A 2,000 mile story of a lifetime.
Photo © Ian Wylie
Yours to write.
The Cathedrals Cycle Route is a continuous loop connecting all forty-two Church of England cathedrals across England: 1,825 miles of roads, tracks and paths through city, village and open countryside. It's a route for every kind of rider, and there's no single way to ride it. That's rather the point.
Created through a unique partnership between Cycling UK, the British Pilgrimage Trust, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and the Association of English Cathedrals, this route:
is open to all
champions sustainable travel
supports physical and mental wellbeing
helps raise funds and awareness for good causes
builds community
invites you to move slowly, tread lightly, and see the landscape and heritage of England in a whole new way.
Find your way in
The route officially begins at Newcastle, England's most northerly cathedral. It's divided into cathedral-to-cathedral sections, each one varying in length, terrain and difficulty, from short accessible rides to longer, more demanding days in the saddle. There's something here for beginners and seasoned tourers alike.
There's no set order, no set direction, and no time limit. You might spend a day exploring a single cathedral city. You might link several sections together for a multi-day ride. Or you might take on the full distance as the journey of a lifetime. For those who want to travel with a little more intention, the route also offers a modern take on pilgrimage.
However you travel, a Pilgrim Passport records a journey rich with music, history and landscape. Collect a stamp at every stop; complete all forty-two, and a Finisher's Medal awaits.
The route isn't waymarked, but GPX files are available for every section.
What should you do first?
Think about how much time you have, how far you want to travel, and what kind of experience you're looking for. Are you riding solo or with friends? Do you want to raise money for a cause along the way?
Once you have a sense of that, use the links below to explore the route, download GPX files, and plan your first ride. However you choose to travel, you become part of a growing community of cyclists moving thoughtfully through England's landscape and heritage - and you are very welcome indeed.
“The story you tell depends on where you begin...”
Tackle a Section
The Cathedrals Cycle Route makes straightforward links between one cathedral and the next, creating clear, manageable sections. You may wish to:
complete a full section by riding between two cathedrals
join sections together for a multi-day ride
There's no set order and no time limit, so you can build your own itinerary at whatever pace suits you.
The route isn't waymarked, which is part of the appeal: planning your path between cathedrals is part of the experience, and every ride ends up feeling very much your own.
Ride The whole Route
Taking on the full route is something else entirely. At 1,825 miles, it's the longest continuous cycle route in the UK - a journey that will challenge you, move you, and stay with you long after you've finished.
You can start anywhere, ride in any direction, and complete sections in whatever order suits your life. Some riders tackle it in one forty-two day push; others build it up section by section over months or years. Either way, every cathedral city along the route offers safe roads, places to rest, and a warm welcome from your local cycle champion.
Complete all forty-two cathedrals and you'll earn a Finisher's Medal and, more importantly, memories of a journey that's unforgettably yours.
The Route as pilgrimage
Christianity has long embraced pilgrimage, with cathedrals serving as destinations for those seeking spiritual renewal, reflection and a closer connection with their faith.
The Cathedrals Cycle Route carries that spirit into the saddle, offering a chance to turn miles into meaning, and movement into reflection.
Cyclists of all beliefs or none are welcome. The only thing you needs is an intention: a cause to ride for, a question to sit with, or simply the desire to travel through England's landscape with a little more purpose and attention than usual.
Shorter Rides
Not every ride needs to be a long one. Exploring a single cathedral and its surrounding area makes for a grand day out: a chance to discover a city you might not otherwise visit, and to meander through the countryside around it at your own pace.
Browse the cathedral pages to find out what's on and start planning your visit.
A Musical Voyage
Cathedrals are places of daily music and services, choral performances and concerts are woven into the rhythm of each week. Pausing to listen makes a natural interlude in a long day's ride, and planning your route around some of the beautiful performances on offer turns the journey into something richer still.
Most cathedrals hold Choral Evensong for much of the year. Sung almost entirely by the cathedral choir, this peaceful, reflective service draws on centuries of Anglican choral tradition and, like all cathedral services, is free and open to everyone.
“Undertaking the Cathedrals Cycle Route has been hugely inspiring but also, at times, challenging! However, no matter what physical, mechanical or meteorological obstacles I faced en-route, they were always made easier by the promise of glorious music on a daily basis. ”
Where can I stay along the way?
For riders who want to travel light and keep costs down, hostels and bunkhouses are an ideal option along the route. The Independent Hostel Guide has put together a dedicated page listing accommodation options close to the Cathedrals Cycle Route: a practical, no-fuss resource for planning overnight stops.