The best driving roads in the UK

Posted on by Vavista

When you think of best driving roads you probably think of driving through the coast of Italy, the Pacific Coast Highway in California, or the stunning scenery of the Swiss alps. But you can find some great driving roads much closer to home right here in the UK. Here at Vavista we’ve found you our 10 favourites for (responsibly) putting your foot down….

Red Truck on Serpentine Road Among Green Landscape of Peak District National Park in UK

Did you know?

The Department of Transport has estimated the UK’s road network to be 250,000 miles in length. If you could drive them all at the UK speed limit it would take you almost 150 days of non-stop motoring to cover them all.

Unidentified car driving on a road going through Scottish Highlands

 

Our 10 driving roads in the UK

HORNCASTLE TO LOUTH:

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the A153 is a winding 13-mile journey connecting the market towns of Horncastle and Louth in the Lincolnshire Wolds and a true delight to drive.

CAT AND FIDDLE:

The Cat and Fiddle is named after the pub at the summit of the A54 – A537 from Buxton to Macclesfield, and must be the most famous road around the Peak District; particularly for bikers.

FORRES TO ALFORD:

This is a great driving road with bends almost all the way and vistas in all directions. It runs through the Cairngorms National Park and Strathdon or the alternative route over the Cairnwell into Glenshee. The route stretches either 82 miles, or 110 miles if you take the alternative Forres to Blairgowrie road. A joy no matter which route you take.

BLACK MOUNTAIN PASS:

Possibly the best road in Wales, this route wrinkles over the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons: the A4069 connects Llandovery with Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen in Wales. Watch out for stray sheep and sudden hairpins!

THE LLANBERIS PASS:

The A4086 takes you from the village of Capel Curig, to the Royal Town of Caernarfon, past the Glyderau and one of Britain’s most famous mountains; Mount Snowdon!

GLASGOW TO FORT WILLIAM:

If you want to drive the shores of Loch Lomond, Loch Ness and in the shadow of Ben Nevis, you need the A82 in your life! It is probably the most important trunk route serving the West Highlands of Scotland, and the route includes pieces of road first built in the 1750s.

ABERYSTWYTH TO LLANGURIG:

Running through some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales, the A44 is a 25 mile stretch running from the seaside town of Aberystwyth to the small village of Llangurig. Spectacular!

THE SNAKE PASS:

Often driven in conjunction with the “Cat and Fiddle”, The Snake Pass was listed as one of the best driving roads by Auto Trader magazine in 2009 and is the name of the A57 road where it crosses the Peak District between Manchester and Sheffield. The name usually refers to the section between Glossop and Ladybower reservoir and at its highest point, it is 512 metres (1679 feet) above sea level.

ST IVES TO ST JUST:   

If 13 miles of sweeping bends, short straights and tight turns is your thing, the B3306 from St Ives to St Just in Cornwall is among the South West’s finest. The views aren’t too bad either!

THE CHEDDAR GORGE:

Another great driving road situated in the West Country is a route that incorporates the amazing Cheddar Gorge. This road is just 10 miles south-west of historic city of Bristol, and 8 miles east of the seaside favourite Weston-Super-Mare.

 

beautiful asphalt road in green valley, travel concept, summer l

Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

5 Tips for Cheaper Motoring

Posted on by Vavista

Running a car isn’t cheap. Even if you buy an economical car, the cost of fuel, tax, insurance, MOTs, etc. can soon run into the thousands.

In fact, one survey revealed that it costs on average £3406.80 a year to run a car in Britain. Or if your car is on finance, you could be forking out £5744.40 a year. [1] But little changes can equal big savings.

So we have put together 5 Tips for Cheaper Motoring, see if you can put any of these in place to save some cash.

Did you know?

Over a third of cars fail their MOT first time! But there are easy checks, outlined below, you can do to avoid the most common failures.

How can I save?

  1. Avoid an obvious MOT fail by checking for the three most common faults below:

  • Are all your bulbs working? These are easy to change, and a lot of shops where you buy motor bulbs will do this for you if you ask.
  • Check your tyres, are they inflated to the correct pressure? And are the treads legal? You can find some useful guidance on the standards they need to meet here.
  • Are your lights clean? Buff them before you send your vehicle to the garage, as this can be a fail.
  • Are your windscreen wipers working properly? Again, they can be easily replaced at a motor shops.

  1. Don’t assume third party insurance is cheapest.

    Traditionally, third party insurance (or third party, fire, and theft) always used to be the cheapest way to insure your car. But bizarrely, this isn’t always the case: in a lot of circumstances someone who insures their car fully comp is considered a better risk. Our tip – next time you are insuring take a look at both options and decide which is best for your needs.

  2. Earn cashback on petrol and diesel.

    Fuel in your car is one of the biggest household monthly expenses after a mortgage and food shopping. So it makes sense to pay for this on a debit or credit card that gives you cashback. There are a lot of well known websites which highlight the best deals. Our tip – remember always pay the balance back in full or the interest will offset any cashback you might earn!

