Goldeneye North York Moors: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic-Free Family Routes

The North York Moors National Park occupies a region of elevated rolling moorland, forming a steep escarpment on the north and west, and a rugged indented coastline to the east. To the south, the ground slopes more gently towards the Vales of Mowbray and Pickering. The Moors are cut up by a series of small streams, deeply incised to create a landscape of real charm. These flow down to the Vale of Pickering. Each Dale having its own characteristic: Scenic Ryedale, lonely Bransdale, the daffodils of Farndale, the industrial echoes of now quiet, Rosedale. To the north, the River Esk cuts a swathe eastwards on its way to Whitby. To the south, the Howardian Hills, and The Wolds, make for fine cycling: rolling hills with lanes connecting picturesque villages. For the less strenuous, the Vale of Pickering makes for an easy-going ride: quiet, flat lanes through a pastoral landscape.To be confronted with the variety and complexity of the cycling routes, trails and paths in the North York Moors can be a bewildering experience.  For it appears that the National Park, Forestry Commission and, the local District Councils, are all trying hard to promote cycling (bike) routes. This is indeed encouraging for the growth of cycling, but it can be confusing.  Our purpose is to provide clear, easy to use and easy to follow, cycling maps, and to illustrate these in a comprehensive form. Recommended Routes/TrailsNational Cycle Network (NCN) & Regional Routes1. NCN 1.  This forms part of the North Sea Cycle Route and runs from the Humber Bridge to Whitby via Scarborough and includes the traffic-free Scarborough to Whitby railway path – see details below.2. Moor To Sea Cycle Route: This 133km/80 mile route links Pickering with Scarborough and Whitby, and features forest tracks, lanes and the former coastal railway.  The northern route, RR 52, runs through Great Ayton along the Esk Valley to Whitby.3. The White Rose Route, NCN 65, goes from Hull to Middlesborough via York (205km/123 miles) and takes in much of Yorkshire’s fine market towns and heritage sites.  There are off-shoots, NCN 656 & 657.4. Yorkshire Wolds Circular Route, 240km/146 miles.  NCN1, NCN 164, 166 & 167 in a clockwise direction.  Al Churcher’s Route 1 is a fine introduction. Traffic-Free Family Routes/Trails1. Boltby Forest. Start from Sneck Yate car park (beside Hesketh Dike).  Ten miles, and more, of byways and bridleways suitable for mountain bikers and fit teenagers with connections to the Cleveland Way – see below. (B5) 2. Cleveland Way. This is a rough, broad track suitable for a mountain bike. And, thus you need to be fit and adventurous, for the views are splendid with some hill climbs. Best after dry weather. Not for young children.  Park at Sutton Bank. (B6)3. Dalby Forest.  There are a number of waymarked trails for all levels, starting with the Ellerburn Cycle Trail, to the severe Black Route, and the mad-cap Dixon’s Hollow Bike Park. The trails are graded and some are suitably family-friendly for young families. Bike hire. Café at Low Dalby.   (G6)4. Rudland Rigg.  Park about 7-miles north, of Kirkbymoorside. This is an adventurous, rough moorland track suited for mountain bikers.  You may well believe you have reached the Top of the World. To avoid a 900 ft descent, turn around when you reach the top of Greenhow Moor just after crossing the old Rosedale Mineral Railway line.  10 miles up, and 10 miles back. (D4)5. Scarborough – Whitby Railway Path along NCN 1. 38km/23 miles. One of Britain’s great cycling trails (on a level with the Camel Trail), encompassing superb coastal views, woodland, heather-coated moorland, a thrilling viaduct, great pubs and tearooms, and a wonderful fishing village in Robin Hoods Bay.  For children, it is recommended that the Scarborough to Whitby direction is best, and young families may take about 5 hours. Refreshment stops at Cloughton, Ravenscar, RHB and Whitby.  Suggest you organize a chauffeur to drop you off, or collect, at each end. (K5)6. York to Overton.  Start from Marygate close to the River Ouse. This is a 4-mile riverside path that runs parallel with the River Ouse, crossing Rawcliffe Meadows, home to wild flowers and birdlife. (C10)

