Best cycling challenges for adventurous triathletes

Lugging your bike abroad can be a faff, and why bother when you have copious trails, gravel paths and winding scenic roads on your doorstep? Triathletes are built for adventure; cycling trips not only put to use our hours of hard training, but also get us out exploring some of the best bike routes the UK has to offer.

When it comes to cycling adventures, the UK is sorely underrated. That’s right, we said it. Did you know that the National Cycling Network offers 8,400km of cycling paths and a further 12,000km of on-road routes in the UK alone? Three countries in one with a rich history, 40 different dialects, and 14 Indigenous languages, the UK has a lot to offer a travelling cyclist.

If you’re after an adventure that starts at your backdoor, why not consider one of our favourite UK cycling challenges listed below. With options of varying distances for road, mountain bike, or gravel, there’s a challenge to suit all levels here. So load up the panniers, stock up on energy bars, and take a browse of our top six picks for UK bikepacking adventures…

• What’s the difference between bikepacking and cycle touring?
• What gear do I need for bikepacking?

1. Land’s End to John ‘O Groats (LE JOG)

Traditionally ridden from south to north, LE JOG is the journey connecting the UK mainland’s most southwestern and northeastern points. A ride of epic proportions, be prepared for rain, shine, and to develop a new appreciation of the beauty of the British countryside and its historic townships.

Setting off at the rugged Land’s End peninsula in Cornwall, cyclists take one last look at the English Channel before tackling the decidedly undulating country lanes through Penzance, Dartmoor, and beyond. Watch as the landscape changes as you ride ever northward, through the West Midlands and up through the infamous Gretna Green.

Scotland’s sweeping hills and mountains await as you approach the highlands. This was our favourite moment when we completed LE JOG, rolling past glittering lochs framed by craggy mountains. The iconic John O’Groats awaits, don’t forget to take a picture with the waysign like many adventurers before you, take a breath of that North Sea air, and revel in your achievement.

Using the National Cycle Network, cyclists taking on the LE JOG challenge can expect to undertake a distance just shy of 2,000km. It took us around two weeks to complete, most cyclists take 7-21 days depending on your schedule and fitness. It’s also possible to complete the distance the other way around, known as JOGLE, though the prevailing winds are more likely to be against you.

2. King Alfred’s Way, Winchester

We made the mistake of thinking bikepacking was purely a world of CAMRA and canal paths, panniers and pub gardens, before taking on the new King Alfred’s Way in late 2020.

While you won’t be short of country pubs, in reality it’s a 350km loop punctuated with calf-shredding climbs and hair- raising descents. It takes place on nearly every surface known to man – mud, gravel, sand, tarmac and white chalk, to name but five.

The multi-terrain, largely off-road route was launched in 2020 by Cycling UK and links the existing routes of the Ridgeway and South Downs Way.

It officially begins and ends in Winchester, with highlights including Stonehenge, scaling Butser Hill and riding alongside tanks on Salisbury Plain.

We’d advise a gravel bike from April to October and an MTB for the depths of winter, traversing it clockwise and at least four riding days to fully enjoy the historical highs on route – expect progress to be slow.

• Best cycling top tube bags
• Best outdoor adventure books that won’t fail to inspire

3. Great North Trail, Peak District

Another recently launched Cycling UK corker is the 1,287km Great North Trail, starting at the Peak District, linking the Pennine Bridleway and concluding at either Cape Wrath or John O’Groats at the northern tip of mainland Scotland. A mountain bike is recommended, as are serious waterproof and windproof clothing.

4. Hebridean Way, Vatersay

Two ferries, six causeways and 297km make up the Hebridean Way, which commences at Vatersay and finishes on the Isle of Lewis.

The island-hopping Outer Hebrides challenge takes place on the National Cycle Network Route, making it friendly for road bikes, and you can also keep your swim training intact on any of the wonderful sandy beaches.

5. C2C, Cumbria

This 220km ‘Sea to Sea’ route from Sustrans begins on the west coast of Whitehaven in Cumbria and ends at Sunderland or Tynemouth on the east. It’s 45% traffic-free, 84% on tarmac, and can be done in a day.

The nearby Hadrian’s Way route is a close alternative option that can be done on the trip home to Whitehaven.

6. Lôn Las Cymru, Wales

Three mountain passes – including the mighty Snowdonia – and two national parks are the highlights of the Lôn Las Cymru, which stretches through the entirety of Wales.

The 600km-long mix of quiet lanes and traffic-free bike paths starts in Anglesey and concludes in Cardiff or Chepstow, before a most welcome train journey home.

Key bikepacking kit

GPS bike computer

One wrong turn can add an hour onto the route when bikepacking. To prevent this, a GPS bike computer where you can upload routes and follow them on the move is essential. It’ll also help you conserve phone battery and mean you don’t have to stop every few minutes to check that you’re on the right track! Our pick is the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt (£249.99), read our full review for more.

Waterproof seatpack

A waterproof seatpack is a must for long bike adventures. Roll up your gear and stuff in the essentials, while remaining streamline with this neat pack that tucks in under your saddle.

The Altura Vortex 2 (£70) comes in at 12l so there’s plenty of storage, while the neat strapping system keeps everything clamped in place. It’s also easy to wipe down. For more bikepacking bag recommendations, check out our favourite packs for two-wheeled adventures.

Puncture protection

As we found to our cost on the King Alfred’s Way, a puncture can ruin your day. Spare tubes and repair kits (plus the ability to get your tyre back on) are mandatory, as is a decent mini pump – the Topeak Pocket Rocket (£20) is just that.

Pannier bags

If you’re camping or simply looking to carry more gear that can fit into a seatpack, a pannier bags are a solid option for your cycling adventures. You’ll need a bike compatible with a pannier rack (rear lugs), and two pannier bags that are weatherproof, durable, and lightweight.

We live and die by the Ortlieb Back-Roller pannier bags (£150), which are completely waterproof and highly durable. They’re also super functional, can be clipped onto your rack in a second, and have a shoulder strap for easy carrying off the bike.

Got the adventure bug and looking for your next challenge? Check out our list of 12 weird and wacky races to challenge yourself in the off-season.