Looking to get stuck into some long-distance cycling this year? We’ve put together a list of the most iconic challenge °Ä²ÊÂÛ̳ ride routes in England for inspiration.
![Cyclist in blue jersey following group of other cyclists on gravel path through countryside](/media/4262/4262.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=730&height=410)
Cyclists on the Waskerley Way during a C2C (Sea to Sea) °Ä²ÊÂÛ̳ ride
Sea to Sea (C2C)
137 miles (221km)Ìýfrom Whitehaven or Workington to Sunderland, Wearside or Tynemouth
Great Western Way
167 miles (269km) from Bristol to London
![Group of touring cyclists on tarmac path through grassy valley](/media/4533/4533.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=730&height=410)
Cycling through the Yorkshire Wolds on the Way of the Roses
Way of the Roses
171 miles (275km) from Morecambe to Bridlington
The Varsity Way
123 miles (198km) from Oxford to Cambridge
A route between two of the UK's most prestigious (and oldest) universities. The Varsity Way cycle route links Oxford and Cambridge. Beginning at the River Thames and ending at the River Cam.
Historic churches, country pubs, little villages. It is a meandering ride through the English countryside. Grafham water and Stewartby Lake are also great spots for wildlife watching.
With many manageable climbs, this route is one of the more gentle challenge rides on our list.
![Group of touring cyclists on tarmac path on cliff with white chalk to the side](/media/4535/cyclists-on-route-2-dover-abs0728-sustrans.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=730&height=410)
On a °Ä²ÊÂÛ̳ ride on National Route 2 near Dover
South Coast West
139 miles (223km) from Dawlish to Brockenhurst
South Coast East
178 miles (286km) from Brockenhurst to Dover
![Deer crossing tarmac path in park while cyclist watches](/media/4539/4539.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=730&height=410)
A stag crosses the walking and cycling path in Richmond Park
Shakespeare Cycleway
167 miles (269km) from Stratford-upon-Avon to London
The route begins in the Bard's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Ending at London's reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. It connects two historical locations - and two of England's greatest rivers and theatres.
The ride travels through quintessential English countryside. Some of the best "this sceptred isle" has to offer. The hills of Warwickshire and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It also combines two long-distance cycle routes. The West Midlands Cycle Route (Derby to Oxford). And the Thames Valley Cycle Route (Oxford to London).