Cycling lovers from across the country identify the best routes the  UK has to offer.

Oisin Sands

Editor of sportive.com

Route:

Rostrevor to Carlingford, County Down (30-42 miles)

    “My favourite bike ride would start in Rostrevor, County Down, where  I grew up,”says Oisin Sands.

    The ride takes in some breathtaking views on the way to the pretty harbour town of  Carlingford. From Carlingford, head back to Newry. Or save on tired legs by taking  the ferry from Omeath on the south side to Warrenpoint in the summer, and cycling  the short distance back to the start.

Kirsty Ho Fat

Cycle journalist

Route:

Hadrianˈs Cycleway, Ravenglass to South Shields (174 miles)

      Thisroute follows the length of Hadrianˈs Wall and takes in coastal views and old-fashioned market towns.

    “The ride weaves through the dramatic countryside of the North, my homeland, before finishing in South Shields,”says Kirsty, who in 2012 completed a 4,000-mile ride around the coast of Britain with her father.

Helen Curry

National Cycle Network project officer

Route: Union Canal, Linlithgow to the Falkirk Wheel (12 miles)

    This flat journey along the Scottish branch of the Union Canal is a favourite with Helen Curry.

    “Follow the towpath (拉船路) along the northern bank of the canal and cross the River Avon,”says Helen.“Youˈll pass the impressive ruins of Almond Castle.”

    At over 2,000 feet long, youˈll be cycling through Scotlandˈs longest canal tunnel.

Kristian House

2009 National Road Race Champion

Route: Middlewich Loop (55 miles)

    “This is a shorter loop I do when Iˈm not training, starting and finishing in Middlewich,”says racing cyclist Kristian House.

    This hilly route isnˈt for the faint-hearted (胆怯的).

    This stretch climbs 670 feet and offers some wonderful views, including your first sight of Britainˈs second-highest pub.

(1) Which ride is the longest?

     

A. Middlewich Loop.

     

B. Hadrianˈs Cycleway.

     

C. Rostrevor to Carlingford.

     

D. Union Canal to the Falkirk Wheel.
(2) Who is a professional cyclist?

     

A. Oisin Sands. B. Helen Curry.

     

C. Kirsty Ho Fat. D. Kristian House.
(3) What do the four routes have in common?

     

A. They are all hilly.

     

B. They all provide wonderful views.

     

C. They all go around the coast of Britain.

     

D. They are all suitable for beginner cyclists.