Where will the little red sign take you next?
Download your FREE digital guide to the best traffic-free routes on the National Cycle Network near you.
The National Cycle Network is a network of signed paths and routes across the UK, brought to you by Sustrans.
But it's for more than just cycling.
It’s for your morning run or your afternoon dog walk.
It's a space to enjoy nature or a place where you can talk with friends.
It’s a peaceful commute to work or a safe place to wind down from school.
However you use it, the National Cycle Network is there for it all.
Want to find your new favourite way to explore the National Cycle Network?
Just look out for the little red sign.
Get your FREE traffic-free routes guide
Download our digital guide to the best traffic-free routes on the National Cycle Network near you.
There are different guides for Wales, Scotland and the regions across England.
Shaun, from Caerphilly
I live in Abertridwr, right next to the National Cycle Network through the valley.
We're so lucky here in Wales with all the walking routes and the cycling routes, the beautiful views.
I spent a lot of time on my own during Covid, to shield my daughter.
The only thing I could do was get out in nature and clear my mind, especially after working in a busy warehouse.
But then an old manager of mine, who was like a role model to me, ended his own life.
It made me realise that I want to help as many men as I can with their mental health.
I set up the Men.Talk.Walk Facebook group on a Wednesday, and by the Sunday, there were 10 of us out. Since then it’s kept growing, and we haven’t missed a week.
A lot of the men who join us come for their mental health, and we’ll talk about it. It’s just building this great network really.
Seeing so many people benefit from the group is fantastic, it makes me feel so proud.
The National Cycle Network is a lifeline for thousands of people every day.
And with over 12,000 miles of National Cycle Network spanning the whole of the UK, your favourite route is likely closer than you think.
Almost 8,000 towns, cities, villages and other settlements across Great Britain are connected by the National Cycle Network.
32% of primary schools are within one mile of an access point to the Network.
And 60% of secondary schools are within two miles of an access point.
Find a route on the National Cycle Network
And discover more reasons to love the little red sign.
Find a route on the National Cycle Network
Satwant, from Bradford
I'm a 75-year old retired young man.
I played squash at a high level, but after surgery on my knee, the consultant told me to try a less impactful exercise.
With my friends, I decided to start a cycling club in Bradford called Bolton Road Community Cycling Club.
The gurdwara, the Sikh temple, gave us a space to store our bikes.
There are lots of cycle routes around here - you can get from Shipley to town on a traffic-free route, from Huddersfield to Bradford.
Cycling has become a unifying force for everyone; it has brought comradeship and people talk socially as well after the ride is over.
It's helped people of different races and religions come together and cycle, and they help each other.
People use the Network in all sorts of ways, and for all sorts of reasons.
It supports your physical health and wellbeing
The Network provides a safe place for you to get outdoors, do some exercise, and breathe in the fresh air.
And all of this supports our mental health and wellbeing too.
It provides you with access to nature
The hedgerows, flowers and trees along the Network provide shelter, homes and food for a variety of wildlife.
It connects communities and brings people together
For many, the National Cycle Network is a way to get to the shops, to meet friends or to commute to work.
The paths connect communities to their heritage, foster a sense of belonging to local advocacy groups and provide leisure routes for exploring the countryside.
Debbie, from Gloucester
Having access to the National Cycle Network has improved my mobility. And it saves me having to get my car out.
With my trike, I can access nature spots that I wouldn’t have been able to before.
That brings me a lot of joy and a sense of empowerment.
Even though I’m living with a disability, I can be myself and enjoy exercise just like everyone else.