48dc-88cb-69db03ec5f66) ## **Other ** **Best time to cycle** Summer is perfect for cycling. There are, however, more tourists in some places, but also a more pleasant temperature. May and June are the best months for Scotland, when it is driest and the number of midges is smaller than in July and August. **Spare parts** Specific gear for a randonneur with 28 inch wheels is harder to find. The range is mostly limited to ATB stuff. There are plenty of bicycle shops, especially in the big cities. **Nice routes** - The non-profit organization Sustrans maintains a "national cycle network" (NCN) of signposted cycling routes. There are now 12,000 miles signposted. See also [**http://www.sustrans.org**](http://www.sustrans.org) where you can order guides and maps and plan your route. - Of the Sustrans routes, the Coast to Coast (C2C) route in Northern England is the best known. There are different variants of the C2C process. As a result, you can cycle the C2C completely with a regular trekking bike, but there are also off-road sections for those who travel with a mountain bike. Whichever variant you choose: it is a beautiful route. Tradition has it that you start with your rear wheel in the Irish Sea and end with your front wheel in the North Sea! There is a place for this at both the start and the finish. A composite map of the Coast to Coast with all information in a plastic sleeve has been issued. The map also shows the alternative off-road sections. Last updated 18 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom/edit/other) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Cycle Planet is the bicycle touring platform: visas, border crossings, places to sleep and points of interest per country, and a community of cyclists who host each other.","name":"Cycle Planet","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/","publisher":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#identity"}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom#webpage","@type":"WebPage","description":"The United Kingdom is made up of 4 different territories that originate from the countries united in the kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern…","name":"Bicycle touring in United Kingdom","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom#/schema/breadcrumb-list/#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#website"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#logo"}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#identity","@type":"Organization","email":"info@cycleplanet.org","name":"Cycle Planet","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/","logo":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#logo"},"sameAs":["https://www.instagram.com/cycle.planet","https://m.facebook.com/Cycle-Planet-100672311813208"]},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom#/schema/tourist-destination/1","@type":"TouristDestination","description":"The United Kingdom is made up of 4 different territories that originate from the countries united in the kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). In all countries the official language is English. Welsh is also spoken in Wales and in some other areas.","name":"United Kingdom","touristType":"Bicycle tourers","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressCountry":"GB"},"geo":{"@type":"GeoCoordinates","latitude":52.942,"longitude":-1.912}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom#/schema/breadcrumb-list/#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://cycleplanet.org/","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Countries","item":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"United Kingdom","item":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/united-kingdom","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Cycle Planet","contentUrl":"https://cycleplanet.org/logo.png","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/logo.png"}]} ``` ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](https://cycleplanet.org/sitemap.md) for all pages.