Good Bicycle Paths

I have recently started cycling and I love it!  What I don't love is the cars.  They really freak me out when I am riding.  That said, I would love to find some places to cycle that are quiet, serene, pretty, and have no cars (or very few cars).  DH and I want to do some decents rides every weekend and we just don't know where to go!

We are in East Midlands and have a car if we need to travel to the paths (well, once we figure out the bike rack, that is!).

Any suggestions?

Hi Dar: I don't know how far away the Oxford Canal is from you, but the path is a lot of fun to ride down (assuming you have thick bike tires).

You could start a few miles north of Oxford (there's a place called Thrupp that's really nice, for example) and ride into town. It's absolutely beautiful there. You can make a day of it, lock your bikes up and walk around the city too.

My husband looks at OS maps (he's more the navigator than I am) and can determine what roads/routes will be quieter than others. From that, he's planned some really nice bike outings for us.

Thanks!  That sounds lovely!

I'll ask my DH because he does a lot of riding on back roads, gated roads and one track roads.  He meets very few cars.  Get an ordinance map and plot a course.  There are tons and tons of great roads to ride on with very little traffic.  And the best part, is there is usually a nice pub or two en-route!

I'll ask my DH because he does a lot of riding on back roads, gated roads and one track roads.  He meets very few cars.  Get an ordinance map and plot a course.  There are tons and tons of great roads to ride on with very little traffic.  And the best part, is there is usually a nice pub or two en-route!

Oh, yes, please do ask him!  I will look for an ordinance map. 

And the pubs, yes, please! 

Have a look at www.sustrans.org.uk - click on 'get cycling' and type in your home postcode.  Lots of ideas and cycle routes in your local area.  Happy biking!

I ended up doing the same in Leeds while living there - I really got into cycling and loved it, so good for you!

I rode on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal a little bit, it's huge and very popular with cyclists, runners, walkers etc... So if you want a drive, check that out and there definitely plenty of pubs along the way. A good place to start - Leeds in Rodley (we used to live in a flat right on the canal) right off the ring road across from the Railway Pub.

Check out your local cycle shop, they might have books and guides you can purchase or clubs and things that will help you out. Have fun

Have you thought about the Lake District? We go loads in the summertime (its about 1 hour from us) and theres loads of bike paths (as you can imagine). My favorite is to take the ferry across Windemere and cycle up into the hills with the sheep and cows...  Its absolutely gorgeous but since you may be quite far, maybe a nice idea for a weekend trip 

It's not near you at all, but if you're ever on holiday in Cornwall, the Camel Trail is great!

It's not near you at all, but if you're ever on holiday in Cornwall, the Camel Trail is great!

Ooo, that does look like fun! Thanks!  We are actually in the process of planning a mini-break for June-ish and I think this one would go over VERY well! 

Have a look at www.sustrans.org.uk - click on 'get cycling' and type in your home postcode.  Lots of ideas and cycle routes in your local area.  Happy biking!

That is a brilliant site!  But, their maps are down while they update the site.    But, I have bookmarked it for the future!