The National Cycle Network is a linked set of walking and cycling paths across the UK, connecting cities, towns and countryside. It also helps people to walk and cycle to local shops, to help keep money in the local economy.
In all there are over 12,000 miles of routes, developed by transport charity Sustrans, used by millions since it began in 1995. In 2018, the routes were upgraded to remove barrier, and offer better safety with more traffic-free paths.
Learn more about the benefits of cycling and cycling-friendly towns.
This is a mix of traffic-free paths, quiet roads and urban cycling routes. Nearly half of the network is traffic-free, with projects underway to create more safe enjoyable bike rides. It also has clear signage that makes it impossible to get lost, with famed blue signs and route numbers, plus handy local info, so you don’t have to keep checking your map or phone.
The NCN is also designed to link to other transport like parks, train stations and ferry terminals, to make longer journeys easier.
Popular Sections of the Network
The Sea to Sea Route starts on Cumbria’s west coast in Whitehaven, working 140 miles through the Lake District and historic towns. You can can also begin this route in Workington.
The Bristol to Bath Path follows an old railway path. It’s a 13-mile trek that links these two very different cities, with cafes and wildlife-watching spots to see en-route.
The London Cycle Network includes major routes like the Thames Path and Regent’s Canal Path, combining iconic landmarks and green spaces, for both tourists and commuters.
Benefits of the National Cycle Network
Not just a way for people to keep physically fit, riding bikes has good mental health benefits as it steers you away from stressful pollution and trafficj jams, and also releases feel-good endorphins.
Obviously the network has environmental benefits by reducing pollution and carbon emissions. And contributing to quieter cleaner streets with less congestion.
A (Bumpy) Ride on the National Cycle Network
Potholes and Pavements takes us on a (bumpy) ride along Britain’s National Cycle Network. Sometimes syou are cycling along it, and the ‘path’ disappears’ into a main road. So Laura (a cycling journalist) decides to cycle around the country using the path, to see how it fares now. Even the CEO now admits the path needs improving, with politics and dodgy financing sometimes making the path dangerous.
Along the way, Laura develops friendships in the beautiful cycling areas of the Cairngorms to Cornwall, and from the Pennines to the South Wales Coast. Most people say they would love to cycle (most trips are less than 5 miles). And cycling is good or us and the planet, so why not use the existing path and improve it, to make more bike travel a reality.
Laura’s exploration of the National Cycle Network on her pink e-bike is an engaging tour of Britain’s erratic relationship with cycling. She beautifully illustrates why sustained funding and governmental leadership is urgently needed to transform these often-ignored routes into the national treasure we deserve. Will Norman (London’s walking/cycling commissioner)
A charming look at the literal highs and lows of Britain’s occasionally ramshackle, occasionally incredible national cycling network. Alexei Sayle
Laura Laker is a cycling journalist, with decades of experience on political campaigns. She writes a popular bike blog for The Guardian newspaper.
