Modern Milton Keynes has cycleways galore – and great access to the Chiltern Hills.
A young and modern city, thriving MK has one of the best cycling networks in the UK, known as the Redways, which criss-cross the urban landscape and link grid roads, greenspaces and dozens of quiet neighbourhoods with signposted routes and continuous upgrades. (Some – designated as Super Redways – are perfect for longer journeys.)
For sightseeing, try the 12-mile Millennium Route, which passes by the city’s greatest cultural and heritage sites and its famous public art installations. Two National Cycle Routes run through MK and head out into the best of Buckinghamshire – follow the 51 all the way to Oxford for Cotswolds scenery or the 6 to the Brampton Valley Way, one of the longest railway paths in the country.
Want climbs? Point your headset towards the Chiltern Hills. Head southeast to the Woburn Bike Trails for loads of dirt jumps, lightning-quick and technical singletrack and family-friendly bridleways. A bit further on, Rushmere and Chicksands have both downhill-style and XC trails.
There some beautiful white gravel trails near the city. A classic route connects Cowper’s Alcove, Great Linford Manor Park and Bradwell Windmill. For a supported road ride in the glorious Chilterns, sign up for the Samaritans Cycle Sportive – or go off road in the Chilterns Ridge Trail Ride.