The Whole Route

Officially, the route begins at Newcastle Cathedral, but in practice you can start wherever makes sense for you. Ride it section by section in any order, or take it on as a single journey - perhaps even a mighty forty-two day end-to-end challenge. There's no race, no clock, and no wrong way to do it. This is about you, the cathedrals, and everything you discover in between.

One thing worth doing from the start is to order a Pilgrim Passport from the Association of English Cathedrals. You'll collect a stamp or sticker at each cathedral, and you'll need it to claim your Finisher's Medal when your odyssey is complete.

  • The Association of English Cathedrals website is the best place to explore your options. Use their map to see all the cathedrals at a glance, and visit each cathedral's page for opening times, visitor information, and a What's On calendar to help you plan around services or special events.

    • QUICK START: Ready to get on your bike? Simply download the GPX file for your 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 - it’s really easy to do and makes for a travel plan that you know you are going to enjoy.


      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 Trustwebsite (previously known as Sustrans) to find parts of the National Cycle Network that you may like to use.

    • Use the Association of English Cathedrals website to check opening hours, facilities and ‘What’s On’ at each cathedral to make the most of your visit.

  • 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

  • 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 UKonline 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.

  • 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. 

  • When you've completed the route, mark the achievement with a Finisher's Medal: a permanent reminder of the determination, distance, and dedication it took to get here.

    To claim yours, fill in our Contact Form and the organisers will be in touch. Don't forget: you'll need your completed Pilgrim Passport (with a stamp or sticker from each cathedral) to qualify.

view the whole route

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.

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.

Browse the Independent Hostel Guide