Exploring Summer Nature: Top UK Destinations for Biking and Camping

When it comes to outdoor adventure, it’s difficult to beat the combination of cycling and camping. Together, these two activities will allow you to see stretches of the world that might otherwise be off-limits. For the most part, you’ll be able to travel wherever you’d like, sleep there, and move on to a new adventure the following day. It’s perfect for those looking for an active break, away from the cities.

In recent years, both biking and cycling have seen an increase in popularity, driven partly by the COVID-19 pandemic, and partly by the nation’s cyclists looking for a distraction from city life.

But where exactly are the best places to explore this summer, with the help of two wheels and a tent? Let’s consider a few of the best destinations.

The Majestic Trails of the Lake District

The Lake District, for good reason, is a big draw for tourists, particularly during summer. The lakes themselves are surrounded by long trails, which wind and weave across the surrounding valleys and hills. If you’re cycling on a gravel bike, then you might be able to tackle the trails just as easily as if they were tarmac.

Several of the area’s cycling trails are sure to be of interest. There’s Grizedale Forest, which offers a winning selection of approachable and challenging trails. Then, there are the trails around Lake Windermere, which offer amazing views across the water. Campsites near Ullswater and Windermere offer an excellent and affordable way to stay in the region.

Discovering the Scottish Highlands

If you’d prefer something a little more vertiginous, then you might make a trip up to the Highlands of Scotland. You can expect to do a little bit more climbing in this part of the country, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The Great Glen Way runs between Fort William and Inverness, and will expose you to a whole range of amazing trails along the way. You can cover the whole thing in a day, if you’re committed and experienced.

Of course, what makes this part of the word famous is its Lochs. Of these, the best for cyclists is arguably Loch Lomond. Cycle around the edge of the loch, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most rugged and picturesque views anywhere in the UK.

Adventures in Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia, in Wales, offers a very different kind of highland experience. The technical trails provide enough to challenge even experienced riders, but there are still approachable ones for everyone else. The Marin Trail (now known as Gwydir Mawr a Bach) covers twenty-five kilometres of dips and straights, all surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Then there’s Coed y Brenin, which is geared more toward mountain biking.

Family-Friendly Biking in the New Forest

It could be that you’re looking to take your entire family out on two wheels. In this case, the New Forest is difficult to beat. The trails here are all reasonably easy to cope with, whatever your level of experience. And there are plenty of family-friendly activities here, too.

Conclusion

Whatever your level of experience, there are trails throughout the UK that will appeal to you. If you don’t have much experience in the saddle, it’s worth taking things slowly to begin with – build up your skills until you’re able to tackle everything the UK has to throw at you!