There's nothing like the thrill of cycling downhill with the wind in your hair, or leisurely pedaling your way down country lanes, taking in the view. Although many parts of the UK now have too much traffic for safe cycling, there are parts of the country where you can cycle in relative safety.  Some railway tracks have been converted into dedicated cycle ways which is probably the ideal way for families with children to take to the road plus there are numerous national cycle routes and waymarked trails. 

Mountain Bikers, look no further! Bridleways galore on the fells surrounding Sedbergh, Cumbria and secure space inside the property to park your muddy steeds if they survive your exploits. Loads of shower and bathing facilities and a warm fire to revive you; then of you can't be bothered to cook in the well equipped kitchen, the best pub in town is 50 yards away. You need The House at Fell House. Tel: Steve on 01858 555476, or email Steve@higround.co.uk

Headon Farm award winning cottages near Scarborough. Enjoy our truly peaceful setting. Located along a quiet country lane, this unspoilt corner of Yorkshire was once part of the Wyedale estate and the nearby Hall is still used as a retreat by the Diocese of York.  The landscape is fairly flat - perfect for cyclists. 

It is a world away yet only a mile from the A170 Scarborough-Pickering road giving easy access to coast, moors, York and Vale of Pickering.  Village Shops and pubs are only a few minutes drive away. We try our best to provide the quality and standards we ourselves would expect, which we feel is reflected in the number of guests who return each year.
  Telephone 01723 859019 for bookings and enquiries. 

The reduced number of cars mean that even driving is a pleasure in Scotland, but cycling is a definite joy and a wonderful way of seeing the countryside.  If you visit popular tourist areas like Tayside, or Speyside in Scotland, you will find cycle hire shops where you can rent your bike/tandem/mountain bike on an hourly or daily basis.  

Take a look at cottages in Scotland here.

There are no fewer than 7 dedicated cycle routes in Leicestershire - away cars. And Leicestershire is mostly flat! Details of these cycle routes can be obtained from the Leicestershire Local Government site.   New Farm Cottage, with its exclusive heated indoor pool and sauna, is located in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire, on a working arable farm.  The 3 Star, 4 bedroomed cottage with own pool can sleep up 9 adults, plus a child in a cot. Telephone 01949 860 640.  Babysitting available by arrangement.

Peacock Barn (sleeps 4) in Pershore, Worcestershire is in a lovely area with good flat routes around Bredon Hill visiting the beautiful little Worcestershire villages with their welcoming pubs.  Wood stove, welcome hamper. 

Telephone Marian on +44(0)1386 750 570 

Poldue Farm near Bodmin in Cornwall is in a perfect location for cycling quiet country lanes. The Camel Trail is a short drive away for a safe traffic free cycle path. The farmhouse has two bedrooms, each sleeping two, plus a convertible sofa-bed in the hall that could optionally accommodate another 2 people. There is a charming wood stove in the living room for delightfully cosy evenings. Poldue is set on a 17 acre small-holding with horses, ponies, chickens, ducks, cats and dogs to name but a few of the family looking forward to meeting you.Poldue is set up with children in mind as there is a playhouse and a 12ft trampoline in the garden and there is also a selection of games and toys inside we are also happy to show you around and let the children help us with the ponies and even have a little ride! 

Do please phone for a brochure on 01208 851539 or 01208850189, or 07742548805

Walkers Farm Cottages near Bridgwater, Somerset  High quality cottages sleeping 2-4 people in the peaceful hamlet of Stathe near Bridgwater, Somerset. This area is the heart of the award-winning willow craft industry where willow is grown, stripped, boiled and fashioned into baskets and cane furniture. It is also part of the old cider-making area. Local walks include the River Parrett Trail and MacMillan Way, but we keep maps and details of many trails from small strolls to longer hikes on the Quantock Hills. Why not walk or cycle to one of our local pubs or restaurants in Stoke St. Gregory or North Curry. There is a local hire centre, with south Somerset cycle routes, good cycling along country lanes without too many hills but plenty to see. Telephone 01823 698229,   or 07971958458

Self-catering holiday cottages in Norfolk

On the north Norfolk coast, you will find a cottage near Hunstanton, -  Lavenders, a three bedroom, well equipped bungalow (sleeps 6) in the unspoilt village of Holme-next-Sea on the North Norfolk Coast in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Very close to an extensive sandy beach and in a quiet location backing on to the golf course, the property and its surroundings provides an ideal opportunity to unwind and relax. Conservatory, patio with garden furniture, barbecue.   Two long distance walking routes meet at Holme, namely the Roman Peddars Way which starts in Thetford Forest and the North Norfolk Coastal Path which runs from nearby Hunstanton to Cromer. Telephone 01206 230 332 for availability and bookings.

Old School Cottage (sleeps 4)  is an 18th century brick and flint cottage on the edge of a quiet conservation village bordering Thetford Forest in Breckland, close to the Norfolk/Suffolk/Cambs borders.  There are numerous cycle routes in the area, some passing Thetford Forest.  Colin will be pleased to advise about these. There is also a local cycle hire shop with a wide variety of bicycles for all the family and as a bonus, the area is pleasingly flat. National Cycle Network, route 13 runs past Thetford and all the way up to the north coast of Norfolk, via Watton and Dereham There are two cycle trails in Thetford Forest itself, the Brandon park and High Lodge loops, both of which are about 6.5 miles long.  The Harling Drove is a 10 mile route based on the old Harling Drove road, which dates back from prehistoric times.  This was the route once taken by farmers driving their flocks and herds to market. Obtain leaflets and route maps for these and more cycle routes from: Forest Enterprise on 01842 810271 and Breck's Project, 01842 765400. Old School Cottage has been renovated to a very high standard and has a wealth of beams and other period features. One double bedroom with 5' bed and one twin.  The cottage has a pretty, south-facing and enclosed 'cottage' garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. There is off-road parking for 2 cars.  Old School Cottage offers plenty of home comforts including a washing machine, tumble drier, electric cooker, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, colour TV, video recorder, CD player, payphone, cot high chair etc. There is also a vast range of tourist brochures, books, games and local videos. Linen (duvets), towels, electricity and oil fired central heating are included in the cost.  View details under Norfolk on left. Contact: Email, for availability and bookings,  Telephone: 01953 498277

Please use the Search facility via the Accommodation menu, to find additional cottages in good areas suited to cycling.

Spring Cottages in Somerset - sleep 2

New Farm Cottage in Leicestershire, Sleeps up to 9, 3*, Tel: 01949 860 640