To celebrate the National Cycle Network’s 30th birthday we’ve chosen our top 30 things to see and experience on the Network. How many can you tick off your list?
Cycling along Bath's Two Tunnels route
1. Travel through the Combe Down Tunnel
Bath Two Tunnels Circuit, South West England
Stretching out for 1,672 metres – that’s just over a mile – the Combe Down Tunnel is the UK’s longest cycling and walking tunnel. As you travel through, the experience is made even more special by an audio-visual installation by United Visual Artists. A memorable moment for all ages.
2. Discover the Flintstone Flyer
National Route 7, Scotland
Standing at three metres tall and five metres long, the Flintstone Flyer is a fun surprise on the traffic-free path between Johnstone and Lochwinnoch. Made with two millstones found near its original location in Caldercruix, it's a playful nod to Fred Flintstone's prehistoric ride.
3. Reach the Tan Hill Inn
National Route 70, North Yorkshire
At 1,732-feet above sea level, the Tan Hill Inn is the highest pub in Britain. Set high in the Yorkshire Dales, this 17th-century inn is as welcoming as it is remote, with three roaring fires to warm weary feet.
The remote Gospel Pass in Wales
4. Cross the soaring Gem Bridge
Drake’s Trail, Devon
Spanning the Walkham Valley in Dartmoor National Park, the 200-metre long Gem Bridge is the UK's longest purpose-built cycle bridge. It's a highlight of the scenic route between Tavistock and Plymouth, with its viaducts, tunnels and wooded trails along the way.
5. Take in the views from the Gospel Pass
National Route 42, South East Wales
Winding through the Black Mountains, the Gospel Pass is the highest road in Wales. This quiet stretch and exposed country lane offers sweeping views over the Wye Valley and an unforgettable descent towards Glasbury.
6. Explore London from Tower Bridge to the Meridian Line
National Route 4, London
Start at the iconic Tower Bridge and follow the Thames on National Route 4. Finish near Greenwich Park, where you can step across the Meridian Line, visit the historic Cutty Sark and take in riverside views.
7. Walk the walls of Derry
National Route 92, Londonderry/Derry
Just off National Route 92, the 17th-century walls of Derry are the only complete city walls in Ireland. A loop around them offers history, views and a unique way to explore one of Europe’s finest walled cities.
8. Follow the climb at Neptune’s Staircase
National Route 78, Scotland
This impressive flight of eight locks lifts the Caledonian Canal by 19 metres over a quarter of a mile. Near Fort William, it's a striking feat of engineering and a scenic stop on this Highland route.
Stop for an ice cream on the Bristol and Bath Path
9. Walk or wheel the Bristol and Bath Railway Path
National Route 4, South West England
Flat, scenic and traffic-free, this route links two brilliant cities and marks the birthplace of the Network. Built in 1979 by volunteers from CycleBag (now Sustrans), it was our first project and the spark that started it all.
10. Marvel at Brimham rocks
National Route 688, Yorkshire
These towering rock formations look almost sculpted, but they were shaped entirely by nature over millions of years. Set in heather moorland, they make a dramatic stop on your journey through the Yorkshire countryside.
Gaze out from the Larpool Viaduct
11. Cross the Severn Bridge under your own power
National Route 4, England and Wales
Walk, wheel or ride across this iconic bridge for big skies and even bigger views. A memorable way to travel between two nations along one continuous path.
12. Ride the heights of Larpool Viaduct
Scarborough to Whitby, Yorkshire
High above the River Esk is the 915-foot-long Larpool Viaduct. Look out for the steam trains on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway running under it, as you travel over it on the Cinder Track.
Visit Caernarfon Castle
13. Circle Caernarfon Castle
National Route 8, North Wales
This mighty fortress has stood watch over the Menai Strait for more than 700 years. A short loop from National Route 8 brings you up close to its towers, walls and sweeping sea views at one of Wales’ most iconic historic sites.
14. Step into a story at Colinton Tunnel
National Route 75, near Edinburgh
This 32-metre tunnel bursts with colour, turning a disused railway into a vivid celebration of local heritage. Funded in part by our ArtRoots programme, the mural brings a Robert Louis Stevenson poem to life and is one of Scotland’s most vibrant paths to walk, wheel or ride through.
