A Musical Voyage
The Cathedrals Cycle Route isn’t just about the miles.
Long-distance cycling is a physical endeavour, and even the most dedicated rider can feel the need for more than scenery to sustain them. The Cathedrals Cycle Route is built around an important idea: that the journey is about what you discover along the way, not just the distance you cover.
And one of the most rewarding things you can find, completely free and open to everyone, is live music of the highest quality.
English cathedrals have a long tradition of making music open, shared, and accessible to all. Daily choral services, organ recitals and open rehearsals are simply part of cathedral life. You don't need to book, belong to anything, or know anything about choral music to walk in and benefit from it.
You might stay for a full service, or slip in for ten minutes as you pass through. Sit near the back if you prefer. There are no expectations; just a warm welcome and a reminder that travel by bike can nourish more than just the body.
Many cathedrals also programme ticketed concerts and recitals throughout the year - check each cathedral's website for what's coming up.
Ride to the Rhythm of Evensong
If there's one thing worth planning your afternoon around, it's Choral Evensong.
Sung daily in cathedrals across the route, Evensong is not a performance, but rather a living tradition that has marked the end of the day in these buildings for over 500 years. It offers a powerful pause point in your cycling journey and there’s no pressure to participate. Just sit, listen, and let the voices, the acoustics and the centuries-old tradition do their calming, restorative work.
© Katy Cooper
“That reward of arriving at a cathedral in time for Evensong has been truly inspirational, and also a reminder of what a precious thing we have in the Anglican choral tradition - where else in the world could you combine cycling and singing so seamlessly?”
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Use the Association of English Cathedrals website to check times for individual cathedral services, concerts and other performances, and plan your ride accordingly
Find where and when Choral Evensong is being sung on the Choral Evensong website
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QUICK START: Ready to get on your bike? Simply download the GPX file for a cathedral-to-cathedral section from the Cycling UKwebsite and your planning is done.
PERSONALISED PLANNING: The Cathedrals Cycle Route is not a waymarked route and you are free to plan your own way between cathedrals, taking in the types of terrain that you prefer and landmarks that you want to see along the way. Use the ‘Plan New Route’ section of Komoot to type in your start and end points and add in any places of interest or particular areas that you want to explore on the way to your musical performance.
You can print your personalised map out, download a GPX file, or download your route to your mobile phone, smartwatch, or bike computer and navigate on the go.
You can also use the ‘Find A Route’ section Walk Wheel Cycle Trust website (previously known as Sustrans) to find parts of the National Cycle Network that you may like to use.
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Before you roll out, make sure both you and your bike are ready for the journey.
Visit the Cycling UK website for information about all aspects of cycling, including choosing a bike and equipment, bike maintenance, advice on tackling different types of terrain and different seasons, plus safety and legal advice. You’ll also find expert Questions and Answers to make sure you are totally clued up before you set out.
Essentials for Your Bike
Full service or safety check before you leave
Lights and reflectors for visibility
Repair kit with spare tubes, tyre levers, multi-tool, and pump
Lock for cathedral visits and overnight stops
Essentials for You
Layered clothing and waterproof outerwear
Cycling gloves, sunscreen, and basic first aid items
Refillable water bottles or hydration pack
Snacks or energy bars for longer rural stretches
Phone mount or GPS device for Komoot navigation
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You are never alone on the Cathedrals Cycle Route. As well as a wonderful opportunity to meet other cyclists in real life, there are thriving online communities where riders gather to share ideas.
Experienced route cyclists can give all sorts of useful information and insider knowledge about the route before you set off. You are extremely welcome to the Cycle Route family and we look forward to hearing from you.
Join the Cycling UK online community and search for Cathedrals Cycle Route to see questions and answers about the route and meet other riders
Use Strava to join the Cathedrals Cycle Route group, find local cycling clubs, and join a group to journey with
Visit our Facebook page for news and ideas and connect with other riders
The route is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness or funds for a good cause. This is the time to reach out and let organisations, the media and the public know that you are pedalling with a purpose.
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Each new journey adds a chapter to the living story of the route. Make sure your part of the story is recorded: use Stravat o share your times, distances and maps, or upload photos and videos to show useful information about the route for others to use.
Who knows: you may inspire someone else to start their own adventure.
Remember that the Cathedrals Cycle Route is a self-guided route and riders are responsible for their own planning, preparation, and safety at all times.
The route creators and partner organisations accept no liability for any loss, injury, damage, or inconvenience that may occur before, during, or after your ride. Please ensure your bike is roadworthy, you are adequately equipped, and you follow all relevant road safety laws and local guidance.
The Cathedral Music Trust works alongside cathedrals and choral foundations across the country to keep cathedral music thriving. They introduce young people to choral singing, support the training of choristers, organists and scholars, and help music departments grow and innovate for the long term. As a charity, their work depends on the generosity of people who believe, as we do, that this tradition is worth sustaining.
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.