The United Kingdom is a country with a rich history and diverse landscapes that are perfect for motorcycle rider enthusiasts. From the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the rolling hills of the Lake District Cumbria, there are countless routes to explore. Here are 11 motorcycle riding circuits in the UK that you won’t want to miss.
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1) The North Coast 500 is a 500-mile route that takes riders around the northern coast of Scotland. The NC500 is a great way to experience the best of what Scottish Highlands has to offer and is a challenge that any motorcyclist will enjoy.
Plan your Scottish Ride in advance and allow plenty of time. NC500 is a long route & you’ll want to take your time to enjoy the scenery & plenty of opportunities to explore Scottish way of Life. The NC500 starts & finishes in Inverness & takes in some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, including the Black Isle, the Sutherland coast, the North Coast, & the Caithness coast. Riders can expect to encounter a variety of road conditions, from fast A-roads to narrow single-track lanes, as well as challenging terrain, such as hairpin bends, steep hills & high winds.
Here are some tips for riding the NC500 on a motorbike:
Plan your route in advance and allow plenty of time. One of the longest route, and you’ll want to take your time to enjoy this magical Ride.
Be prepared for all weather conditions. The weather in Scotland can change quickly, so better you are geared up for elements.
Take breaks regularly. The NC500 is a challenging ride, so it’s important to take breaks to rest and refuel.
Be aware of the wildlife. Scotland is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, sheep, and otters. Be sure to drive slowly and be on the lookout for animals on the road. Respect the local communities. The NC500 passes through some remote areas, so it’s important to be respectful of the local communities and their way of life.
With a little planning and preparation, you can have an amazing time riding the NC500 on a motorbike. Do read our Blog on North Coast 500 for detailed information.
2) The Lake District Circuit is a 190-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Lake District National Park. This route offers scenic country roads, picturesque villages, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The route starts in Keswick & heads south through the Lake District countryside. Be aware of the wildlife. The Lake District is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, sheep, and otters. Be sure to drive slowly and be on the lookout for animals on the road.
Here are some of the best places to stop on the Lake District Cumbria:
Keswick: Roam the cobbled streets, breathe in the crisp Lakeland air and explore the charming town, surrounded by towering fells and the serene Derwentwater, making every ride a picturesque journey through nature’s wonders.
Grasmere: Explore the stunning Grasmere Lake, visit the historic St. Oswald’s Church, and indulge in the local culinary delights. A picturesque village with a market square and a number of pubs & restaurants.
Ambleside: With its inviting streets, surrounded by majestic fells and the shimmering Windermere, riders can soak up the latest in scenic delights, seamlessly merging the thrill of two wheels with the timeless beauty of England’s most captivating countryside.
Lake Windermere: The largest lake in the Lake District, with boat trips and cruises available. Discover the allure of Lake Windermere, the crown jewel of the Lake District, as you rev your engines for an epic motorcycle tour through English Countryside. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking panorama, where the tranquil waters of Windermere reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a ride that seamlessly blends nature’s tranquility with the thrill of the open road.
The Lake District Circuit is a great place to explore on a motorbike. With its variety of roads and scenery, it is sure to provide a challenge and enjoyment for all riders.
3) The Cotswolds Circuit is a 200-mile route that takes bikers through the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds. This route offers scenic country roads, charming towns and villages, and plenty of opportunities to explore historic landmarks.
The Cotswolds is a beautiful area of rolling hills, picturesque villages & historic towns. It is also a great place for motorcyclists, with a variety of roads to explore. The Cotswold Circuit is a popular route for motorcyclists and takes in some of the best countryside roads in the area. The route starts in Cheltenham and heads south through the Cotswolds countryside.
Cheltenham: A historic spa town with a variety of shops, restaurants and attractions.
Cirencester: A market town with a Roman amphitheatre and a cathedral.
Stow-on-the-Wold: A picturesque village with a market square and a number of attractions.
Bourton-on-the-Water: A popular tourist destination with a village green, a duck pond and several shops and restaurants.
Riders can expect to encounter a variety of road conditions, from fast A-roads to narrow B-roads, as well as challenging terrain, such as hairpin bends and steep hills.
4) The Welsh Highland Way is a 120-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. This route offers challenging mountain roads, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and plenty of opportunities to explore Victorian towns & landmarks.
Here are some of the best places to stop on the Welsh Highland Way:
Porthmadog: A seaside town with a variety of shops, restaurants & attractions
Beddgelert: A picturesque village with a river running through it.
Snowdon: The highest mountain in Wales, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Llyn Ogwen: A lake surrounded by mountains, with a number of walking & biking trails.
The Welsh Highland Way is a great place to explore on a motorbike. With its variety of roads and scenery, it is sure to provide a challenge and enjoyment for all riders.
5) The Black Mountain Pass is a 20-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. This route offers challenging mountain roads, breathtaking views & plenty of opportunities to explore historic landmarks.
The best time to ride the Black Mountain Pass is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the roads are dry. In the summer, the pass can be crowded with tourists, and the weather can be relatively hot and humid. In the winter, the pass can be icy and snow-covered, and it is not recommended to ride during these conditions.
Here are some of the best places to stop on the Black Mountain Pass:
Abergavenny: A market town with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Llandovery: A town with a historic castle and several pubs and restaurants.
Brecon: A town with a cathedral and a number of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
The Black Mountain Pass is a great place to explore on a motorbike. With its variety of country roads and scenery, it is sure to provide a challenge and fun for all riders.
