Guide to Cycling and Touring in the Chilterns

Printer-friendly version

Cycling in the Chilterns

Chiltern Heritage Trail

The scenic Chiltern Heritage Cycle Trail links the historic towns and parishes of the Chiltern District and includes some of the area's most popular tourist attractions and places of historic interest.

The Trail is divided into three loops, each covering approximately 25 miles. The loops are quite distinct in terms of scenery and character, and each is named after a famous historical figure linked to the District.

Cycle trail maps, provided by the Chilterns District Council, are available online:

1.   Chiltern Heritage Trail - Harding Route (Yellow Route) [273kb]

2.   Chiltern Heritage Trail - Milton Route (Green Route) [289kb]

3.   Chiltern Heritage Trail Hampden Route (Red Route) [332kb]

Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a novice, the routes have been carefully designed with the whole family in mind. Two of them include family-friendly sections and designated cycle paths have been highlighted. Each loop is clearly illustrated and described in a full colour leaflet (downloadable above).

Chiltern Cycleway

The Chilterns Cycleway is a 170 mile circular cycle route through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, taking in the best of Chilterns' scenery. The route is mainly on-road and is signposted throughout.

Browse the Interactive map, which includes information about local accommodation and food outlets.

Sky Ride

Sky Ride is a national campaign from Sky and British Cycling created to inspire and help everyone whatever their age or ability to get on their bikes and have fun.

Its ambition is to get 1 million more people cycling regularly by 2013 and has created a whole range of ways for people to get involved. From big traffic-free events, to local rides, from routes and trails to courses and training, there's something for everyone.

Visit Go Sky Ride  for more information

Cycle Buckinghamshire

Bucks County Council has produced a dedicated website giving information on cycle routes around the County, cycling tips and cycle maintenance information.   Visit: Cycle Buckinghamshire  for more information.

Sportives

Many sportives and cycle events are put on in the Chilterns area, mainly because of its outstanding scenery. Keep an eye on CTC's events section to see what's coming up. Sportives range from around £20 - £50 depending on the scale of the event or charitable donation - they usually provide way-marked routes, feed-stations and mechanical support.

If you fancy exploring in your own time, some sportive organisers will provide you with maps of their routes free of charge. For example, Cycle Fit details a 100km route and a 150km route on their website and also allows you to download the GPX files.

Tourism

The Chilterns is home to a number of stately homes, beautiful market towns, stunning countryside and of course, attrachtions such as Whipsnade Zoo. To find out more about these attractions, or how to get about them on bike, visit the new Visit the Chilterns website.