The Best UK Cycling Routes to Explore from Your Campervan

There’s nothing quite like the first pedal stroke of the day, setting off from your campervan straight into the countryside. No packing up, no worrying about car parks - just you, your bike, and the trail ahead. Cycling turns a road trip into something far more immersive. It’s one thing to admire a landscape from behind a windscreen, but rolling through it on two wheels? You feel it differently. The scent of the pines, the chill of the morning air, the crunch of gravel under your tyres. And if you’re using a folding e-bike like the E-Go Bike, you’re all set - easy to store, quick to unfold, and a lifesaver on long climbs.

Here are six of the best UK cycling routes that you can ride straight from your van.

Bedgebury Forest, Kent

A place built for getting lost in the best way.

Bedgebury Forest is 2,000 acres of woodland and winding trails, making it one of the best spots in the South East for cycling. It’s a place where every turn leads to something new - a sun-dappled stretch through tall pines, a hidden clearing, or a long sweeping descent that tempts you to go full speed.

The 9 km family trail is ideal for a slow, scenic ride, but if you fancy a bit more adrenaline, the 13 km mountain bike route is packed with sharp turns, fast sections, and the odd tree root waiting to catch you out.

Where to stay?

T and J Motel and Campsite is just a mile from the trails, so you can ride straight from your pitch. Bedgebury Camping is a good option if you prefer something quieter.

Tip: If you’re on the singletrack, stay light on your brakes - some of the corners come up quicker than you expect.

Bewl Water, East Sussex

There’s something about cycling beside water that feels different - more relaxing, maybe even meditative. The 12.5-mile loop around Bewl Water takes you through woodland, across meadows, and right along the reservoir’s edge. Some stretches feel completely remote, while others open up to wide, panoramic views of the water. It’s a gentle route, ideal for just cruising and taking in the scenery.

Where to stay?

Bewl Water Campsite puts you right next to the water, while Bluecaps Farm Glamping offers a more comfortable escape.

Tip: After a long ride, nothing beats a snack by the water - pack something good and make a stop along the way.

Camel Trail, Cornwall

Some rides are about pushing yourself. Others are about enjoying the journey.

The Camel Trail falls into the latter category. This 18-mile traffic-free route follows an old railway line from Padstow to Bodmin, passing through woodland, estuaries, and rolling farmland. It’s an easy, meandering ride - the kind where you can stop off for a coffee, stretch your legs by the river, then roll on at your own pace.

Where to stay?

Padstow Touring Park is a solid choice with great facilities, while Dennis Cove Campsite is quieter and more tucked away.

Tip: If 18 miles sounds like a stretch, just do the Padstow to Wadebridge section - it’s the most scenic bit, and only 5 miles.

Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Scotland

Big skies, still water, and the mountains looming in the background - Loch Leven is Scotland at its finest. The 13-mile circular trail wraps around the loch, offering stunning views the entire way. It’s an easy ride, smooth underfoot, with plenty of places to stop and soak it all in. There’s also history here - Loch Leven Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was once imprisoned, sits on an island just offshore.

Where to stay?

Loch Leven Lodges has loch-side pitches, while Gallowhill Caravan Park offers a quieter retreat a little further out.

Tip: Visit in autumn - the colours are unreal, and the midges are finally gone.

New Forest Cycle Routes, Hampshire

The New Forest feels like another world - wild ponies grazing beside the trails, ancient trees lining the paths, and quiet villages where time seems to move more slowly.

With over 100 miles of cycle trails, it’s a paradise for slow, scenic rides. The 27-mile Brockenhurst loop is a great introduction, winding through heathland, woodland, and sleepy villages with thatched cottages and traditional pubs.

Where to stay?

Long Meadow Campsite is great if you want direct trail access, while Hollands Wood Campsite lets you camp in the middle of the forest.

Tip: Some trails can be rough on skinny tyres - a hybrid or mountain bike is best.

Tissington Trail, Peak District

If you love big open landscapes and easy-going rides, the Tissington Trail is a must.

Running 13 miles along a former railway line, it’s smooth, quiet, and traffic-free, making it one of the most relaxing routes in the Peak District. The scenery is classic - rolling hills, stone-built villages, and the kind of wide, open views that make you want to stop and just take it all in.

Where to stay?

Callow Top Holiday Park is right on the trail, while Ashbourne Heights is a bit more tucked away, with stunning valley views.

Tip: If you’re on an e-bike, extend the adventure by linking up with the High Peak Trail for another 17 miles.

Rolling into Your Next Adventure

A campervan trip without a bike is fine. But add one, and suddenly everything feels bigger - the landscapes, the possibilities, the freedom to stop and explore whenever you want.

Maybe it’s an early morning ride through the misty New Forest, a slow pedal beside a still Scottish loch, or a relaxed afternoon coasting along a Cornish estuary. Whatever it is, the best parts of a campervan trip aren’t always on the roads - they’re waiting just beyond them.

All campsites featured in this article are listed on our interactive map here.