We’ve hit the peak of cold and dark weather, but it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ve chosen our top 5 places to go cycling this winter if you’re feeling daring!

Yorkshire Dales, Barden Moor/Hebden Gill

This trail is 23 miles long and has a café based in Bolton Abbey, a tea shop at Linton and Storiths café for a nice winter warmer, which is why this makes it to our list of best winter cycling routes. Yorkshire Dales offers ascents onto fells, a walkthrough area on limestone pavements, hidden gorges and riverside walks.

Suffolk, Thetford Forest

This scenic route offers pines, heathland and broadleaves. If you fancy a pit stop, you can explore the history and heritage of Mildenhall Warren and Lynford Arboretum. You can follow one of three waymarked routes into the forest, otherwise, you will be charged 50p by the Forestry Commission for one of their own trail maps.

Cairngorms, Glenmore Lodge

There’s a lot of sheltered riding that can be enjoyed – sheltered as in a lot of surface area is covered in forestry. Glenmore Lodge is a perfect place to ride on a winter’s morning, you can enjoy the coated peaks and Forest Visitor Centre at Glenmore isn’t too far which means you are never far away for hot food!

Peak District, Edale

This trail offers 14 miles of winter cycling shenanigans. There is a passage made from Roych Clough and Jacob’s ladder, which makes a fairly decent trail due to the well-surfaced areas. Edale has a couple of popular pubs, a café and a shop, so you’ll be sure to get some good grub. The trail is 22.60km in distance and can be ridden both ways – winner!

Sarn Helen Trail, Wales

This is the perfect spot for winter mountain biking. Sarn Helen is an epic trail to head out on; this route has a whopping 270 miles of ancient Roman roads which takes cyclists through Snowdonia all the way down to Gower Peninsula.

The area tends to be quiet during the winter months due to obvious reasons, so make the most of the peace and quiet you’ll have whilst riding the trails. There is a café nearby which gives you all the reason to visit for some winter sunshine.