Picking the right route for you
With so many different cycling abilities, route types and bike styles, it can sometimes be tricky to determine the right route for you. This section should help you understand what to look out for when selecting routes from the routes2ride website. We also encourage you to share experiences with others who have already ridden the route and left their comments and feedback.
What do the classifications mean on route descriptions?
To help you choose the right route for you, we have classifed the rides featured on this website into the following categories:
- Suitable for families - Traffic-free with no significant gradients
- Easy - Mostly traffic-free with no steep gradients
- Moderate - Traffic-free and on-road with a few gradients, can also be medium to long distance
- Challenging - Traffic-free and on-road, steep gradients and long distance
If you are still unsure whether a route is suitable for you and would like advice, please call Sustrans Information Team on tel: 0845 113 00 65 during office hours.
What does the surface information mean on route descriptions?
Surface information on the routes is provided to help you assess which type of bike to use. Whilst most routes are suitable for hybrid bikes, mountain bikes should be used on routes with significant gravel or other rough sections, where specified.
How have you worked out how long a route will take?
We have provided an indication of the time it will take you to ride each route based on the scales below. This information is to assist with your choice of routes but is intended as guidance only and needs to be considered in the context of rider experience.
- Minimum speed of 8 miles per hour
- Maximum speed of 15 miles per hour