Goldeneye Lake District: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic Free Family Routes

Explore the Lake District by bike with this laminated, waterproof Lake District map. With 15 circular, clearly-marked routes this easy-to-use map will help you discover the very best of the Lake District along the quietest country lanes. The Lake District offers some stunning countryside and a glorious coastline ideal for exploring by bike. It can be challenging but there's always a rewarding view just around the corner. Discover some wonderful winding lanes that connect beautiful villages with excellent pubs and friendly tearooms. Our Lake District Cycling Country Lanes map includes: Traffic-free family cycling trails - with recommendations on where to park. National Cycle Network routes - the linked series of traffic-free paths and traffic-calmed roads being developed across the UK. Our personal favourites - we've explored every corner of this glorious National Park to bring you the best circular routes to make the most of your weekend whether you fancy a lazy meander or a full-on tour. These beautiful routes are all clearly marked on the map and designed to follow the quietest country lanes and to introduce you to the very best of the Lake District. (Scale: 2 miles to 1 inch | 1:126 720)

Goldeneye Exmoor & North Devon: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic-Free Family Routes

This Map covers the Exmoor National Park and North Devon; an area with a wide variety of coastal and inland scenery, much historic, architectural and leisure interests. The Exmoor National Park is largely in Somerset, with a small portion lying in Devon. At times the climate is harsh with mist, cloud and rain, and is reminiscent of Scotland. When the skies clear, the wild, wide beauty is unsurpassed. The landscape is undulating, full of rolling hills, marshland, bracken, heather and gorse, and divided by swift flowing streams which cut through the steep-sided valleys, known as combes. The rolling moorland provides splendid views seawards across the Bristol Channel to Wales. In places the coast is crowned with high cliffs falling precipitously to the sea.  The Exmoor sheep and wild ponies are seen everywhere, as can be found buzzard and raven. The roaming red deer is rarely seen close to, they feed at night and by day lie hidden in the woods or bracken. North Devon is a rural landscape of small villages, rich pastures, secluded coves and long sandy beaches popular with the surfing fraternity. The two ancient ports of Barnstaple and Bideford have grown beside the wide estuary of the Taw and Torridge rivers. Stretching southwards from these ports is the gentle pastoral countryside known as 'The Land of the Two Rivers' so vividly brought to life in the works of Henry Williamson. The warm equable climate, together with the nature of the countryside provides excellent recreational opportunities, particularly for the cyclist and mountain biker, walker, horseman, fisherman and surfer. The area also contains a sufficient variety of cultural and urban interests to satisfy all tastes. So, if you seek quiet country lanes, river valleys and routes along flat ridges affording spectacular sea views that swoop down to picturesque villages with tearooms awash with clotted cream, and hospitable country inns. Look no more. It is all here.   Happy Cycling, Al ChurcherRecommended Routes/TrailsNational Cycle Network (NCN) & Regional RoutesThis comprises three Regional Routes (RR) and is bounded by the National Cycle Network Route (NCN) 3 to the south, and the NCN 27 to the west. 1. Regional Route 56: This is a link between NCN 3 at Bratton Fleming and RR 51 at Berrynarbor. (J4) 2. RR 51: Links coastal towns and villages; Ilfracombe - Combe  Martin – Trentishoe – Martinhoe – Lynmouth – Malmsmead. (G2) 3. RR 59: Links Exmoor with the coast; Kinsford Gate – Simonsbath – Lynmouth. (K4)4. NCN 27 Devon Coast to Coast: Ilfracombe – Mortehoe – Woolacombe – Croyde – Upcott – Braunton – Barnstaple, then onto the NCN 27 towards Dartmoor and Plymouth. (F2) 5. NCN 3 The West Country Way; Bristol – Padstow via Exmoor, Barnstaple, Instow (Tarka Trail to Petrockstow). (G9) Traffic-Free Family Routes/Trails1. The Tarka Cycle Trail (part of NCN 3 & 27) runs on tarmac from Braunton – Barnstaple, then beside the Taw Estuary to Instow, up beside the River Torridge to the Puffing Billy pub below Torrington. Crossing the river to Watergate Bridge, the trails joins a bridlepath and is cycleable on a hybrid, touring and folding bike all the way to Meeth. Excellent café at Yard - Railway summit (F8). Distance 32 miles/51kms - all traffic-free. (F4) 2. Ilfracombe to Willingcott Cross. Easy family trail along former railway line with waymarked links to Woolacombe. Distance 3 miles/5kms. (F2) 3. Grand Western Canal (NCN 3). Quiet, family cycling trail along canal path, to and from Tiverton. Distance 8 miles/13kms. (P8) 4. Willand to Tiverton Parkway. With link to NCN 3, this is a flat, traffic-free path. Also links up with the Grand Western Canal at Sampford Peverell. Distance 3 miles/5kms. (R8) 

