Cycling UK launched a new long-distance route through the Chiltern Hills, opening up one of England’s most picturesque regions to riders in search of adventure. The Royal Chilterns Way is a 175-mile (280 km) circular trail that begins and ends in Reading, just 30 minutes from London by train via the Elizabeth Line or Great Western Railway from Paddington, making it easily accessible for those travelling by public transport.
The new route takes cyclists through a mix of terrain with more than 65 per cent of the journey off-road along bridleways, forest tracks and byways. It also includes around 3,383 metres of climbing, making it a tough but satisfying challenge, with the scenic reward as a beautiful bonus. Rolling through countryside, woodland tracks, and historic sites, the trail was designed to appeal to those seeking a multi-day “bikepacking” adventure that blends long-distance cycling with the spirit of backpacking. For anyone looking to take it at a slower pace, Cycling UK divided the trail into three shorter circuits, allowing cyclists to complete it in sections rather than tackling the full distance at once.
Hannah Foster, Head of Membership at Cycling UK, emphasised the broader impact: “Long-distance cycle routes are one of the best ways to explore Britain. They connect cities, towns and villages and bring real benefits to local communities by supporting regional economies. They also offer a healthier, greener way to discover the incredible corners of our countryside that are impossible to access by car.”
One of the highlights of the route is the way it blends natural beauty with cultural and historical landmarks. Along the way, cyclists will pass Reading Royal Abbey, Chenies Manor House, the remains of Berkhamsted Castle dating back to the 11th century, as well as picturesque market towns and villages including Henley-on-Thames, Amersham, and Wendover. Each site offers an opportunity to pause and enjoy the landscapes and local atmosphere. Beyond sweeping hills, riders can expect to encounter some local wildlife like lizards, deer, red kites, and even wallabies that escaped from nearby zoos and private collections and now live free.
“This lesser-known part of the South-East has so much to offer and in working closely with Cycling UK we carefully crafted a route that would give people the chance to escape and connect with nature,” shared Max Darkins, Cycling UK’s ride guide and route planner.
“Out on the trail you get to experience everything that the Chilterns has to offer, ranging from verdant landscapes to historic market towns, medieval earthworks and majestic rivers. And to top it off, the area is just bursting with farm shops, cafés, vineyards, breweries and country pubs,” notes Darkins, adding to its appeal as both a physical adventure and a cultural experience.
Routes are available for free download from the Cycling UK website as GPX files, compatible with both cycling computers and smartphones. Each provides key safety guidance, helping riders cycle responsibly and respect the countryside.
For each route, Cycling UK has produced weather-resistant guidebooks that can be used out on the trail. Guides cover detailed navigation, Ordnance Survey mapping, and insights into local landmarks. Proceeds support the development of future routes.
The launch of a new route reflects Cycling UK’s broader goal of encouraging people to embrace the health benefits of cycling. As a low-impact aerobic exercise, it strengthens the heart, lungs, and muscles while improving overall fitness. It also boosts mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and supporting better sleep. “We all know how much cycling can improve our physical and mental health, and with every new route launched, we introduce that to more and more people,” adds Darkins, underscoring the project’s positive impact.
Beyond health perks, the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) reports that cycling tourism now generates more than €44 billion each year, supporting thousands of small businesses, from rural guesthouses to bike rental shops. Taking into account the savings from better health and lower fuel use, the ECF estimates that cycling contributes around €150 billion in overall benefits to Europe.
