9 Unmissable Autumn Cycle Rides in the UK

This 40 km loop is a classic ride through the heart of the Cotswolds, where honey-coloured stone villages glow under the autumn sun and quiet country lanes wind through storybook landscapes. One of the most magical moments comes at Upper Slaughter, where the cottages are especially beautiful in the golden-hour light.

For the perfect Instagram shot, stop in Bourton-on-the-Water and pose your bikes on one of the village’s charming little bridges. And when the ride is done, reward yourself with a pint at The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold – proudly claiming the title of England’s oldest inn, dating back to 947 AD.

At just 21 km, the Loch Katrine Circuit may be short, but it’s nothing short of spectacular. This lochside ride distills the spirit of the Trossachs, especially in autumn when the hills blaze with colour and the air feels crisp and clear.

Don’t miss the view of Ben A’an perfectly reflected in the still waters of Loch Katrine – it’s a scene that begs for a pause. For your must-share moment, head to the jetty at Stronachlachar, where golden trees create a postcard backdrop. When the ride is done, refuel at The Byre Inn in Brig o’ Turk, a rustic, well-loved stop for cyclists.

Covering around 50 km in total, this two-day ride is the perfect way to experience Cornwall’s contrasts — from the serene beauty of the Camel Estuary to the wild drama of the Atlantic cliffs. Start with a gentle spin along the Camel Trail, where the estuary near Padstow offers postcard-perfect views.

On day two, head for the coast and take in the rugged scenery around Tintagel, where clifftop ruins sit high above the crashing sea — a must for that windswept Instagram shot. When it’s time to refuel, stop at The Old Custom House in Padstow on day one, and wrap up your adventure with a pint at The Port William in Trebarwith Strand, overlooking the ocean.

This 55 km stretch of the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway is where history meets sweeping northern landscapes. The route traces the line of the Roman Wall across moorland and farmland, with autumn bracken turning the hillsides a fiery orange.

Make time to stop at Sycamore Gap, one of the most iconic spots along the wall, and capture the classic shot of your bike leaning against the ancient stones. After a day of riding, reward yourself with a pint at The Rat Inn in Anick, then finish the trip in Carlisle with a visit to The Thin White Duke — a local favourite with plenty of character.

This 60 km loop through Snowdonia is a two-day ride that feels like stepping into a landscape painting. The route winds past mirror-like lakes, rushing rivers, and ancient woodlands, with Snowdon often appearing on the horizon as a dramatic backdrop.

Don’t miss the view of Llyn Padarn with the mountain framed in the distance — a perfect pause to soak in the scenery. For your must-share moment, stop at Pont-y-Pair bridge in Betws-y-Coed, where the stone arches and rushing water make for an iconic shot. End each day with a well-earned pint: The Heights in Llanberis after day one, and the cosy Ty Gwyn Inn in Betws-y-Coed after day two.

This 130 km section of the Hebridean Way is a journey through some of the UK’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes. Riding here feels raw and elemental, with sweeping Atlantic views and golden autumn sunsets that seem to set the islands on fire.

Start on the white sands of Vatersay, where turquoise waters provide the perfect Instagram shot, then follow quiet singletrack roads and causeways linking the islands. The highlight is the crossing between Eriskay and South Uist — a view that captures the wild beauty of the Outer Hebrides. At the end of each day, warm up with a pint and a hearty meal: the Castlebay Hotel on Barra for day one, the Polochar Inn on South Uist for day two, and finally the Lochboisdale Hotel as your adventure winds down.

This 215 km, three-day ride is a UK classic. Autumn transforms the Pennines into a patchwork of reds and golds, from the Irish Sea at Whitehaven to the North Sea in Newcastle. Don’t miss the sweeping views from Hartside Pass, and for the iconic shot, dip your front wheel in the start and your rear wheel at the finish.

Start the tradition by dipping your front wheel in the Irish Sea at Whitehaven, then climb toward the sweeping views of Hartside Pass, one of the most iconic panoramas in Cumbria. Three days later, finish with your rear wheel in the North Sea and celebrate on the Newcastle Quayside. Well-earned pints await at The Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater after day one, The Lion House Inn in Alston after day two, and finally The Bridge Tavern in Newcastle — the perfect spot to toast completing the ride.

Stretching around 145 km, this three-day ride is a showcase of Scotland’s autumnal beauty. From sparkling lochs to cascading waterfalls and vibrant highland forests, every turn feels like a painting. The Falls of Dochart in Killin are a must-see, tumbling dramatically into the river below, while Dunkeld’s Telford Bridge over the River Tay makes for the perfect Instagram shot.

After a day of riding, unwind with a pint at welcoming local pubs: The Falls of Dochart Inn in Killin, The Taybank in Dunkeld, and the Old Mill Inn in Pitlochry.