News
Top 10 bucket list British rides to tick off this summer
With the biking season in full swing here are our best British motorcycle rides to undertake this year
Words by: Phil West
Published on 15 May 2025 | 0 min read
With spring in full bloom and summer just over the horizon the biking season is well and truly upon us – but what sort of rides do you want to do this year? We’ve all got our favourite runs and roads of course, whether they be on the doorstep or a day trip away. Many motorcyclists will also be looking forward to summer roadtrips to the continent and beyond.
But many of the best biking rides and spectacular landscapes are closer to home, some of them are true ‘bucket list’ adventures every motorcyclist should experience at least once, whether that’s taking in the full North Coast 500 in northern Scotland, the shorter, sportier blast through the Black Mountains in Wales or taking in some of the fabled English passes such as the Hardknott in the Peak District. So, what great British rides are out there? And which ones do you fancy doing this biking season? To help you decide, here’s our pick of 10 of the best, with something for everyone covering from a couple of miles to 838 miles and with all you need to know – in distance-ascending order!
But many of the best biking rides and spectacular landscapes are closer to home, some of them are true ‘bucket list’ adventures every motorcyclist should experience at least once, whether that’s taking in the full North Coast 500 in northern Scotland, the shorter, sportier blast through the Black Mountains in Wales or taking in some of the fabled English passes such as the Hardknott in the Peak District. So, what great British rides are out there? And which ones do you fancy doing this biking season? To help you decide, here’s our pick of 10 of the best, with something for everyone covering from a couple of miles to 838 miles and with all you need to know – in distance-ascending order!
Hardknott Pass, Lake District – 1.7 miles
A famous run that’s short on distance but more than makes up for it with challenging riding and the spectacular views offered at the summit across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man. Be warned, though, this is more of an adventure ride than thrill seeker’s special for the knee slider brigade! That aside Hardknott Pass begins in Eskdale and ends at the edge of Wrynose Pass. The narrow, single-track Roman road holds the joint record for being the steepest in England and, while barely two miles long, is challenging and sinuous enough to test your skills and balance. It’s also a perfect element of a wider tour of North West England and worth ticking off, especially for adventure bike owners.
The Cat and Fiddle, Peak District – 11.5 miles
Another shorter run, and also more restricted than it once was, this once had a reputation as one of the dangerous roads in the country. That’s been tamed by a blanket 50mph limit and average speed cameras but the legendary Cat and Fiddle run – named after the pub at the top – remains one to tick off for any biker. Officially it’s the A537 between Macclesfield on the border between Cheshire and Derbyshire and, while an ‘oldie’, is also still a goodie. And definitely one that must be crossed off on any best British rides bucket list!
Black Mountain Pass, South Wales – c. 23 milesAlso commonly referred to as ‘the Top Gear road’ given its ubiquity as a filming location for the show, the A4069 between Llandovery and Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen in Wales flows and zigs-zags across Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons. Its status as a favourite driving and riding road has been tempered somewhat by the imposition of a 40mph limit along its length but, bright side, that does at least give you opportunity to chill out and take in the scenery, which is still epic. It’s also a fabulous jumping off point for further exploration of the Brecon Beacons – or Bannau Brycheiniog as the locals would prefer you have it – and it’s handy for various off-road riding opportunities, including the Triumph Adventure Experience we visited recently and nearby Off Road Skills centre where skilled instructors can show you some of the best local riding. Just watch out for stray sheep and sudden hairpins!Antrim Coast Road, Northern Ireland – c. 60 miles