6) The Causeway Coast Circuit is a 120-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland. This route offers scenic coastal roads, picturesque fishing villages, and plenty of opportunities to explore historic landmarks, including the Giant’s Causeway. It takes in stunning scenery, including the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and Dunluce Castle.
Some of the highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route include:
The Giant’s Causeway: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a collection of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge: This iconic rope bridge spans a 66 ft high chasm and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.
Dunluce Castle: This ruined castle is perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea. It is said to be the inspiration for the Stormlands in Game of Thrones.
The Causeway Coastal Route is a great day trip from Belfast or Dublin. However, it is also possible to spend several days exploring the route and all that it has to offer. There are plenty of places to stay along the way, as well as restaurants and cafes where riders can refuel.
7) The Yorkshire Dales Circuit is a 250-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This route offers scenic country roads, charming towns and villages, and plenty of opportunities to explore historic landmarks.
Some of the highlights of the Yorkshire Dales Circuit include:
Malham Cove: Dramatic limestone gorge is one of the most popular attractions in the Yorkshire Dales.
Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside & Ingleborough are the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales. A popular challenge is to climb all three peaks in a day.
Hardraw Force: This waterfall is one of the highest in England.
The Ribblehead Viaduct: This iconic viaduct is a must-see for any visitor to the Yorkshire Dales.
The Yorkshire Dales Route is a great day trip from Leeds or Manchester. However, it is also possible to spend several days exploring the route and all that it has to offer. There are plenty of places to stay along the way, as well as restaurants and cafes where riders can refuel.
8) The Isle of Man TT Circuit is a 37.7-mile route that takes you around the Isle of Man.
This route offers challenging roads, breathtaking views, and plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s unique culture and history.
The TT circuit is a challenging and dangerous course with a number of steep hills, blind corners, and narrow roads. The course has claimed the lives of over 250 competitors and spectators since it was first used in 1907.
Despite the dangers, the TT circuit is a popular destination for motorcyclists from all over the world. The races are a major tourist attraction for the Isle of Man, and the island’s economy relies heavily on the event. The TT races are held every year in June and July. The races are divided into two classes: solo and sidecar. The solo races are for motorcycles with a single rider, while the sidecar races are for motorcycles with a driver and a passenger.
The TT races are a test of both skill and endurance. The competing Bikers must complete six laps of the circuit, which is over 220 miles (354 km). The races are won by the rider who completes the course in the fastest time. The Isle of Man TT races are a dangerous but exciting event. The competitors are some of the best riders in the world, and they push themselves to the limit to win. The races are a must-see for any motorcycle enthusiast.
9) The Scottish Highlands Circuit is a 700-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. This route offers challenging mountain roads, breathtaking views, and plenty of opportunities to explore Scottish forts and Castle landmarks.
The circuit starts in Inverness and heads west through the Highlands. It passes through the villages of Fort William, Glencoe, and Torridon, before turning south towards Loch Ness. From Loch Ness, the circuit heads back to Inverness via the Cairngorms.
The Scottish Highlands Circuit is a challenging ride, with a number of steep hills and twisty roads. However, it is also a very scenic ride, with stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.
10) The Peak District Circuit is a 170-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Peak District National Park. This route offers scenic country roads, charming towns and villages, and plenty of opportunities to explore historic landmarks.
The circuit starts in Matlock Bath and heads south through the rolling hills of the Peak District. It passes through the villages of Bakewell, Glossop & Buxton, before turning north towards Chesterfield. From Chesterfield, the circuit heads back to Matlock Bath via the Snake Pass.
The Peak District Circuit is a challenging ride, with a number of steep hills and twisty roads. However, it is also a very scenic ride, with stunning views of the Peak District countryside.
11) The South Downs Circuit is a 100-mile hidden route that promises motorcyclists an exhilarating and picturesque journey through stunning landscapes and winding roads. Situated within the captivating South Downs National Park, this circuit offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and thrilling riding experiences.
The circuit starts in Winchester & heads south through the rolling hills of the South Downs. It passes through the villages of Petersfield, Midhurst, and Petworth, before turning north towards Eastbourne. From Eastbourne, the circuit heads back to Winchester via the coast.
The South Downs Circuit is a challenging ride, with several steep hills and twisty roads. However, it is also a very scenic ride, with stunning views of the South Downs countryside. The circuit is popular with all types of motorcyclists, from beginners to experienced riders. It is also a popular destination for track days and motorcycle rallies.
As you traverse the moto circuit, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of rolling hills, lush meadows, and charming villages nestled amidst the picturesque landscape. Each twist and turn reveals a new vista, creating a truly immersive experience where riders can marvel at the beauty of nature while enjoying the thrill of the ride.
Spanning across the circuit, the South Downs National Park is a haven for nature lovers & outdoor enthusiasts. From lush woodlands to sweeping chalk cliffs, this protected area offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. Take a moment to pause and appreciate the tranquillity of the surroundings & perhaps even spot some of the unique wildlife in this park.
In conclusion, Motorbike riding communities of UK are offered a diverse range of motorcycle riding circuits that are perfect for riders of all levels. From challenging mountain roads to scenic coastal routes, there is no shortage of stunning landscapes and exhilarating rides to be found. So, gear up, pack your riding bags, and hit the road for an unforgettable motorcycle adventure in the UK.