The Best Motorcycle Routes in the UK

Nothing beats the exhilarating feeling of the wind brushing past you while riding your motorcycle through quiet and twisty country roads but, as an avid motorbike enthusiast, you may wonder where the best motorcycle routes are in the UK to take your beloved two-wheeled companion with you. So we’ve put our heads together and compiled a list of some of the best scenic routes to ride in the UK.

Best Motorcycle Routes in Wales:

Anglesey is an island off the Northwest coast of Wales, adorned with lots of natural beauty. Accessible through the Welsh town of Bangor, following the A5, just cross the Menai suspension bridge and you’re on the island. 

If you plan to ride the main roads, along the coast, the ride will consist of 75 miles with stop-worthy sandy beaches sporadically located along the way. Furthermore, there are some tranquil country roads and a historical town, called Beaumaris that is simply picturesque. If you like to go a little faster, there is also the Anglesey circuit at TY Croes – book ahead for track days! 

Finally, be sure to spot the puffins, dolphins and seals that view the coast of Anglesey as their home. 

Brecon Beacons

Accessible from the UK main land via the M4, cross the Prince of Wales Bridge and continue along the M4 to Newport, before heading North on the A4042. Ahead lies the Brecon Beacons.

From stretches of road in the tundra to the twists and turns of the surrounding steep mountains, the Brecon Beacons has it all for route fans. The A470 cuts deep into the heart of the Brecon Beacons and its breathtaking mountain ranges of Pen y Fan and Fan Fawr. There is much to see whether you’re heading south through the Moorland, or north with stunning views of a seemingly endless landscape of rolling hills and lakes, including the River Usk. 

The Brecon Beacons is also home to a small market town, called Brecon, right on the Northern edge of the National Park. A picturesque market town with a bustling market on Tuesday’s and Friday’s. 

Snowdon Loop

In the East of Wales, you’ll find the Snowdon National Park. Easily boasting some of the best views in Wales along with the highest mountain you’ll find in the Welsh territory, Snowdon National Park is a superb contender as one of the best motorcycle routes in Wales. 

If you take the A4085, you’ll be ascending into the foothills and passing the pretty shores of Llyn Cwellyn. If you are looking for a good place to stay in Snowdon, the rustic village of Beddgelert is a top contender. 

During your ride through Snowdon National Park, look out for the vintage steam trains and classically crafted carriages of the Welsh Highland Railway. While you’re there, we would recommend extending your trip to a scenic ride around the Isle of Anglesey.

Best Motorcycle Routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500

Scotland has undoubtedly some of the best riding roads in the UK. The most famous, you guessed it, the North Coast 500, which is certainly one of the best motorcycle routes in Scotland and even one of the best motorcycle routes in the UK. Five hundred and sixteen miles of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains and plenty of small villages to stop and take a break on route. The route starts and ends at Inverness castle, although essentially you can start and finish where you like. 

That said, this is definitely one of those motorcycle trips that you want to plan ahead, our advice would be to book early, as hotels fill up quickly and making sure you have accommodation along the route, night after night, requires a little bit of forward planning. If you’re planning a summer adventure, see our Top Tips For Summer Riding article, for advice on how to stay safe and get the most enjoyment out of your ride. 

It’s recommended that you take at least 5 days to complete the route, but if you can spare 7, make a week of it – you won’t regret it!

A890, A896 and Bealach na Ba towards Applecross

If you don’t have 7 days spare, consider riding a tiny part of the North coast 500. Riding 35 miles on the A890, A896 and Bealach na Ba towards Applecross may appear to be short but, but there are plenty of scenic wonders that will break up the journey. 

The A890 starts as a smooth and wide road that quickly narrows as it climbs, rising and going down twisting around the contorts of the impressive hills as the clouds blanket over the peaks. You’ll want to check out the view of Loch Carron and disconnect from the world at the Applecross Inn, featuring great food, great hospitality and like-minded adventurers exploring the vast wilderness by foot or on the bike. Now you get to ride back.

Invergarry to Uig

If you’re looking for a balance of adventure, awe, and a decent 100-mile stretch of road in the Highlands, check out the A87 for a ride you won’t forget. 

As you come out of Invergarry, the road gradually climbs uphill twisting through purple heather coating the hillside. If you are feeling you'd like a challenge, the A87 does descend into a flurry of bends to test yourself as a motorcyclist. Our advice would be to take it steady and allow a day to complete this one, with all the views on offer.
 

Motorcycle Routes in the UK – South West:

So perhaps you’re thinking, what about motorcycle routes near me?  Well, if you’re in the South West, you’re in luck.

Cheddar Gorge:

One of our top pics locally would be the Cheddar Gorge, the route offers stunning scenery that immerses your journey as you ride between cliffs overlooking you on both sides. The ride is just 14 miles through the gorge, but filled with many fun bends and beautiful Somerset scenery. Cheddar George is a must-see and well worth the short journey if you’re living in the South West. 

Dartmoor:

Dartmoor National Park consists of 370 square miles, the wildest area of open country in the South of England. Home to 160 tors, Dartmoor also boasts some great motorcycling roads. 

Starting from Bovey Tracey, the B3387 will take you directly to Haytor, a famous landmark 457m above sea level, past the Ullacombe Farm shop if you’re feeling peckish, which is also home to a herd of Alpaca’s. 

Continue over the cattle grates and you’ll be on the moor, watch out for wild horses and sheep as the road opens out, Haytor can be seen on your right hand side. Continuing along the B3387 towards Widecombe in the Moor, head towards Ponsworthy where you can make the decision to shorten your ride, heading towards Ashburton, on to the A38, or extend your ride and head towards Tavistock along the B3357.

The B3357 to Tavistock takes you past the renowned Two Bridges Hotel, a great place to stop for a drink or enjoy a delicious carvery, before jumping back on the bike and heading towards Tavistock, where you can join the A386 towards Plymouth. The A38 then takes you back towards Exeter. 

A relaxed and enjoyable scenic ride, perfect for a dry Sunday in the summer months.

If any of the aforementioned don’t take your fancy, feel free to call in and meet the team, who will more than happy to advise.

We often have events and organised charity rides planned throughout the summer months so keep an eye on the Bridge Facebook and Instagram for events happening throughout the year. If you’re passing, the Bridge Café-53 is a great place to socialise and meet likeminded people in the area, feel free to stop by for a coffee. 

Ride safe!