About the National Cycle Network

Find a route near you
National Cycle Network route 3 sign

A UK-wide network of signed walking and cycling paths connecting our cities, towns, and countryside.

The National Cycle Network brings huge benefits to the UK's economy and improves people's health and wellbeing. In 2022-2023 an estimated:

4.2 million

people made 588 million trips on the Network

103 million

car trips were saved by walking, wheeling or cycling on the Network

34,000 tonnes

of CO2 saved by walking, wheeling and cycling on the Network

£317 million

was saved by the NHS through the Network's impact on people's health

  • Two volunteers smiling on the NCN with brushes

    Sustrans and the National Cycle Network

    Our role as custodian of the National Cycle Network, and how to access our National Cycle Network data.
    Our role as custodian of the National Cycle Network

  • National Cycle Network design principles

    Read the design principals that set out the key elements that make the Network distinctive.
    National Cycle Network design principles
  • Person walking dog and two people riding bikes on shared path

    Our plans to improve the National Cycle Network

    We have an ambition to improve the whole of the Network over the next few years to benefit everyone.

    Our plans to improve the National Cycle Network
  • Three volunteers litter picking on the National Cycle Network

    Volunteer

    Our volunteers across the UK support their local communities and wildlife, and help to look after the National Cycle Network. We'd love for you to join us.
    Volunteer
  • Close up of Ox-eye Daisy on traffic-free path on a sunny day

    Making space for nature on the National Cycle Network

    In the face of a national climate and ecological emergency, traffic-free paths of the National Cycle Network have the power to improve biodiversity and protect wildlife.
    How we're making space for nature on the National Cycle Network

  • Using the National Cycle Network

    Looking to get out and about on the National Cycle Network? Check out our tips and advice to get the most out of your local route.
    How to use the National Cycle Network
  • Three children on bikes on a traffic-free path of the National Cycle Network. Their grown up cycles behind. The path is surrounded by trees in full leaf. It is a warm, bright, sunny day.

    Traffic-free family rides

    Traffic-free paths away from roads are ideal places to take the family for a walk or cycle.

    Traffic-free family rides
  • People walking and cycling along a traffic-free shared-use path

    Advice on using shared-use paths

    Traffic-free shared use paths help many people make their everyday journeys safely and they are also important for leisure. Advice from Sustrans on how to ensure the safety of others you are sharing the space with.
    Advice on using shared-use paths