Goldeneye Cornwall: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic-free Family Routes

Cornwall is one of England’s most rural counties and these twenty-one circular routes have been chosen to explore the best of the quiet lanes linking its many interesting & picturesque villages, harbours & market towns. Although short sections of busier roads have sometimes had to be used to complete a circuit even the quietest lanes can be busy for short periods, as local people travel to & from work & school. To avoid sending cars along the very roads you are going to cycle, these routes have been designed, in the main, to begin at towns or villages, close to major roads, or from railway stations. Most inland routes tend to be reasonably easy going, but be prepared for short, steep climbs, in and out of coastal valleys & bays. This is often via narrow sunken lanes & these take a little getting used to, so always be ready for the possibility of meeting vehicles on descents. This is particularly true during the 6 summer weeks when sections of the narrowest coastal lanes can become completely snarled up by a few cars. For maximum enjoyment at this time of year, coastal sections are best ridden in the early morning, or in some cases, avoided by using inland variants. Happy Cycling, Al Churcher

Goldeneye Cotswold: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic-Free Family Routes

The Cotswolds are ideal for the touring cyclist. They represent England at her very best. Long, windy lanes connect beautiful villages with excellent pubs and friendly tearooms. The landscape you cycle through is rich in imagery; rolling, “galloping country”, dry-stone walls dividing vast, sweeping sheep pastures, lazy trickling trout streams and quaint hamlets undisturbed by coach, sightseer or time.  The landscape undulates, and as you reach the top of a little hill, you will rest and peer down a valley where evidence of local craftsmanship is ever present in the shape of tithe barns, churches, farms and cottages.   The twenty-eight circular routes are designed to follow the quietest country lanes and to introduce you to the best of the Cotswolds. They are only an introduction. The purists may prefer to pursue their own course. They will, we hope, enjoy and appreciate the clarity of our mapping. So free the spirit for the joy of the open road…and enjoy the Cotswolds…. Happy Cycling, Bill Trelawney Recommended Routes/Trails National Cycle Network (NCN) 1. NCN Route 5. Stratford-upon-Avon – Banbury – Oxford. The Traffic-Free sections run along the Oxford Waterway (see below), from Oxford to Woodstock and northwards, and a couple of short sections from Bodicote, south of Banbury (see map reference Q1). 2. NCN Route 41. Gloucester & Sharpness Canal – Bristol. The Traffic-Free section runs between Frampton-on-Severn and Slimbridge for about 6km/4 miles. 3. NCN Route 45. Gloucester – Salisbury via Stroud, Cirencester & Swindon. There remain gaps in the route. The Traffic-Free sections runs between South Cerney and Cricklade for about 10km/7 miles.  4. NCN Route 48. Northleach - Cirencester. 5. Regional Route 57. Northleach – Witney.  The Traffic-Free section runs between Minster Lovell and Witney for about 5km/3 miles. Traffic-Free Family Routes/Trails 1. Stroud Valley Cycle Trail. 15km/9.5miles. Former railway track along the Nailsworth Valley.  Start at Kings Stanley car park, cross A46, to Dudbridge Roundabout and follow trail to Egypt Mill. (D8) 2. The Oxford Waterway. 15km/9.5miles. Trail along canal towpath. Best started from Wolvercote car park. Suggest you first head north towards Duke’s Lock, Kidlington Green Lock, Roundham Lock and the Jolly Boatman Inn, then onto Thrupp. Return to Wolvercote, and south to Oxford City Centre. (R7) 3. Forest of Dean Family Trail. 15km/9miles.  Former mining tracks now converted into a web of criss-crossing biking trails. This circular route starts from Pedalabikeaway – Drybrook Road – Dilke Hospital – Blackpool Brook – Burnt Log – Connop Wharf with off-shoot trail to Coleford via Parkend. The routes are waymarked. A detailed map is available from the bike hire hut. Refreshments. (A6)   

