Shorter Journeys
Not every ride needs to be a full section and not every cyclist is ready, or wants, to tackle one. You may just wish to spend some time exploring one cathedral city at a time; perhaps you don’t want to travel too far, or want to make the most of a short stay in an area. All of that is absolutely fine and the Cathedrals Cycle Route has something for you.
Use this page to find a starting point that suits you and plan a ride that's exactly the right size.
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You can browse through the links in the carousel below or search for cathedrals on The Association of English Cathedrals website.
Each page tells you all about that cathedral, including ‘What’s On’ throughout the year - all things to make an excellent focus for a short stay in the area. -
If you are using a cathedral as a basis for exploring an area, start by searching Komoot for the city you are visiting.
Use the ‘Plan New Route’ section and put together a route based around your chosen cathedral.You may decide to stay near the city centre or head out beyond the city walls into villages or countryside trails, stopping at landmarks or for picnics or well-earned pubs or cafes.
If you are doing part of a leg, start with Komoot. Tell it where you are starting from and where you want to end up and it will plot a route, taking in any landmarks or places of interest that you wish to visit on the way and using your preferred terrain. It is also useful for highlighting any particular challenges along your way, for example places where you may have to carry your bike to navigate steps.
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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 Strava to 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.
Browse Cathedral Cities
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![Colorful stained glass window depicting a religious scene with a central figure in red robes and four other figures below, surrounded by ornate architectural details.]()
Birmingham Cathedral
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![A tall stone church tower with gothic-style windows, decorative spires, and a flagpole on top, set against a background of blue sky with some clouds and tree branches in the foreground.]()
Blackburn Cathedral
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![A historic stone church with gothic windows and a bell tower, located in an urban cityscape with modern buildings in the background.]()
Bradford Cathedral
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![A historic Gothic-style cathedral with tall spires, large stained glass windows, and detailed stone architecture, situated in an urban area with a park and trees in the foreground.]()
Bristol Cathedral
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![View of a Gothic cathedral with two tall spires, partially obscured by pink flowers in the foreground, and a partly cloudy blue sky in the background.]()
Canterbury Cathedral
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![A large Gothic-style church made of red bricks with stained glass windows and pointed arches, surrounded by green trees under a blue sky.]()
Carlisle Cathedral
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![A historic stone church with a tall steeple, surrounded by green trees and a manicured lawn under a clear blue sky.]()
Chelmsford Cathedral
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![The image shows a large Gothic-style church with tall spires and brick walls against a blue sky. Green trees partially cover the lower part of the building.]()
Chester Cathedral
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Chichester Cathedral
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![Inside a historic church or cathedral, featuring stained glass windows, an altar with lit candles, a large open Bible, and intricate stone and woodwork.]()
Christ Church Cathedral
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![View of a large, historic red sandstone church with Gothic architecture and modern additions, located on a street with trees and a clear blue sky.]()
Coventry Cathedral
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![Interior of a church with tall white columns, stained glass windows, chandeliers, and ornate metalwork.]()
Derby Cathedral
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![Sunlit view of a historic stone cathedral with two towers, surrounded by trees, under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Durham Cathedral
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![Aerial view of a historic Gothic cathedral with tall towers, surrounded by a small town with residential houses and green trees.]()
Ely Cathedral
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![Exterior view of a historic Gothic cathedral with intricate stone carvings, large stained glass windows, and tall spires against a blue sky with some clouds. People are walking and sitting on the grass nearby.]()
Exeter Cathedral
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![Low-angle view of a Gothic cathedral with tall, ornate spires and large stained glass windows, against a blue sky with some clouds and tree branches at the top.]()
Gloucester Cathedral
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![Aerial view of a large red brick church with tall windows and green metal roofs, surrounded by green lawns, trees, and nearby residential buildings in a small urban area.]()
Guildford Cathedral
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![Bronze statue of a man with a briefcase walking with a bicycle in front of a large Gothic-style church, with children playing in the background and trees shading the scene.]()
Hereford Cathedral
