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9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

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Cycling UK's new 800-mile Great North Trail promotes access to the countryside

Posted on in Cycles News , Outdoor News

On the 1st September Cycling UK launched an 800-mile long distance trail that ranges from the Peak District to as far as the most northerly points in Scotland.

Cycling UK is a national cycling charity that aims to encourage and inspire people to cycle and keep cycling, whether it be for leisure, commuting, road or off-road. This is based on their belief that cycling makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone.

The new trail has been titled the "Great North Trail" and is largely made up of bridleways, byways, cycle routes, unpaved roads and very low traffic minor roads. Some of these include previous established trails such as the Pennine Bridleway, while some parts of the trail have introduced new networks of trails, forest roads and abandoned railway lines. The trail also offers great views through areas of natural beauty such as the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Kielder Forest, Corrieyairack Pass, Loch Ness and Cape Wrath.

Duncan Dollimore, Head of Campaigns at Cycling UK said that "We've created the Great North Trail because we recognised very little has been done to promote national off-road trails", he also specified that "there is an appetite for more cycling access to the countryside. Off-road trails can be ideal for families to ride safely, away from traffic and city pollution". As well as these benefits, the route is also part of Cycling UK's on-going work to open up more of the countryside to cyclists, which could have enormous health and economic benefits.

The 800-mile Great North Trail is also part of Cycling UK's ongoing mission to connect the National and Great Trails of England, Wales and Scotland.

View the Great North Trail online now at the Cycling UK website!

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