This would ideally involve minimum driving, thus reduce your holiday’s carbon footprint dramatically. Route options are abundant at your disposal across the country from day trips to climbing the three peaks.
- The National Three Peaks Challenge: The ultimate British challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in the National Parks of Scotland, England and Wales. Often this is done in 24 hours; however, to make this a more sustainable trip, we recommend cycling between the peaks and taking your time. Alternatively, each park also runs their own three peak challenge involving less travel between parks.
- A weekend walk: We have also found a "Top 10 walking weekends in the UK" Guardian article covering the UK, from the North Highlands to Snowdonia, likely including a route close to your home to save unnecessary travel. Explore moors and mountains, coasts and crags.
Long-distance cycling routes are becoming a popular holiday choice in Britain, especially with the rise of sustainable travel. If you want an extreme challenge, the North Coast 500 is a great option, travelling 500 miles while exploring the Scottish Highlands. If you’d rather a shorter route, perhaps a weekend trip, the Bath to Bournemouth route is an easier choice. Starting in the world heritage city of Bath and finishing on the beaches of Bournemouth is a perfect way to spend a sustainable weekend. For more routes visit the Sustrans website.
If a cycling trip is too extreme, join the Oxford UK Cycling Club for their Sunday rides. The Isis Cyclists are another club located in Oxford, encouraging women to enjoy leisure cycling. They have a number of shorter routes available including:
- A 10-mile route through North Oxford to Cutteslowe and Sunnymead: This route then takes you to Wolvercote along a canal towpath on Wolvercote Green. The canal is followed as far Waldon Green before heading through Central Oxford and return through University parks cycle track.
- Downriver and the newly surfaced NCN5 to Abingdon (one section of road) for lunch/tea and back – the bold could include Boar’s Hill and the ‘dreaming spires’ view.
More routes run by this group, including longer ones, can be found on their website.
Another great source to plan your own route is https://www.sustrans.org.uk/.