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![Inside a church with colorful stained glass windows depicting religious scenes, gothic arches, and decorative gold accents.]()
Leicester Cathedral
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![Aerial view of a historic Gothic cathedral surrounded by residential houses and green parks, with colorful trees and streets in the background.]()
Lichfield Cathedral
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![Interior view of a historic cathedral with tall pointed arches, stone columns, stained glass windows, and an organ at the altar.]()
Lincoln Cathedral
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![A large historic stone church with a tall tower, red or pinkish stone construction, gothic architectural features, and surrounded by green trees under a blue sky with contrail streaks.]()
Liverpool Cathedral
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![Historic church with gothic architecture, surrounded by blooming pink and white cherry blossom trees, in an urban setting with modern buildings in the background, under a cloudy sky.]()
Manchester Cathedral
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![Stained glass windows in a stone church interior, with colorful biblical scenes and figures.]()
Newcastle Cathedral
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![View of a Gothic-style church with a tall spire, surrounded by trees and residential houses under a clear blue sky.]()
Norwich Cathedral
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![Front view of a Gothic cathedral with tall spires, ornate architecture, and large stained glass windows, set against a blue sky with some clouds.]()
Peterborough Cathedral
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![A historic stone church with a clock tower, red-tiled roofing, and leafless trees in the foreground, set against a bright blue sky.]()
Portsmouth Cathedral
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![An aerial view of a historic stone church with two tall towers, surrounded by residential houses and trees in a small town.]()
Ripon Cathedral
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![View of a historic church with gothic architecture, large stained glass windows, and multiple pointed towers with spires, under a clear sky.]()
Rochester Cathedral
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![A large Gothic-style church with a tall spire, surrounded by green trees and a grassy park with people sitting and walking on a sunny day with cloudy sky.]()
Salisbury Cathedral
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![View of a historic stone cathedral with a tall tower, arched windows, surrounded by green trees, and a sign that reads 'Cathedral' in the foreground.]()
Sheffield Cathedral
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![A tall, historic stone church with pointed spires and large arched windows, set against a clear blue sky with leafy tree branches partially framing the image.]()
Southwark Cathedral
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![Interior of a historic church or cathedral featuring detailed Gothic architecture with intricate stone carvings, wooden pews, and a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling.]()
Southwell Minster
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![A historic Gothic-style church with pointed arches, large stained glass windows, ornamented stonework, and tall spires, surrounded by trees and a grassy area under a partly cloudy sky.]()
St Albans Cathedral
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![A tall Gothic-style church tower with pointed spires against a partly cloudy sky, overlooking a green cityscape with trees and buildings.]()
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
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![View of Windsor Castle with a blend of medieval and Gothic architecture, stone walls, and a flag on top, under a clear blue sky.]()
St George's Chapel
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![The dome of St. Paul's Cathedral with a statue at the top, set against a cloudy sky.]()
St Paul's Cathedral
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![A large Gothic-style church with multiple tall spires in a cityscape, surrounded by residential buildings and green hills in the background.]()
Truro Cathedral
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![Colorful stained glass windows depicting religious figures and scenes inside a church with stone walls.]()
Wakefield Cathedral
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![A large Gothic-style cathedral with intricate stonework and tall towers, illuminated by sunlight against a partly cloudy sky.]()
Wells Cathedral
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![England Westminster Abbey with Big Ben in the background under a clear sky.]()
Westminster Abbey
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![Night view of a lit-up historic church building with gothic architecture, surrounded by leafless trees, some with snow, and illuminated by streetlights in a park-like setting.]()
Winchester Cathedral
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![A large Gothic-style church with a tall central tower, surrounded by green trees and smaller buildings, under a clear blue sky.]()
Worcester Cathedral
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![A historic Gothic-style cathedral with two tall spires, large stained glass windows, and intricate stone carvings, set against a partly cloudy sky with green trees and a town with red-roofed buildings in the background.]()
York Minster
Remember that The CCR 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.
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.