The best bikepacking routes in the UK

Sea to Summit AU
July 08. 2023

At Sea to Summit we love bikepacking! Which is why we have created loads of gear specifically for bikepacking.

So we have put together a list of our favourite bikepacking routes in the UK - read on for our low-down on our favourite destinations for multi-day bike trips.

West Highland Way

Start Point: Milngavie, Scotland
Distance: 96 miles
Duration: 2-3 Days

The West Highland Way is a classic walking route - now adopted by those of us who favour 2 wheels over two feet. Being in the highlands this route has a lot of ascent and descent - with over 9000ft of climbing in less than 100 miles!

Taking you from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow through some of the most stunning scenery the Highlands have to offer. Thanks to Scotland's wild camping laws you have your pick of amazing places to camp out.

This route is best done in Spring to avoid the winter conditions and the notorious Scottish midges - which are at their worst in mid-summer.

West Country Way

Start Point: Dartmoor
Distance: 130 miles
Duration: 2-5 Days

If you are looking for a purely off road bikepacking route in the UK then look no further than the West Country Way. From the costal paths to woods and moors the terrain is varied so you will need a mountain or gravel bike. Dartmoor is notoriously bogy - so there will also be a fair share of hike-a-bike.

If the bogy conditions don't put you off you are in for a treat. With everything from beautiful coastal views over the channel to the best of Dartmoor and some amazing riding in between.

Lands End to John O'Groats

Start Point: Lands End
Distance: 870 miles+
Duration: Various but at least 10 days

We couldn't compile a list of the best bikepacking routes in the UK without including the ultimate British bike tour - LEJOG!

Taking you from the very bottom to the very top (or vice-versa) of the mainland British Isles this is a British bikepacking classic route covering over 800 miles it is no mean feat.

Due to the length of LEJOG there are loads of different routes which you can take - with a lot of different terrain and ascent options - making this the ultimate bikepacking experience.

Sarn Helen

Start Point: Conwy
Distance: 160 miles
Duration: 4 to 7 days

Legend has it Saint Helen of Caernarfon (who this route is named after) ordered the building of these roads back in the 4th century, creating a route from Wales' North coast to it's south.

This is an amazing route taking in the best of Wales's hills and mountains from Conwy on the North Wales coast and Worms Head on the Gower Peninsula.

King Alfred’s Way

Start Point: Winchester
Distance: 220 miles
Duration: 3-6 days

A relative newcomer, King Alfred's Way is a circular route first opened in 2020. This is one for the history buffs - passing Stonehenge, Avebury and Iron Age hill forts at Old Sarum and Barbury Castle.

Being circular - you can go in either direction, but going clockwise gives friendlier ascents and a headwind. With gravel paths, Roman Roads and woodland trails, the terrain in mixed but nothing too tough.

If this has inspired you to pack your bike and head on an adventure then make sure your gear is up to the trip. We've put together our ultimate guide to our favourite Sea to Summit Bikepacking gear - which you can read here