If you’re from the Emerald Isle or planning to visit another brilliant ride that should be on your biking bucket list is the Antrim Coast Road. Home to the North West 200 races, the Antrim Coast Road refers to the section of A2 following the scenic coastline of County Antrim from Larne to Portrush. It has a fabulous surface, is sprinkled with spectacular twists and turns, passes through the NW200 circuit, is dotted with excellent pubs and cafes all the way and also delivers fabulous coastal views including that of the Mull of Kintyre. What’s more, if you fancy extending your trip even further, the famous Giant’s Causeway is a little further along on the A2…North Devon coast road, Devon – c. 63 miles
Between Woolacombe and Bridgewater in North Devon is 63 miles of the least interrupted coastal roads in the UK with terrain that ranging from cliff-top moorland in the Exmoor National Park to steep climbs and descents linking quaint villages offering traditional regional cream teas. For most of the route, you’re on the A39 passing through the likes of Porlock with its famous steep hill. While in Bridgewater itself, famous bike shop Riders is more than worth a stop and also has a great café. And if you fancy an even bigger adventure, why not include it on a run to Land’s End as part of LeJOG or Run the Sun?Snake Pass, Yorkshire/Peak District – c. 65 miles
Along with the Hardknott and Cat and Fiddle, the historic Snake Pass is one of Britain’s most historic biking routes and reasonably accessible given its position in the middle of the country. Snake Pass refers to the A57 where it crosses the Peak District between Manchester and Sheffield and, specifically, the section between Glossop and Ladybower reservoir. But our recommendation is to make a long loop out of it by starting in Barnsley before heading west then northwest towards Holmfirth, Holme, Glossop, before then taking in the famous Snake Pass itself before heading through the Rivelin Valley and back to Barnsley. There’s a bit of town work but it’s mostly rural and the view and roads are amazing. You can also take a breather at the Snake Pass itself, the loop taking up the best part of an afternoon’s ride and achievable as a long day out for a broad cross section of bikers.Coast to coast, Morecambe to Bridlington – c. 170 miles
A ‘coast to coast’ ride from the Irish Sea and Morecambe in the west to Bridlington on the east coast is a popular and scenic biking route basically following the Way of the Roses cycle route. Just far more quickly! Along the way you’ll take in diverse landscapes, including the Lune Valley, Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Wolds and pass through historic cities like York and Lancaster, as well as lesser-known gems like Settle, Pateley Bridge, and Ripon. Although the route is primarily designed for cyclists the specifics of the route are available on the dedicated website and just as easy to follow on a motorcycle. North Coast 500 (NC500), northern Scotland – 500 miles
One of the most famous – and popular – British biking routes is also one of the biggest. This 500-mile route has been specifically designed to encompass all the best bits of the northern Scottish coastline and, by general consensus, not only includes some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain but also some of its best biking roads. Distances and terrain mean it can be a week-long loop, usually starting and ending in Inverness and traditionally ridden clockwise. Though there’s no obligation to do so and some say it’s better the other way! There’s also a website with detailed routes, tips, cafes and more. ‘Race the Sun’, Lowestoft to Land’s End – c. 500 miles
This is basically a ride from Britain’s most easterly point of Lowestoft to the most westerly in Land’s End and has risen to prominence as event to be tackled on the summer solstice. You begin at dawn in Lowestoft Ness with the sun rising in the east and ride the approximate 500 miles ‘chasing the sun’ to where it sets in the west in Cornwall, which is why it makes sense to do it on the day in late June with the longest hours of daylight. More challenge than specific riding route, it’s still a great one to tick off your bucket list.‘LEJOG’, Land’s End to John O’Groats – 838 miles
The classic British driving/riding challenge is, of course, ‘LEJOG’ or Land's End to John O'Groats travelling from the southwestern tip of England to the northern tip of Scotland. It's a challenging and iconic ride, often undertaken for the sheer distance and variety of scenery and commonly as part of charity fund-raising activities. There are plenty of organised runs and the 838-mile ride typically takes between 14 to 15 hours so is doable in a (long) day – although you’ll have more long rides before and after. Some make it harder still by avoiding motorways but there are no rules, you can take as long as you like and it’s probably the biggest British bucket list ride of all!
