Scenic touring routes within 2-3 hours of london?
Discussion
http://www.chilternsaonb.org/cycleway.html
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-4 to Bristol and train back
Can't really recommend the Ridgeway on the cross bike. Sections are passable at this time of year but you really need an MTB
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-4 to Bristol and train back
Can't really recommend the Ridgeway on the cross bike. Sections are passable at this time of year but you really need an MTB
Route 21 is Greenwich to Eastbourne. Can't be done on a roadbike, perfect for CX. It is about 50 miles.
IF dry (May onwards with any luck?)
Day 2 head up to Beachy Head then East (so you want to pick a slack wind day) to Lewes, Brighton or beyond on the SDW and jump home on the train after a recovery pint/s of Harveys.
Yes, it is hilly and challenging but you'll be spoilt for views.
IF dry (May onwards with any luck?)
Day 2 head up to Beachy Head then East (so you want to pick a slack wind day) to Lewes, Brighton or beyond on the SDW and jump home on the train after a recovery pint/s of Harveys.
Yes, it is hilly and challenging but you'll be spoilt for views.
hmm tricky. naturally hills are where the scenery is. We tried the south downs way last year but we managed to ride it westbound ie into the wind, and pick a weekend where it was ridiculously windy and rainy. We made it as far as the junction with the downs link and then bailed out riding that back north. I think thats caused some trauma 
ncn4.. that could work...
ncn4.. that could work...
Catch a train from Paddington to Goring, pickup the Ridgeway from Goring to Avebury - then there is a cycle trail from Avebury to Chippenham, then the train home to London - sorted!!
I did this a couple of years ago, some sections of the Ridgeway were a bit boggy so imagine they would not be fantastic right now, but I would put this on the to-do list once things dry out.
This was my effort; http://www.strava.com/activities/7928619
I did this a couple of years ago, some sections of the Ridgeway were a bit boggy so imagine they would not be fantastic right now, but I would put this on the to-do list once things dry out.
This was my effort; http://www.strava.com/activities/7928619
shouldbworking said:
Does anyone have any suggestions on a weekend touring route (cross bikes) within a couple of hours of london? Complicated by the wish for scenery, but not too many hills.. I had been thinking something like the tarka trail but thats bloody far away. Say max 50 miles a day.
Take the train to Eastbourne cycle back to London on NCR 21 much of it is along well surfaced former railway tracks.http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-21
richardxjr said:
Route 21 is Greenwich to Eastbourne. Can't be done on a roadbike, perfect for CX. It is about 50 miles.
IF dry (May onwards with any luck?)
Day 2 head up to Beachy Head then East (so you want to pick a slack wind day) to Lewes, Brighton or beyond on the SDW and jump home on the train after a recovery pint/s of Harveys.
Yes, it is hilly and challenging but you'll be spoilt for views.
THIS.IF dry (May onwards with any luck?)
Day 2 head up to Beachy Head then East (so you want to pick a slack wind day) to Lewes, Brighton or beyond on the SDW and jump home on the train after a recovery pint/s of Harveys.
Yes, it is hilly and challenging but you'll be spoilt for views.
there was a series of 'Lost Lanes' articles in the Telegraph a while back, 6 different rides in the south.
scroll half-way down this link
scroll half-way down this link
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