Looking for picturesque traffic free runs?

[Hurricane]

I am always on the look out for picturesque or interesting traffic free cycle runs. There has to be loads of gems throughout the country if only I knew where to find them.

My favourite in Scotland is the Rob Roy trail from Killin to Callander in Stirlingshire. A round trip of about 60 miles with fantastic views of Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig. Plenty access points along the way to split up the distance. Hope to add photo's later.

If you have any favourites to share and maybe with some pictures that would be great.

 

[Eaglerider]

Try this.

CycleStreets: UK-wide Cycle Journey Planner and Photomap

The route planner shows all off road routes on the "quietist routing". I have found the site very useful for planning rides and finding off road links.

 

[jackhandy]

Thanks for the cyclestreets link, eaglerider - Just downloaded the map pack and installed the app on the trusty 7" tablet.

Looks so good, I'll bung it on the galaxy note as well, as I often take both on a ride. I have a deep-seated dislike of being geographically misplaced

 

[lowranger]

If you get to to the south west I did the Barnstaple to meeth ride earlier in the year.
Tarka Trail Map.
Starts by the sea and follows the river on old rail routes in land and into an uninhabited valley with no raods. A very short on road section at the end if you want lunch at the pub. Does have some long uphill sections but at a steady incline as it was a railway.

A shorter a relatively newly opened routed in Derbyshire is the monsal trail from Bakwell. There is nothing at the to end unless you ride out the valley and on road into Buxton but the scenery and the old tunnels are great. You get a great surprise as you leave the first tunnel and enter the valley.
Monsal Trail: Peak District National Park Authority

Also in Derbyshire are the high peak and tissington trials which can be linked using bridle ways and quiet lanes to make a good 40mile circular.

Bit nearer to you is the North York moors coastal route from Whitby to Scarborough including robin hoods bay and ravenscar. Great coastal views plenty of pubs and tea rooms enroute or nearby to the old railway line it follows.

Enjoy.

 

[funkylyn]

I certainly second the Tarka Trail as being a great route.

Also the Granite Way starting from Okehampton Railway station is absolutely fantastic.

Taunton to Bridgewater canal cycle path is really lovely.

The Stop Line between Ilminster to Chard, coupled with a small detour to Chard Reservoir is good, although I have to admit to being just a little bit bored with it now as it starts right by my house and is my 'default' ride out !

South Shields to the Quayside at Newcastle, cross over the Millenium bridge then back along the north side of the Tyne, returning to South Shields through the pedestrian Tyne tunnel is fabulous, ok, its not all off road but extremely interesting and gives you a view of an industrial area not normally seen from the car, it even passes an urban rare breeds farm and tea room....nest time up there I will try to sign them up for
CycleCharge | Charge on the move

Will add some more later

This is fun isnt it !

Lynda