Goldeneye Peak District: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic Free Family Routes

The Peak District is a remarkable place. In the north, there is the Dark Peak with its upturned horseshoe of high, gritstone moors and crags, descending southwards to the east and west of a limestone plateau into the softer, pastoral landscape of the White Peak itself incised by the valleys of the Derbyshire Dales. These differing landscapes offer some of the best country lane cycling in Britain. The Tissington, Manifold and High Peak Trails are some of the longest converted railway tracks in the country and are a great way for families and inexperienced cyclists to enjoy traffic-free cycling. Despite a long and complex history stretching back through the Romans to prehistoric times, until relatively recently The Peak remained a wild, upland region, unknown to all but a few outsiders. The growth of the great industrial conurbations surrounding it, and the associated development of the railways changed all that - though it was appropriately the development of the bicycle that gave the workers the freedom to escape from the noise and pollution of mill, factory and steelworks to the clean air of the hills. In 1951 The Peak became Britain’s first National Park. Being my ‘own patch’, I have a particularly close relationship with The Peak District. I moved here to climb some 40-years ago, and as my interest in cragging waned, mountain biking in all forms; on and off-road gradually took its place and I began to explore this unique landscape in a wholly different way. I served my apprenticeship with two close friends – Andy Birkby and Kim George who knew every lane, track and bridleway by heart, and rarely looked at a map. I owe much of my original knowledge of these routes to them – my thanks for that, and for so many, unforgettable days. Happy Cycling, Al Churcher

Goldeneye Suffolk: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic-free Family Routes

