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Loop Routes

The establishing of 60 Loop Routes on The National Byway® has been an integral part of the project since its inception. While many leisure cyclists enjoy riding from point A to B, the circular loops cater for those who wish to start and finish at the same location.

Loops are especially signposted in one direction — usually anti-clockwise, which makes for safer riding. When a Loop shares the main National 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 local 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 each is 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, hotels and whenever possible, railway stations to permit arrival by public transport.

Loops to try:

SOUTH-WEST SCOTLAND:

  • DUMFRIES – 21 miles (43km)
  • AYR – 28 miles (45km)
  • GIRVAN – 34 miles (54km)

NORTH-EAST ENGLAND:

  • HEXHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND – 23 miles (37km)

YORKSHIRE:

  • HOLDERNESS – 46 miles (74km)
  • BRIDLINGTON – 27 miles (43km)
  • DRIFFIELD – 42 miles (68km)
  • MALTON – 30 miles (48km)
  • EASINGWOLD – 25 miles (40km)
  • RIPON – 16 miles (26km)
  • BEDALE – 26 miles (42km)

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)

WEST MIDLANDS:

  • MALPAS, CHESHIRE – 32 miles (51km) Web Link icon
  • 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)

SOUTH-WEST ENGLAND:

  • TISBURY, WILTSHIRE – 16 miles (25km)
  • WINCHESTER (EAST) – 17 miles (27km)

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