Blossom-filled locations close to the National Cycle Network: a guide to our preferred spots
For those seeking a peaceful and picturesque cycling experience in the UK, look no further. Here are some traffic-free routes that offer stunning spring blossom displays.
1. **The Clay Trails, Cornwall**: Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, these trails provide a serene cycling journey through beautiful landscapes. While blossoms might not be as prominent as in other regions, the natural scenery and wildflowers make for a delightful ride. The trails often feature dog-friendly paths and scenic views, making them ideal for family outings.
2. **Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire**: This area is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including wildflowers and blossoms during spring. The family-friendly trails are mostly traffic-free and offer a tranquil cycling experience amidst the forest's canopy. The forest is particularly famous for its bluebells in spring, creating a spectacle that is not to be missed.
3. **Plym Valley Cycle Trail, Devon**: This trail connects Coypool, Plymbridge, Clearbrook, and Tavistock, offering a mix of woodland and countryside views. It is a shared path with walkers, so cyclists should be mindful of pedestrians. The surrounding countryside often features spring blossoms, though they might not be as concentrated as in dedicated blossom areas.
For a more specific blossom display, consider visiting areas known for cherry blossoms or apple blossoms, such as **The New Forest** in Hampshire or **The Cotswolds** in Gloucestershire, though these might not always be entirely traffic-free. Planning your trip during the peak blossom season (usually late March to early April) will ensure the best views.
In North Derbyshire, Renishaw Hall and Gardens, the seat of the Sitwell family for 400 years, boasts beautiful blossom and bluebells during the spring season. The nearby village of Upchurch, located between Rainham and Sittingbourne in Kent, offers a delightful springtime experience along Route 1, which passes by orchards that are just beginning to bloom.
In West Yorkshire, Todmorden and the Calder Valley are home to Centre Vale Park, which features mature oak and beech woodlands, open parkland, sculptures, and formal gardens. Centre Vale Park is accessible from Route 68 and is adorned with blossom trees in spring.
In Derry, Northern Ireland, the route from Newbuildings to the Strathfoyle Greenway offers a peaceful, traffic-free path that bursts into colour in spring. The Connswater Community Greenway runs through East Belfast, linking Victoria Park with C.S. Lewis Square and beyond, connecting directly with the Comber Greenway, which forms part of Route 99.
In Suffolk, Porter's Wood, a 3.35-hectare broadleaf woodland near Woodbridge, is managed by the Woodland Trust. A well-used footpath runs along the western edge of Porter's Wood, making it a peaceful spot for a walk among native trees and seasonal wildlife.
Lastly, Rother Valley Country Park, on the eastern edge of Sheffield, offers wide open spaces and lakes. Route 67 follows an old railway line and leads from Renishaw Hall to Rother Valley Country Park. The Connswater Community Greenway and the Comber Greenway offer a scenic way to explore East Belfast and County Down.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, these traffic-free routes offer a unique and beautiful way to experience the UK's spring blossom displays. So, grab your bike and get ready for a memorable journey!
- For those who enjoy pairing their cycling adventures with the beauty of home-and-garden landscapes, Porter's Wood in Suffolk is a woodland haven, with a footpath perfect for a peaceful walk among native trees and spring blossoms.
- In addition to the picturesque cycling routes, the stunning gardens of Renishaw Hall in North Derbyshire, a historic estate, burst with blossom and bluebells during the spring season, offering a charming mix of lifestyle and gardening delights.
