Published: 24th MAY 2024

Camping and cycling adventures on the National Cycle Network

These 12 great campsites are conveniently located near the National Cycle Network, perfect for a cycling and camping combo. Why not use them as a base for exploring, or somewhere to stop off and relax during your adventures?

Two women are stopped on their mountain bikes on a traffic-free path in a woodland. They are looking at a map and smiling. They are wearing helmets and cycling clothing.

Credit: Andy McCandlish/Sustrans

Best location for camping with a difference

The Strawberry Line is mainly traffic-free and passes marshes, cider apple orchards, steep wooded valleys, and has a tunnel through the Mendips to historic Axbridge.

To explore the spectacular Cheddar Gorge beyond, stay at Cheddar Petruth Paddocks in a bell tent, gypsy bow top, or even a submarine. There are plenty of options to choose from.

 

Best location for camping pods

The South Coast Promenades route provides a great traffic-free ride along the seafront to Saltdean or Worthing.

Perfect places to stop off and enjoy an ice-cream or a bag of chips with a sea view.

Stay at the Brighton Caravan Club Site in one of their fun camping pods for a warm and cosy night's sleep.

 

Best location for woodland adventures

The New Forest Ride is six miles each way and takes you on a lovely tour through the woods.

Travel from the pretty village of Brockenhurst to the Forestry Commission’s Holmsley Campsite.

It offers direct access to forest walks and cycling tracks, ideal for exploring local nature with the whole family.

Two adults on drop-handlebar road bikes cycle over a concrete bridge. In the background are lush, green trees and hills. The day is bright, with a blue sky, and warm. The couple are smiling and wearing helmets.

Credit: J Bewley/photojB

Best location for urban camping

London Docklands and Lea Valley is a 26-mile ride which starts at the Greenwich Maritime World Heritage site, travels past the Isle of Dogs, and goes onward to the Lea Valley Regional Park.

Here you’ll find the Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Site offering a peaceful pitch with great facilities.

 

Best location for riverside life

The Peregrine Path straddles the border between Wales and England, following the River Wye from the historic town of Monmouth in southeast Wales to Goodrich in Herefordshire.

Carry on to Symonds Yat West and you'll discover the Sterrett's Caravan and Camping Park, a tranquil and rural site to pitch a tent.

 

Best location for a summer sunset

The Hebridean Way is a remote and wild route through the awe-inspiring landscape of the Outer Hebrides.

After a day of windswept riding, the beachside Horgabost Campsite is a welcome rest spot for a night with wonderful views over the castaway island of Taransay.

Three females cycling, one on a road bike, two on mountain bikes. They are on a quite country lane in a pine tree forest. The day looks bright and mild.

Credit: Andy McCandlish/Sustrans

Best location for caravanning

York to Naburn is a stunning, largely traffic-free, 10-mile route on a former railway line.

It travels from the ancient walled city of York along the River Ouse, passing historic parks, sculptures and a model solar system.

And if canvas isn't your thing, the Caravan Club have the York Rowntree Park site right off the path on National Route 65.

 

Best location for camping in a National Park

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal - Newport is a 12-mile gem of a route that's traffic-free and provides a stunning green corridor away from the built-up areas alongside it.

Pencelli Castle Campsite is located along the edge of the path in the heart of the Brecon Beacons and is a perfect base to explore the area.

 

Best location for beach views

The long-distance Coast and Castles North route from Edinburgh to Aberdeen hugs the spectacular North Sea coastline for much of its 172 miles.

Halfway between Aberdeen and Dundee, the rural Miltonhaven Seaside Caravan Park and Campsite at St Cyrus provides the perfect overnight stop with fantastic sea views over the pebbled beach.

Adult male with two primary age children cycle on a traffic-free path. The straight path is tree lined and the day looks cool and dry. The group are wearing jackets and helmets.

Credit: Andy McCandlish/Sustrans

Best location for children's activities

The Dart Valley Cycleway, part of long-distance National Route 2, can be enjoyed as two distinct traffic-free rides, one to the north and one to the south of the market town of Totnes in Devon.

River Dart Country Park is around eleven miles from the most northly point of the Dart Valley Cycleway, and just one mile from National Route 272 which joins the two via quiet country lanes. 

As well as camping and caravanning, River Dart Country Park offers an adventure playground, bike trail, low ropes course, pirate ship, toddlers playground and much more.

 

Best location for camp fires

Lôn Las Cymru, National Route 8 and it's neighbour National Route 5, offer long stretches of traffic-free cycling along the scenic coast line of North Wales.

Cae Lal campsite is situated approximately two miles from National Route 8 and offers eco camping and boutique glamping.

The campsite rent fire bowls and sell wood so that campfires can be set on dedicated areas of the pitches. 

A communal campfire also gets lit on dedicated evenings at their social space Y Sied (The Shed).

 

Best location for adults only

Explore quaint villages, historic market towns, rolling hills and majestic levels on National Route 26 and National Route 3 in Somerset. 

Situated along National Route 3, just outside of Glastonbury, the tranquil site of Old Oaks offers five star touring, camping and glamping exclusively for grown-ups.

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