7 Scenic Cycling Routes You Can Explore This Year

Ever pedalled through a sunflower field? Or glided along a coastal road with waves crashing beside you?

If not, this might be the year to hop on that saddle and see what you've been missing. Cycling isn't just about burning calories or ticking off kilometres. Sometimes, it's about the views, the wind in your face, and the freedom of two wheels carrying you through landscapes too pretty to rush past.

So, where should you go? Here's a hand-picked list of scenic trails—each with a different mood and worth the ride.

Imagine cycling alongside lakes that mirror the clouds. That’s the Lake District for you. This corner of England is famous for its poetry-inspiring beauty, and it’s even better when explored on a bike.

Start in Windermere. The route around the lake is relatively flat, making it great for a casual day ride. But if you're craving a little challenge, climb toward Kirkstone Pass. You'll be rewarded with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys.

The villages here feel like something out of a period drama—stone cottages, cosy cafes, and sheep crossing the roads like they own the place. Ride slow. Soak it in.

Top Tip: Early morning is magical here. Mist rises off the lakes like something out of a dream. Bring layers—it can switch from sunny to rainy in a flash.

The Pacific Coast Highway (also known as Highway 1) is legendary. It hugs the California coastline like it doesn’t want to let go, and riding it feels like a love letter to the ocean.

Most cyclists tackle the San Francisco to Santa Barbara section. That’s about 500 miles, but you don’t have to do it all. Even a shorter stretch—from Monterey to Big Sur—feels cinematic.

Expect dramatic cliffs, thundering surf, and that salty sea breeze in your hair. Plus, there are plenty of photo ops: Bixby Bridge, elephant seals lounging on the beach, and redwood forests that seem to whisper as you pass.

Best Bit: Descending into Big Sur with the sun setting on your right. Pure gold.

Ever wanted to cycle through fairytale country? The Loire Valley delivers precisely that.

This region in central France is dotted with over 300 castles. And the best part? Many are accessible via smooth, well-marked cycle paths known as the "Loire à Vélo."

Start in Orléans and ride west toward Tours. You'll glide past vineyards, sunflower fields, and medieval villages along the way. Stop at Château de Chambord or Château de Chenonceau if you feel like being wowed.

Picnic with fresh cheese, warm bread, and ripe fruit from a local market? Don’t mind if I do.

Need to Know: Spring and early autumn are ideal—warm, not scorching, and fewer tourists on the trails.

Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand – Remote Beauty, Wide Open Skies

Ready for something that feels a bit like the Wild West, minus the cowboys and dust storms? Try the Otago Central Rail Trail.

This former railway line in New Zealand’s South Island is now a 150-km bike trail that meanders through old mining towns, farmland, and dramatic gorges.

There's a rawness to the landscape here. Long empty stretches. Big skies. And a silence that's both eerie and calming. But you're never far from a cosy pub or B&B with hot pies and friendly locals.

Highlight: Riding across historic viaducts and through spooky old rail tunnels. Bring a flashlight.

If you like cycling with a side of serenity, the Arashiyama area in Kyoto is calling.

Start your ride near the Katsura River and approach the famous bamboo grove. The moment you roll beneath the towering stalks, everything gets quieter. It's not just peaceful—it's surreal.

Continue toward the hills and explore the rural neighbourhoods of Sagano. Here, temples peek from behind trees, and locals still farm the land as they have for centuries.

Fun Fact: You can rent electric bikes if the uphill parts feel too much. No judgment. The point is to enjoy.

Tuscany isn’t flat, but it’s worth every ounce of effort. Rolling hills? Yes. But with views like these, you’ll find reasons to stop often.

Start in Florence and make your way toward Siena or Lucca. The roads curve through olive groves, cypress trees, and endless rows of grapevines.

If you plan your ride during the grape harvest, you'll smell wine before seeing the vineyards. And don't be surprised if you end up at a family-run trattoria, sipping espresso and wondering if this is real life.

Pro Tip: September offers excellent weather and fewer crowds. Plus, harvest season means tastings galore.

Australia's southern coast has its own kind of drama. Think towering limestone stacks, windswept cliffs, and ocean views that stretch forever.

Cycling the Great Ocean Road is a sensory overload in the best way. Start in Torquay and pedal toward Apollo Bay.

Yes, the wind can be intense. And the hills are no joke. But then you round a corner and see the Twelve Apostles rising out of the sea, and suddenly, the burn in your legs doesn't matter.

Extra Bonus: Koalas. You might spot one snoozing in a eucalyptus tree near Kennett River.

Want mountains without madness? Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi) offers a gentler alpine experience in the Italian Dolomites.

It's Europe's largest high-altitude meadow and car-free—just bikes, hikers, and much of nature.

You’ll ride past wildflowers, wooden huts, and cowbells echoing in the distance. The Dolomites rise like ancient guardians in the background.

This place isn't about speed. It's about silence. About stopping to breathe and realising how good that feels.

Rent Tip: You can grab a mountain or e-bike from nearby towns like Ortisei or Castelrotto.

So, how do you get started? You don’t need to be a pro. You don’t need fancy gear.

Just a decent bike, a helmet, and the itch to go somewhere new. Choose your route based on how much time you’ve got and how much leg power you’re bringing.

Travel light. Take breaks often. Talk to people. And don't forget to look up—some of the best moments happen when you're not staring at your tyres.

Pick a trail. Pack your stuff. The road’s waiting.