Antrim Coast Road, Northern Ireland – c. 60 miles
If you’re from the Emerald Isle or planning to visit another brilliant ride that should be on your biking bucket list is the Antrim Coast Road. Home to the North West 200 races, the Antrim Coast Road refers to the section of A2 following the scenic coastline of County Antrim from Larne to Portrush. It has a fabulous surface, is sprinkled with spectacular twists and turns, passes through the NW200 circuit, is dotted with excellent pubs and cafes all the way and also delivers fabulous coastal views including that of the Mull of Kintyre. What’s more, if you fancy extending your trip even further, the famous Giant’s Causeway is a little further along on the A2…
North Devon coast road, Devon – c. 63 miles
Between Woolacombe and Bridgewater in North Devon is 63 miles of the least interrupted coastal roads in the UK with terrain that ranging from cliff-top moorland in the Exmoor National Park to steep climbs and descents linking quaint villages offering traditional regional cream teas. For most of the route, you’re on the A39 passing through the likes of Porlock with its famous steep hill. While in Bridgewater itself, famous bike shop Riders is more than worth a stop and also has a great café. And if you fancy an even bigger adventure, why not include it on a run to Land’s End as part of LeJOG or Run the Sun?
Snake Pass, Yorkshire/Peak District – c. 65 miles
Along with the Hardknott and Cat and Fiddle, the historic Snake Pass is one of Britain’s most historic biking routes and reasonably accessible given its position in the middle of the country. Snake Pass refers to the A57 where it crosses the Peak District between Manchester and Sheffield and, specifically, the section between Glossop and Ladybower reservoir. But our recommendation is to make a long loop out of it by starting in Barnsley before heading west then northwest towards Holmfirth, Holme, Glossop, before then taking in the famous Snake Pass itself before heading through the Rivelin Valley and back to Barnsley. There’s a bit of town work but it’s mostly rural and the view and roads are amazing. You can also take a breather at the Snake Pass itself, the loop taking up the best part of an afternoon’s ride and achievable as a long day out for a broad cross section of bikers.
Coast to coast, Morecambe to Bridlington – c. 170 miles
A ‘coast to coast’ ride from the Irish Sea and Morecambe in the west to Bridlington on the east coast is a popular and scenic biking route basically following the Way of the Roses cycle route. Just far more quickly! Along the way you’ll take in diverse landscapes, including the Lune Valley, Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Wolds and pass through historic cities like York and Lancaster, as well as lesser-known gems like Settle, Pateley Bridge, and Ripon. Although the route is primarily designed for cyclists the specifics of the route are available on the dedicated website and just as easy to follow on a motorcycle.
North Coast 500 (NC500), northern Scotland – 500 miles
One of the most famous – and popular – British biking routes is also one of the biggest. This 500-mile route has been specifically designed to encompass all the best bits of the northern Scottish coastline and, by general consensus, not only includes some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain but also some of its best biking roads. Distances and terrain mean it can be a week-long loop, usually starting and ending in Inverness and traditionally ridden clockwise. Though there’s no obligation to do so and some say it’s better the other way! There’s also a website with detailed routes, tips, cafes and more.
‘Race the Sun’, Lowestoft to Land’s End – c. 500 miles
This is basically a ride from Britain’s most easterly point of Lowestoft to the most westerly in Land’s End and has risen to prominence as event to be tackled on the summer solstice. You begin at dawn in Lowestoft Ness with the sun rising in the east and ride the approximate 500 miles ‘chasing the sun’ to where it sets in the west in Cornwall, which is why it makes sense to do it on the day in late June with the longest hours of daylight. More challenge than specific riding route, it’s still a great one to tick off your bucket list.
‘LEJOG’, Land’s End to John O’Groats – 838 miles
The classic British driving/riding challenge is, of course, ‘LEJOG’ or Land's End to John O'Groats travelling from the southwestern tip of England to the northern tip of Scotland. It's a challenging and iconic ride, often undertaken for the sheer distance and variety of scenery and commonly as part of charity fund-raising activities. There are plenty of organised runs and the 838-mile ride typically takes between 14 to 15 hours so is doable in a (long) day – although you’ll have more long rides before and after. Some make it harder still by avoiding motorways but there are no rules, you can take as long as you like and it’s probably the biggest British bucket list ride of all!