The National Byway is a long-distance cycling route in the United Kingdom that stretches over 3,200 miles (around 5,150 km). It’s designed for people who enjoy peaceful bike rides away from busy traffic. This route takes you through quiet countryside roads, small villages, and beautiful landscapes, making it perfect for families, casual riders, and those who want to explore the UK at a relaxed pace.
What makes the National Byway special is how it connects you with nature and history. As you ride, you’ll pass through areas like the Cotswolds, Northumberland, and East Anglia, which are full of stunning views and interesting places. The route is clearly marked with signs, so it’s easy to follow even if you don’t use a map or GPS.
The National Byway
This cycling route is also safe and friendly. Since most of it goes through less crowded roads, it’s great for all ages and skill levels. Along the way, you’ll find local cafes, guesthouses, and small shops that welcome cyclists. It’s a nice way to support local communities while enjoying a fun and healthy activity.
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Another great part of the National Byway is that it brings you close to the UK’s history and culture. You can stop at old churches, castles, nature parks, and even paths used by the Romans. It’s a great choice for people who want to learn and explore while riding.
If you’re thinking about a short weekend ride or a longer bike trip, the National Byway is a perfect option. With a bit of planning and a love for adventure, you can enjoy the beauty and stories hidden across the UK’s countryside.
Relation’d Sections
| Description (Organized by National Byway Region) | Relation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute | (none yet) | |
| East of England | ||
| Cambridgeshire: South of Cambridge | relation 935883 | marked on the development diagram (on the N.B. site) as ‘being signed’ |
| Near Ely | relation 975860 | |
| East Midlands | ||
| Lincolnshire | relation 1425075 | very incomplete |
| Nottinghamshire | relation 1818743 | very incomplete |
| the Rutland area | relation 943883 | large sections have been completed, but certain locales need attending-to |
| North-East England | ||
| County Durham and Northumberland | relation 1205886 | |
| Section around Kielder Forest | ||
| North-West England | (none yet) | |
| South-East and South-Central England | ||
| Oxfordshire and Glos—Northleach to Witney | ||
| Dornford Lane (near Woodstock) to Buckinghamshire border | relation 1251898 | |
| Buckinghamshire | relation 1251894 | |
| Bedfordshire | relation 1251895 | |
| South-West England | ||
| Several disconnected sections: | ||
| Wiltshire: north of Salisbury | ||
| Hampshire/Wiltshire: between Stockbridge and Fordingbridge | ||
| Somerset: between Wells and Castle Cary | ||
| Dorset: between Shaftesbury and Cashmoor | relation 1206000 | |
| South-West Scotland | ||
| The Solway Firth area | relation 943956 | |
| West Midlands | ||
| Shropshire | relation 943940 | relation’d between Attingham Park and the southern outskirts of Whitchurch |
| Shropshire: Shrewsbury to Leominster, then… | relation 943913 | |
| Herefordshire: …towards (and slightly beyond) Ledbury | relation 943894 | |
| West Herefordshire: route to Wales | relation 2553508 | Link route and the Herefordshire section of the Radnor Ring |
| Yorkshire | ||
| From Humber Bridge to the northern end of the Yorkshire region at Barnard Castle | relation 9327 |
National Byway Loops by Region (with OpenStreetMap Relations)
| Region | Loop Name | OSM Relation ID | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | Retford Loop | – | – |
| Newark / Southwell Loop | 1425019 | – | |
| Grantham Loop | 2070390 | – | |
| Oakham Loop | 9333 | – | |
| Oundle Loop | – | – | |
| North-East England | Hexham Loop | 2052657 | – |
| South-East & South-Central | Bernwood Forest Loop | 34610 | – |
| South-West England | Charleton Horethorne Loop (?) | 1355711 | – |
| Tisbury Loop | 1570469 | Route is difficult to follow; some signs may be missing or reversed. | |
| Winchester (East) Loop | 2947208 | Complete | |
| South-West Scotland | Dumfries Loop | – | – |
| Ayr Loop | – | – | |
| Girvan Loop | – | – | |
| West Midlands | Malpas Loop | – | – |
| Shrewsbury Loop | – | – | |
| Much Wenlock Loop | – | – | |
| Church Stretton Loop | 5522776 | – | |
| Ledbury Loop | 444340 | Complete | |
| Winchcombe Loop | – | – | |
| Yorkshire | Holderness Loop | 47904 | Road washed over a cliff; still passable on foot |
| Bridlington Loop | 225396 | – | |
| Driffield Loop | – | – | |
| Malton Loop | 177547 | – | |
| Easingwold Loop | 158475 | – | |
| Ripon Loop | 179064 | Poorly mapped | |
| Bedale Loop | 179065 | – |
The National Byway is a great way to enjoy cycling through the peaceful and beautiful parts of Britain. It takes you on quiet country roads where you can see nature, small villages, and local landmarks. Whether you’re new to cycling or have done it for years, the route has something for everyone. So get your bike ready and start exploring – the National Byway is waiting for you.