Admire the murals in Colinton Tunnel
15. Soak up the views in the Ogwen Valley
Lon Las Ogwen, North Wales
This traffic-free route winds through some of Snowdonia’s most dramatic scenery. Surrounded by towering peaks and wide skies, you’ll pass waterfalls, woodlands and the vast slate amphitheatre of Penrhyn Quarry, once the largest in the world.
16. Take the Giant's Causeway tour
National Route 93, County Antrim
This 23-mile route runs from Castlerock to Ballycastle, with sea views, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. The Giant’s Causeway is the star, but every mile offers something special to walk, wheel or ride.
Treat yourself in Padstow after a walk, wheel or cycle along the Camel Trail
17. Wander the Camel Trail to Padstow
The Camel Trail, Cornwall
One of the most popular routes in the country, the Camel Trail is great for families and used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s rich in wildlife and ends in seaside charm at Padstow.
18. Breathe in the wild air of Pembrey Forest
The Millennium Coastal Path, South Wales
One of Britain’s rare sand dune forests and home to a rare and rich variety of botanical wildlife and migrant songbirds. Pembrey Forest is right on the spectacular Millennium Coastal Path with its far-reaching seaside views and woodland trails.
19. Visit the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral
National Route 24, Wiltshire
Just a short detour from National Route 24, Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. A peaceful spot to reflect on over 800 years of history.
Discover the largest equine statues in the world
20. Pass beneath the Kelpies
National Route 76, Falkirk
These 100-foot-tall steel horse heads are the largest equine sculptures in the world. A dramatic and unmissable landmark just off National Route 76.
21. Uncover the code on the DNA Path
National Route 11, Cambridgeshire
This path weaves science into the landscape with colourful gene-inspired artworks and a DNA helix design. It was created to celebrate the first 500 miles of the National Cycle Network and the pioneering work of the nearby Sanger Institute.
22. Watch the skies at Snettisham Spectacular
Cycle to the Wash, West Norfolk
Pass through Castle Rising and the Sandringham Estate to reach RSPB Snettisham on the Wash. Time your visit with a high tide and you might catch the spectacular sight of thousands of wading birds swirling in unison.
Pose underneath the Angel of the North
23. Pause beneath the Angel of the North
National Route 725, Tyne & Wear
Visit by foot or by wheels, Anthony Gormley’s iconic statue just outside Gateshead is worth a stop. The imposing and recognisable sculpture is popular with coast to coast tourers wanting a selfie in front of the region’s most famous artwork.
24. Take in the heights at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
National Route 85, North Wales
Rising above the River Dee on nineteen graceful arches, this aquaduct is dis the longest and highest canal aqueduct in the UK. Designed by Thomas Telford, it offers unforgettable views and a thrilling crossing you won’t forget.
Sharing the Comber Greenway
26. Follow the Comber Greenway
National Route 99, Belfast
This peaceful seven-mile path runs from central Belfast to Comber, linking the birthplace of the Titanic with the hometown of its designer, Thomas Andrews. A green corridor through the city with history at both ends.
27. Breathe deep on the Tarka Trail
National Route 3, Devon
One of the longest traffic-free routes in the UK, the Tarka Trail winds through North Devon’s countryside on a former railway line. With estuary views, woodlands and wide open skies, it’s a peaceful place to walk, wheel or ride at your own pace.
Views of Windermere
27. Glide across Windermere
National Route 6, Cumbria
England’s largest lake offers a perfect mix of land and water. Take the cable ferry across Windermere and follow National Route 6 along its peaceful western shore, with woodland trails and waterside views all the way.
28. Journey through the Solar System Way
York to Selby, Yorkshire
This 10.4km traffic-free path features a scale model of the solar system, stretching from the Sun to Pluto. It’s a fun and fascinating ride or walk, where science meets scenery on a former railway line.
29. Roll through Ironbridge Gorge
National Route 45, Shropshire
Follow quiet lanes and riverside paths through the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The cast iron bridge at its heart changed the world. There’s no better way to arrive than under your own power.
30. Follow the line of Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Cycleway, National Route 72, Northern England
This coast to coast route traces the edge of the Roman Empire, with forts, milecastles and dramatic landscapes along the way. You don’t need to do it all. Pick a section to walk, wheel or ride, and take in the big views and even bigger history.
The incredible journeys across the National Cycle Network are only possible thanks to people like you.
Every path maintained, every signpost installed, and every stretch of safe, accessible route is powered by the generosity of our supporters, volunteers and partners.