Cycling News

AA teams with Sustrans for regional guides

Following the success of Cycling in the UK, a guide to the National Cycle Network, the AA has again joined forces with Sustrans, to produce a range of eight regional Cycling Guides.

The series covers East of England, London, Midlands, North of England, Scotland, South East of England, South West of England and Wales. The softback books cost £9.99 each.

Each guide has a foreword by a famous cycling fan including broadcast journalist Jon Snow, TV zoologist Miranda Krestovnikoff, comedian Dave Gorman and designer Wayne Hemingway.

The National Cycle Network has over 12,000 miles of cycling routes throughout the UK. Each regional guide has a range of suggested family rides, day rides and longer routes with traffic-free sections clearly marked. The guides are highly photographic with detailed route maps featuring clearly plotted locators for B&Bs, pubs, bike shops and local places of interest.

In addition to the routes the guides have essential information for planning a cycling trip in Britain including practical advice on what to take, difficulty rating and where to stop on the way.

Sustrans Chief Executive Malcolm Shepherd said: "Bikes sometimes have a tendency to gather dust in the corner of sheds so the aim of this series is to inspire would-be cyclists to discover the fantastic enjoyment from the simple pleasure of riding the National Cycle Network.

"The emphasis is very much on leisurely pedalling with plenty of scope for stop offs, whether it's to delve into the history of a centuries-old castle or refuel at an idyllic country pub. And each route has its own distinct character from forest trails to coastal tracks and canal towpaths. So day-trippers and holidaymakers can easily make the journey part of the destination."

Published Friday 28 May 2010