Cycling Waterloo Bridge, Central London

 

Waterloo Bridge now has a wide and protected cycle lane, giving riders a chance to admire the views across the river, rather than worrying about cars, lorries and buses.

Cycling Southbound Across Waterloo Bridge, Central London

Riding south across Waterloo Bridge, you get fine views of London's business district, the City, and the skyscrapers rising on the opposite bank of the Thames.

Cycling in Richmond Park, South West London

On a sunny Sunday morning, hundreds of lycra-clad road cyclists are doing laps of Richmond Park.

Lime Biking Ludgate Circus, Central London

For many younger Londoners, Lime bikes have become a key mode of transport, further fuelling the city's cycling boom. The cycle lanes around Ludgate Circus must be some of the most congested in the capital. 

The Climb to the Stelvio Pass, Lombardy, Italy

 

There are 42 hairpin bends on the road from Bormio up to the Stelvio Pass, which, at more than 2,700 metres, is the second highest road in the Alps.

Riding the Mortirolo Pass, Lombardy, Italy

One of the toughest climbs in Lombardy (no matter which way you go up), the relentless ride up to the Mortirolo Pass is worth it for the serene scenery on the plateau at the top (and then the super smooth tarmac on the hairpins down to Grosio).

Cycling through Hyde Park, Central London

 

Hyde Park's north-south cycle lane, which runs up to Marble Arch, is a good route to cut through the heart of London. But watch out for meandering pedestrians and flying e-bikes - it can be something of a race track in rush hour.

The Cinnamon Cafe, Windsor, Berkshire

 

Justifiably popular with London cyclists doing the so-called Cinnamon Bun Run, the Cinnamon Cafe is one of several coffee shops sheltered inside the old ticket hall of Windsor's former station. Generously large, the pastries and cakes are just want you need to fuel the ride back to the Big Smoke. There are also loads of tables and bike racks.

Cycling through Cudham, South of London

Although it is not far from London's suburban sprawl, Cudham feels like it belongs much deeper in the Kent countryside. As you cycle along Cudham Lane South, you'll pass converted oast houses, built from local flint, and the whitewashed Blacksmith's Arms, which dates from the 17th century.

Buckingham Palace, Central London

 

 

Cars have largely been excluded from the roads in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace, but cyclists can still weave their way past the plentiful traffic furniture and tourist throngs.

The Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, From the Air

Hugging the north east coast of Mallorca, the Serra de Tramuntana is popular with cyclists tackling famous routes, such as Sa Calobra, Cap de Formentor and Puig Major. On a clear day, you might be treated to fine views of this spectacular scenery as you come into land on the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands.

Cycling Beddlestead Lane in the Snow, near Tatsfield, Surrey

 

A fairly gentle climb, with few cars, Beddlestead Lane is about 3km long and takes you up to one of the highest points on the North Downs.

The Cycle Lanes, Southwark Bridge, Central London

 

Restored in 2009, green and gold Southwark Bridge is an arch bridge linking Southwark and the City across the River Thames. It was originally designed by Ernest George and Basil Mott and opened in 1921. Segregated from the traffic, Cycle Superhighway 7 runs across the bridge.

Cycling South over Westminster Bridge, Central London

Riding south across Westminster Bridge offers a great view of the London Eye and the grandeur of the former County Hall (once home of the Greater London Council). But avoid running over the tourists spilling into the cycle lane as they take pics of the Houses of Parliament

Cycling in Richmond Park, South West London

 

Partially closed to traffic, Richmond Park's road circuit attracts scores of cyclists on weekend mornings, even when temperatures are close to freezing.

Cycling Around Kobarid, Slovenia

 

It's pretty straightforward to hire mountain bikes in Kobarid. One of the best places to get a well-maintained machine is Positive Sport on the North West side of town. The staff can show you some potential routes, taking in a mixture of trails and minor roads, around the Natisone Valley. As it's pretty hilly in these parts, the going can get tough, if you don't opt for an electric bike. Either way the scenery is pretty special and you can dip into the local rivers to cool off.

Cycling around Stara Fužina, near Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

 

At the eastern end of Lake Bohinj you can hire bikes and follow some of the scenic lanes and trails east of the village of Stara Fužina. This is the kind of peaceful landscape where you can cruise  through rolling green hills without a care in the world, at least until you encounter a steep descent on a gravel path.

The Nower, Kent

 

A quiet lane in the North Downs, The Nower's lower section has far-reaching views south. If you are on a bike, it's a good place to catch your breath before you descend Brasted Hill at high speed or after you've dragged yourself up this demanding climb.

Cycling around Richmond Park, South West London

 

Thanks to the partial closure of the ring road to cars, cycling in Richmond Park early on a summer evening is a joy.

Blackmere Road, Staffordshire Moorlands

 

East of Stoke-on-Trent, the Staffordshire Moorlands are criss-crossed by serene roads perfect for road cycling