To be confronted with the variety and complexity of the cycling routes, trails and paths in Suffolk can be a bewildering experience.  For it appears that the Suffolk County Council and the three District Councils are all trying hard to promote their areas. This is indeed encouraging for the growth of cycling, but it can be confusing.  Our purpose is to provide clear, easy to use and easy to follow, cycling maps, and to illustrate these in a comprehensive form.  Suffolk must be one of the most charming of counties to explore by bicycle. When Al Churcher delivered his routes to us at Goldeneye we couldn’t keep him quiet, such was his enthusiasm and wonder at Suffolk’s country lanes and byways. He has cycled all over the UK, Canada, Mallorca, New Zealand and Sicily, but Suffolk remained a firm favourite.  The inland scenery is not spectacular for the county’s main glory lies with its attractive villages; the local architecture jealously preserved from modern depredation. There is an abundance of churches, ranging from the magnificence of Lavenham and Long Melford to more modest churches, but almost all have a unique feature to be proud of. The quiet countryside has been immortalised in the paintings of John Constable who lived most of his life in the Stour Valley on the Essex  borders.  We hope that by following these routes your enjoyment and knowledge of this corner of England will increase one hundredfold. The purists may prefer to follow their own course. They will, we hope, enjoy and appreciate the clarity of our mapping Recommended Routes/Trails National Cycle Network (NCN) The following NCN routes cross Suffolk:- NCN Route 1. Hull to Harwich. A 370-mile route, passing Cathedral cities, towns and villages through pastoral countryside.  This is the main north to south route through Suffolk, forming part of the Fakenham to Harwich cycle route. The route enters Suffolk from Essex at Stratford St Mary and passes through Hadleigh, around the north-west side of Ipswich, through Woodbridge and Halesworth, before entering Norfolk at Beccles. NCN Route 13. This crosses Suffolk on a South to North axis via Sudbury to the pretty villages of Long Melford and Lavenham, to the market town of  Bury St Edmunds, up to Thetford, and on through the Breckland landscape to Fakenham in Norfolk.  NCN Route 51. This route forms part of the Oxford to Felixstowe Cycle Route. In Suffolk the route takes you from pebbled beaches to country parks, and from urban docks, to rural lanes. Twenty five percent is off-road. It enters Suffolk from Cambridgeshire, and crosses west to east, connecting Newmarket with Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Ipswich and Felixstowe Regional Routes Regional Route/NCN 30. Known as the “Two Rivers Cycle Route” which runs along the Norfolk/Suffolk border from Lowestoft and Thetford, via Beccles and Diss.  Regional Route 41 (Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route). This route combines with NCN Route 1 to form an 88-mile circular route. Starting north of Felixstowe travelling through Orford (via the Butley Ferry), Blaxhall and Bruisyard, then south to Woodbridge returning to Felixstowe via Waldringfield. This circular route is set within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Not illustrated on our map with RR41 to avoid confusion. But, follow NCN1 signs on this map. Traffic-Free Family Routes/Trails 1. Alton Water Circuit.  An 8.5-mile circuit. There are two routes available, the easier (A) and more challenging (B). Café/Visitor Centre/Cycle Hire. (J10) 2. Icknield Way.  An ancient trackway crossing Southern England.  The best linear rides through Suffolk start from Icklingham, The King’s Forest (C4),  Euston (E3) and Lackford (C5).  3. The King’s Forest Rides. Two circular (mostly) off-road routes through forest, heathland and farmland.  13 miles.  Cycle link to Bury Station. (D4) 4. Peddar’s Way. A challenging 46-mile route, the origin whose name is obscure, links Knettishall Heath near Thetfordwith the coast at Holme. For the most part it follows the old Roman road built to restrain the rebellious Iceni tribe. Open to cyclists, walkers and horse riders.  (E1) 5. Rendlesham Cycle Trail. Two family trails start from the Forest Centre. The shorter trail, the Tang Trail, is about 6-miles. The longer, the F.I.D.O. Trail is 10-miles. The tracks are made up of gravel, grass, sand and tarmac.  Nearby, in Tunstall Forest, there’s a popular Mountain Bike area. (L/M8) 6. Thetford Forest Park Cycle Trails:  There are four waymarked routes: Green (family route), Blue Route, and the more challenging Red and Black routes.  It encompasses a wide scope of off-road riding with links to the Peddar’s Way.  Bike hire at the Forest High Lodge. (D3)

Goldeneye Dartmoor & South Devon: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic-Free Family Routes

