There aren’t many things that will make a cyclist get out of the saddle during a long weekend ride. We can only think of four: exhaustion, the need to use a toilet, a pub lunch and, finally, taking a photo of a truly spectacular view.
Thanks to Instagram, those scenic pics can be shared to inspire everyone to get out on their bikes. Hotel chain Premier Inn has gathered data from the past 12 months of hashtags and tagged locations on the social photo-sharing platform to compile the ten most Instagrammed cycling spots in the UK. How many have you visited?
1. Yorkshire Dales
The most popular place for photos by cyclists in the entire UK, with almost 5,000 posts on Instagram in the past year. If you want to see the Dales as part of an organised amateur event, you can sign up for the Tour de Yorkshire, which takes place during the three-day elite event in early May. Or if you’re going solo, one of the most-snapped spots in the Dales is the Aysgarth Falls, so make sure to plan a route that includes them.
2. Richmond Park
The London cyclist’s favourite refuge from the busy streets of the city, with a 12km route around the circumference of the park that offers the chance for a relaxing ride or to test your speed in the saddle. If you’re going to take a pic of your ride in Richmond Park, it’s got to include at least one deer. Those are the rules.
3. Cambridge
The historic buildings and twisting, narrow streets of Cambridge make it ideal for pretty city snaps, and the cycle route alongside the River Cam is also a popular spot for Instagrammers.
4. Dartmoor
There is no shortage of fantastic rides in Dartmoor National Park. One of the best is the Princetown Railway route, a 30km stretch of disused railway track that ends at the beautiful Burrator Reservoir.
5. Loch Lomond And The Trossachs National Park
The loch itself is the standout bit of scenery in this part of Scotland, but cyclists are also treated to views of snow-capped mountains, wildlife and an array of spectacular waterfalls.
6. Peak District
There are some sharp hills to tackle in the Peak District, but that only makes the views from the top even more satisfying. If you’re a MTB rider make sure to try the Carsington Loop – a 13km off-road route around Carsington Water.
7. Fort William
This Scottish town is the gateway to Ben Nevis and naturally a hotspot for MTB riders in particular, but cyclists of all stripes will find plenty to enjoy in the countryside around Fort William. As long as you like hills, that is.
8. Box Hill
Since being included in the Olympic road race in 2012, Box Hill has become a magnet for road cyclists looking to test their mettle on its long climb. Get to the top and you’re rewarded with magnificent views of the Surrey Hills.
9. South Downs
There are plenty of fantastic short rides to enjoy in the Downs, but experienced riders can see it all by riding the entire 161km length of the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne (or indeed in the other direction).
10. Brecon Beacons
This National Park in Wales is another spot that’s best suited to MTB riders rather than road cyclists, with hundreds of kilometres of untamed trails around forest-covered mountains to tackle.
