Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to do something with the people we love the most, and what better adventure than a couple’s bike ride? You get to enjoy the spectacular scenery of our beautiful country and get some fresh air while you’re doing it.
Whatever journey you’re planning, we’ve got everything you need to prepare for your trip – plus lots of ideas for the perfect route.
Get kitted out
Time for a new set of wheels? Whether you’re into mountain biking or road cycling, you’ll find plenty of bike options at Halfords.
We’ve also got all the bike accessories you need, plus a great range of cycling clothing for all weathers and conditions (you could even pick matching outfits)!
Before hitting the open road, make sure you do a full bike check and service to ensure it’s in tip-top condition. You can get all your bike maintenance bits and service spares from us. If you’re not so handy with a spanner, choose from one of our service packages and your bike will be road-worthy in no time.
Whether you like training together or touring together, here are five easy rides that you can enjoy. These routes are suitable for road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids, so there’s something for everyone!
Two-Tunnels Trail
The iconic Bath Two Tunnels route will see you take on a 13-mile tour around stunning Somerset. Starting from the centre of historic Bath, this route takes you through the quarter-mile-long disused Devonshire railway tunnel before entering Combe Down, the UK’s longest cycling tunnel.
Head past Dundas Aqueduct, a glorious piece of 18th-century architecture spanning the River, before reaching the end. If you’re thirsty after all that (and who wouldn’t be?), stop at the Wheelwrights Arms in Monkton Combe for a delicious pub lunch.
Wandle Trail
Finding green space in London can be tough, but the Wandle Trail is a traffic-free, 12-mile route (shown as a loop below) that gives you a breath of fresh air.
Starting at the River Wandle in Wandsworth the course takes you to East Croydon Station, via three London boroughs. You’ll be able to enjoy the heritage and history of this typical chalk stream in the industrialised landscape of South London and pass through Wandle Park and Carshalton Ponds en route.
Millennium Coastal Path
The Millennium Coastal Path is a tranquil green corridor that offers incredible views of the stunning Gower Peninsula. This seven-mile, family-friendly ride begins at the Discovery Centre in Llanelli and finishes at Pembrey Country Park.
Along the way, you’ll be able to see the Duport Steelworks, Ashpit Ponds Nature Reserve and the new marina at Burry Port before reaching the Pembrey Forest. It’s a spot of exceptional natural beauty, with rare botanical wildlife including 35 species of butterfly, migrant songbirds and birds of prey providing the soundtrack to your ride. End the journey with a glorious and well-earned portion of fish and chips by the sea.
York To Naburn
Starting at the ancient city walls of York, this stunning 10-mile route travels south along the River Ouse and passes historic parks, sculptures and bridges to Naburn.
Keep your eyes peeled for local landmarks, including the spectacular Millennium Bridge (with its Ice Cream boat), Knavesmire Wood and Bishopthorpe Village.
The first five miles from the Solar System Greenway, the famous scale model of the Solar System! If you need liquid refreshment or a slab of home-cooked cake, then follow the Greenway to old Naburn Station where there’s a great café.
Aviemore To Boat of Garten
The natural beauty of Scotland can truly be enjoyed on two wheels. This penultimate section of the Speyside Way, Aviemore to Boat of Garten, provides variety and mountain views.
This six-mile-long stretch will see you travel north from Aviemore railway station to the village of Boat of Garten through heather-covered moorland with views to the northern Cairngorms – you can even loop back on yourself to finish back at your start point.
Take your time to enjoy the incredible wildlife spotting opportunities and keep an ear out for passing steam trains on the historic Strathspey Railway. When you arrive in Boat of Garten, also known as the ‘Osprey Village’, cycle to the north side to visit the RSPB reserve at Milton Loch. Finish the trail at the end of the Strathspey Steam Railway where you can enjoy a well-earned cup of tea or coffee.
