Rent
The locals call them Boris Bikes, but look out for Santander Cycles, the official city bike hire scheme. You can pick up a ride almost anywhere and pay for hire at the bike rack or online.
Ride
If you’re looking for the best bike rides in London, you’re spoilt for choice. One of our favourites is an easy 90 minute spin round some of the sights, suitable for all fitness levels. It starts in London Bridge, taking in the Victoria Embankment, Horseguards Parade Ground, London Eye, Big Ben and the Tower of London before finishing up back where you started, not far from Native Bankside.
Refuel
You’ll start and finish right near Borough Market, so take your pick from sizzling paella, an old-fashioned fry-up or a baguette stuffed with roast pork, to name but a few options.
Glasgow
Rent
NextBike is Glasgow’s own city bike share scheme and you can find your nearest bike, book it and pay, all on the app.
Ride
For a leisurely 90 minute pootle by the river, start at the beautiful church of St Enoch and ride along the gorgeous Clyde Cycleway. You’ll pass Glasgow Green, old bridges and all kinds of riverside flora and fauna. You’ll end up back at the church, just a short ride from Native Glasgow.
Refuel
Right near the church you’ll find neighbourhood favourite Hootenanny. These days they’re serving up lush burgers from Patty Cake and crisp pizzas from Romans – perfect for carbo-loading before or even after your ride.
Edinburgh
Rent
It’s delightfully easy to get riding with Edinburgh Cycle Hire, with everything you need in their handy app.
Ride
Holyrood Park is a must-visit for anyone new to Edinburgh and cycling is a wonderful way to see this Royal Park unlike any other.
The Holyrood Park Road entrance is near the Commonwealth Pool, the Pollock Halls and the start of the Innocent Railway, if you fancy a detour. The path follows the road round, passing Dynamic Earth, the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyrood House. It ends by St. Margaret’s Loch, near Duke’s Walk, unless you’ve got the stamina for powering on up to Arthur’s Seat for the views.
Refuel
Right near the end of your trail is Baba Rista, where you can get coffee and pastries to replenish your energy, and take some fresh Italian bread, pizza or pasta back to your apartment.
Manchester
Rent
All-round bike-lover’s haven Manchester Bike Hire has a great range of city bikes to rent for three or more days, including electric ones.
Ride
A half hour spin through the city takes you to Daisy Nook, which Lowry himself loved and painted. It’s a country park that runs through the Medlock Valley and very popular with dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders. There’s a great path to take you to Hartshead Pike for the stunning views (it’s particularly beautiful at sunset), and on a clear day you can even see Snowdonia.
Refuel
The family run Daisy Nook Country Park Café is the perfect pit stop for coffee, cake and a chat with the regulars.
