Route 1
National Route 1 of the National Cycle Network is a long distance cycle route connecting Dover and the Shetland Islands mainly via the east coast of England and Scotland. The route is all signed and open except between London and Woodbridge (in Suffolk) and between Whitby and Staithes (in Yorkshire).
The route is described from Dover to John o'Groats but the route can be ridden and is signed in both directions.
National Route 1: Dover to John o'Groats, Orkney & Shetland
Dover to London
This section follows the north Kent coast passing through Canterbury, Rochester and Dartford before following the Thames to Greenwich.
Map: the official Sustrans route map is now out of print, for details of maps covering the route take a look at Garden of England cycle route page.
London to Woodbridge - under development
The route through Essex into Suffolk is sill under development, though the first section out of London from Greenwich is open along the Lea Valley cycle route. Some short sections are open and can be checked on the Essex route pages.
Woodbridge to Hull via Fakenham
Through Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincolnshire National Route 1 follows the Fakenham to Harwich and Hull to Fakenham cycle routes passing through Norwich, King's Lynn and Lincoln.
Map: NNP15 East of England Hull to Harwich
Hull to Hunmanby
This section passes through the East Riding of Yorkshire passing through Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington.
Map: NN65B Yorkshire Wolds, York and Hull
Hunmanby to Middlesbrough
This mainly coastal route is currently open and signed between Hunmanby and Whitby via Scarborough, and between Staithes and Middlesbourgh via Redcar. An alternative route between Whitby and Middlesbrough is available by following Regional Route 52 to Rudby and National Route 65 to Middlesbrough which is fully open and signed.
Map: NN65A Yorkshire Moors and Coast (showing both route options between Whitby and Middlesbourgh)
Middlesbrough to Tynemouth
A series of traffic-free routes connect Middlesbrough and Tynemouth via Seaham and Sunderland forming parts of the Three Rivers cycle route.
Map: NN14 Three Rivers
Tynemouth to Edinburgh
Following the coast between Tynemouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed, the route heads inland to Edinburgh via Melrose. This section is know as the Coast & Castles South cycle route.
Map: NN1C Coast & Castles South
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Soon to be re-named Coast & Castles North, the Edinburgh to Aberdeen cycle route crosses both the Forth and Tay rivers and passes through St. Andrews and Dundee.
Map: NN1D Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Aberdeen to John o'Groats (inc Orkney and Shetland Islands)
The most northerly sections of the National Cycle Network are on the Aberdeen to John o'Groats cycle route passing through wild mountains and along rugged coastlines via Banff, Inverness, Lairg, Tongue and Thurso.