The establishing of Loop routes on the National Byway has been an integral part of the project since its inception. For while many leisure cyclists enjoy riding from point A to B, or out and back again along the same route (which is quite a different experience when cycling in the opposite direction), being able to start and finish in the same place and riding a circular route is very popular.

 

Loops are especially signposted in only one direction - usually anti-clockwise, which makes for safer riding. When a Loop shares the main Byway route, Loop signs are not used. They only appear when the two routes separate, and disappear when the main route is rejoined. Details about places of interest along the Loops can be found on panels on the map side of the maps, and on the copy side of the map when the main route is being used.

 

Loop distances vary in order to include suitable routes and to include places of interest, but they are suitable for a one-day or weekend ride. Starting points have been selected in market towns which have suitable infrastructure: parking, cafes, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and hotels. And whenever possible, railway stations to permit arrival by public transport. Loops currently available on The National Byway include:

 

SOUTH-WEST ENGLAND:	TISBURY, WILTSHIRE - 16 miles (25km)
WEST MIDLANDS:	MALPAS, CHESHIRE - 32 miles (51km) SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE - 24 miles (38km) MUCH WENLOCK, SHROPSHIRE - 32 miles (51km) CHURCH STRETTON, SHROPSHIRE - 50 miles (80km) LEDBURY, HEREFORDSHIRE - 17 miles (27km) WINCHCOMBE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - 20 miles (32km)
EAST MIDLANDS:	RETFORD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - 21 miles (34km) NEWARK/SOUTHWELL, NOTTS - 38 miles (61km) GRANTHAM, LINCOLNSHIRE - 36 miles (58km) OAKHAM, RUTLAND - 25 miles (40km) OUNDLE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE - 29 miles (47km)
YORKSHIRE:	HOLDERNESS - 46 miles (74km) BRIDLINGTON - 27 miles (43km) MALTON - 30 miles (48km) EASINGWOLD - 25 miles (40km) RIPON - 16 miles (26km) BEDALE - 26 miles (42km)
NORTH-EAST ENGLAND:	HEXHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND - 23 miles (37km)
SOUTH-WEST SCOTLAND:	DUMFRIES - 21 miles (43km) AYR - 28 miles (45km) GIRVAN - 34 miles (54km)