The National Cycle Network

We have lots of inspiration and information to help you discover more of the Network.

Find a route

The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, cycling, wheeling and exploring outdoors.

PfE Report, Adults, animals, children walking along the National Cycle Network

Paths for everyone: Three years on

Since 2018, Sustrans teams across the UK have been working to improve the access, safety and public appeal of the National Cycle Network.

This new report provides an update on the great successes they've achieved so far.

Find out more and read the report.

Find your perfect route

We’ve made it easy for you to find National Cycle Network routes by region, distance and whether they’re traffic-free.

Find the perfect place to walk, cycle and enjoy the outdoors. 

Find a route on the National Cycle Network
Portrait benches showing Richard Burton, Rob Brydon and Dick Wagstaff at Quoits Wood Crossing in the Afan Valley

Nominate a local hero for the next Sustrans Portrait Bench

This project commemorates local heroes across the regions through which the National Cycle Network travels. These new sculptures will be created in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Help us choose who will next be cast in metal and celebrated, whether they're a pillar of your local community, a famous person from your hometown or an influential role model.

Choose the National Cycle Network's next Portrait Bench.
National Cycle Network map

Map of the National Cycle Network

If you’d like to see routes across the UK on an interactive map, head over to the Ordnance Survey website.

We’ve teamed up with them to help you plan your trip and navigate your way around the UK.

Open the National Cycle Network map
photo of Sustrans paper maps and guide books

Buy maps and guides

Visit the Sustrans shop for National Cycle Network maps, guides, accessories and gifts.

Visit the Sustrans shop
A man and two young girls riding a tandem bike over a bridge

Download your free traffic-free routes guides

Download one or more of our free guides to easy, traffic-free trails on the National Cycle Network.

Get your free traffic-free guide

About the National Cycle Network

Our vision is to create a UK-wide network of safe and accessible traffic-free paths for everyone.


We want the Network to:

  • be wide enough for all users
  • be cared for and well maintained
  • have a smooth surface
  • be clearly and consistently signed
  • be fully accessible to everyone
  • feel safe.


Take a look at our 9 design principles that all National Cycle Network routes should meet.

Read about the progress we're making to improve the Network.

 

 

We're updating the signage on the National Cycle Network

When you're out on the Network, please be aware that the signage you see may not reflect recent changes to our online mapping.

We're working hard with our volunteers and partners to update these signs.

Find out how you can help to look after the Network near you.

Little red sign of the National Cycle Network

Follow the little red signs on the National Cycle Network

When you're browsing the list of routes on our website, keep an eye out for the Follow the red signs symbol.

When you see it, it means the whole of the route is on the National Cycle Network.

And when you're on the route, follow the little red signs to navigate it.

Find a route on the National Cycle Network

Find other routes

We've got lots of cycling routes on our website for inspiration.

But some of these routes may contain sections that are not on the National Cycle Network and are better suited to more experienced cyclists.

Keep an eye out for the hexagon on our route pages. This symbol means that some or all of the route is not on the Network.

Find other cycling routes across the UK

Sustrans and the Network

As custodians of the National Cycle Network (NCN), it's our role to care for it, improve it and champion a long-term vision for its future.

Sustrans only owns around 271 miles, or 2%, of the Network.

The rest belongs to various landowners, who are ultimately responsible for their own stretch. 

However, Sustrans staff and volunteers help these landowners to maintain, improve and develop their routes.

Read more about our role as custodians of the National Cycle Network.

 

The National Cycle Network brings huge benefits to the UK's economy and improves people's health and wellbeing. In 2019-20 an estimated:

4.2 million

people used the Network

70.9 million

car trips were saved by using the Network

£1.64 billion

was spent in local businesses by leisure and tourist users

£21.5 million

was saved by the NHS through the Network's impact on people's health

Route inspiration and ideas

Close up of a single frog sat on top of a pile of wet leaves

Making space for nature on the Network

In the face of a national climate and ecological emergency, traffic-free paths have the power to improve biodiversity and protect wildlife.

Learn about how our ecologists are making space for nature

Man and woman using adapted bike on walking and cycling path

Share, respect and enjoy the Network

We want everyone to be able to use the Network safely, confidently and in line with government guidelines on Covid-19.

Read our tips for staying safe

Cyclist passing two walkers on cycle path, both parties waving to each other

Using the National Cycle Network

If you're looking to get out on the National Cycle Network for the first time, why not check out these helpful tips and pointers. 

How to use the National Cycle Network

Improving the National Cycle Network

Our Paths for Everyone review sets out our future vision and plans to make the National Cycle Network safer and more accessible for everyone.

Find out more about Paths for Everyone

Donate

Make a cash donation or set up a regular gift today. You'll be helping us to care for and improve the Network.

Volunteer

Spare an hour or do something more regular. Join our volunteers and help look after the National Cycle Network near you.