Dartmoor. One of England’s greater National Parks; the Forest of Dartmoor covers 365 square miles and contains the highest ground in England south of the Peak District. On its desolate moorland tracks the wanderer can believe they are further from a public road than anywhere in the country, but on the fringes lush valleys lead down on every side to thick woodland, green vegetation and picturesque villages. Dartmoor is well known for its wildlife - attractive herds of ponies, seemingly wild but in fact individually owned, foxes, badgers and otters - also the occasional adder. Fallow, roe and Sitka deer can often be seen, but the red deer of Exmoor have never penetrated the area. Buzzards, kestrels and various Birds of Prey are frequently seen, as well as the wheatear, while crows, ravens and the skylark are fairly commonplace. The Moor abounds in prehistoric remains. There are also many deserted medieval villages with remains of the traditional ‘longhouse’ buildings. For centuries tin mining has been an important activity and there is much to interest the industrial archaeologist, including abandoned tramways and railways of more recent times - notably the Princetown Railway, once the highest railway line in England, now a moderately easy mountain bike track.  The South Hams. Stretching from Plymouth to Salcombe and Start Point, and up the eastern coastline to Dartmouth. This curiously named area, based on the old English name ‘Hamme’ meaning enclosed or sheltered place, is one of rocky coasts and beaches broken up by the tidal estuaries of the Yealm, Erme and Avon, and the lovely stretch of water below Kingsbridge with its quiet creeks delving far inland. High cliffs mostly dominate the coastline, but here and there are attractive little villages of thatched cottages; Wembury, Bigbury, Inner and Outer Hope. Inland is a pastoral landscape of rolling hills and red-earthed fields bisected by twisty roads beneath high hedges.  So, if you seek the peace of quiet country lanes, the beauty of lush river valleys and the heaven sent views across Dartmoor, afforded by flat ridges which soon swoop you down to picturesque villages with tea rooms awash with clotted cream, and hospitable inns. Look no more. It is all here.  Happy Cycling, Al Churcher Recommended Routes/Trails National Cycle Network (NCN) 1. Devon Coast to Coast (NCN Route 27) Ilfracombe to Plymouth 164km/102 miles, 51km/32 miles of continuous traffic-free trail from Braunton-Meeth. Joins the Granite Way at Okehampton (see above), and from Lydford follows the western fringes of Dartmoor to Tavistock, and south from there to more traffic-free sections along the superb Drake’s Trail, (see above) leading to Plymouth Ho! (B7)  2. Southern Coastal Route (NCN Route 2) Plymouth to Dorset, and beyond. This is currently being developed and is planned to pass through Totnes, Newton Abbot, and beside the Teign Estuary, Teignmouth, Dawlish, beside the Exe Estuary to Exeter, and on through Sidmouth, Seaton and Axminster.  Regional Routes  a) Plymouth to Totnes 32 km/20 miles. Suitable for commuting and utility cycling. From Plymouth (Deep Lane, A38 flyover), the route parallels the A38 trunk road through Lee Mill, Ivybridge and South Brent. Branching out to Rattery, Dartington and Totnes along quiet lanes. (B7)  b) Totnes (Ashprington) to East Portlemouth. From Ashprington the route follows quiet, country lanes to Blackawton. With some challenging hill sections offering fine views. Passenger ferry carries cycles between East Portlemouth and Salcombe. Follow NCN2 signs all the way. (F7) Traffic-Free Family Routes  Traffic-Free Family Routes/Trails 1. The Granite Way (NCN Route 27) 18km/11 miles. Ideal family cycling between Okehampton and Lydford along former railway with superb views of Dartmoor and the West Devon countryside. Crossing two spectacular viaducts; Meldon and Lake. With short, on-road section via Bridestowe, continuing to Lydford (& Café) along former railway line. (C3)  2. Drake’s Trail. This is a 21-mile cycling and walking route between Plymouth (formerly the Plym Valley Cycle Track to Clearbook) and Tavistock. It is part of the National Cycle Route 27 (Devon Coast-To-Coast). It follows the western edge of Dartmoor beside and through spectacular scenery, passing through tunnels and over bridges. A shared path, ideal for families with pushchairs and dogs, or those in wheelchairs. Marsh Mills and Plymbridge are good start-off points for short excursions. drakes trail.co.uk  3. Totnes – Dartington Riverside Trail (NCN Route 2) 4km/2.5 miles. Easy family trail along path beside the River Dart linking Totnes town centre with the Dartington Cider Press Centre. (F7)  4. Totnes – Ashprington (NCN Route 2) 3.5 km/2 miles. Cycling path along the Dart Estuary overlooking the river and undulating countryside entered along Sharpham Drive to Ashprington. (F7)  5. Exe Cycle Route (NCN Route 2) 7km/4 miles. Easy family trail along the canal linking the centre of Exeter with the head of the Exe estuary. Passes Nature Reserves and Exeter Quay plus new Millers Crossing with link to the rail station, Exeter St David’s. (G3) 

Goldeneye Sussex & South Surrey: Cycling Country Lanes and Byways

Goldeneye Pembrokeshire & West Wales: Cycling Country Lanes and Byways