  3. Don’t risk losing your car, tax it!

    Since the tax disc was abolished, the number of cars that are untaxed has tripled to over 750,000 [2]. Whether this is people forgetting as they don’t have the permanent reminder in the windscreen, or just not paying, it’s a £1,000 fine. Our tip – make sure you use the DVLA website and not a third party, which looks the similar but can charge up to £100 to do the same thing.

  4. Putting premium fuel in a standard car? Forget it!

    You’ve seen it at the pump, high performance or cleaner fuel, which is slightly more expensive. Unless you have a high performance or a sports car where this type of fuel is recommended, forget it. Even the AA says that pricey fuel is not needed for your standard family saloon. Our tip – ditch it. If you do feel you need it, just fill up with performance fuel every 4th or 5th tank to maintain the savings.

 

If you are trying to save money, why not get a quote from us here at Vavista and see if you can save?

References: 

[1] What Is The Cost Of Owning A Car In The UK? (nerdwallet.com)

[2] Tax disc: Car tax evasion triples after paper version scrapped – BBC News

Driving Abroad

Posted on by Vavista

Embarking on a journey across Europe? Whether you’re planning a scenic drive through the Italian countryside, a beach holiday in Spain, or a wine-tasting tour in France, ensuring your trip is both safe and compliant with local regulations is paramount.

Here at Vavista, we’ve got you covered with essential tips to make your European road trip a breeze…

Traffic in Europe

Did you know?

While many European Union countries adhere to the same driving regulations, there are distinctions in laws such as speed limits and mandatory equipment. It’s prudent to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of your destination.  A recent study showed that 15% of people questioned, admitted to driving in Europe without this equipment [1].

The RAC provides helpful checklists for various countries, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey.

Person enjoying the scenery whilst driving abroad

What do you need to drive abroad?

Ensure you have the necessary documents on hand, including:
  • Valid comprehensive car insurance, and check if an international driving permit is necessary
  • National insurance number
  • Proof of vehicle insurance, valid tax, and MOT for the duration of your trip
  • Valid identification (typically a driving license, though some countries may require a passport)
  • V5C car registration document and travel insurance documents, including EU cover
  • Travel insurance documents
  • European Breakdown cover policy details

Adjust your headlights to comply with local regulations. Specific beam deflectors are available at reputable motoring stores, such as Halfords.

Carry essential safety equipment, including:

Keep emergency contact details in your passport and share your itinerary with someone. Additionally, carry extra funds for unforeseen circumstances, including a mix of currency and traveller’s cheques (remember to record the cheque numbers)/pre-paid debit cards.

British Passport

We also recommend assembling a comprehensive driving/travel kit, including:
  • Refreshments and plenty of water
  • Replacement bulbs, engine oil, and water (check these before traveling and monitor throughout your journey)
  • Fire extinguisher and spare fuel can
  • Sunscreen, refreshments, a blanket, and a torch
  • Satnav or spare maps
  • Entertainment for passengers, such as games for children
  • Extra medication you may require, as it may not be readily available abroad

Someone reading a map whilst driving abroad

Most of these items are either already in your possession or easily obtainable at minimal cost. Remember, it’s better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

Enjoyed this blog?  Check out our tips for Healthy Road Trip Habits.

Wishing you safe travels and enjoyable driving experiences!  Make sure you’re properly insured, get a quote today!

[1] Driving Instructors Association
Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

Could you be driving with an invalid license?

Posted on by Vavista

Sounds like a weird question, you passed your driving test so your driving license must be valid…right?  Well, believe it or not there are lots of reasons why your license may no longer be valid, some you might not even have thought of… The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to check.

Did you know?

Having an invalid license could put you at risk of a £1,000 fine, and the DVLA has estimated there could be over two million people at risk.

Things to look out for to avoid a potential fine?

Renew, renew, renew:

A lot of drivers don’t realise that the new photocard licenses have an expiry date, and need to be renewed every ten years. You can check on the front, it’s the date next to section 4b. You can do this online via the Gov.uk website, and costs £14 (there is a postal option which is slightly more expensive at £17), and don’t forget a current photo!

Address yourself:

Your license is a record of your personal details so it’s only right that it contains the correct address. If you move it’s important that you also amend your license, but the good news is that this is free and can also be done via the Gov.uk website, with no limit on the number of changes if you end up moving a lot

What’s that name again?

If you change your name then, like address, you should change your license. Direct Line has found that 3% of married people have the wrong name on their license, which, like address and an out of date license, risks that dreaded £1,000 fine. This is a little more involved as you’ll need to complete a D1 form (you can get this from the Post Office or the Gov.uk website) and send it together with proof of the change. And don’t forget, you’ll need to change your V5C registration document for your car too!

Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

How to increase your metabolism

Posted on by SBSS

It’s a well recognised fact that our metabolism slows as we age.

In 2020, 67% of adults in England were overweight or obese [1]. This underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy metabolism through balanced diet and regular exercise.

Our metabolism is the rate at which we burn energy simply by existing (basal metabolic rate).  As well as by other factors like exercise and digesting food which together only account for about 30% of our total energy output.

So, why does our metabolism drop as we get older? We want to know because it doesn’t help our weight control.  Plus 2/3ds of us need a bit of help in that regard!

Well, as with anything related to the weight-loss field, it’s not totally understood (or we wouldn’t have the weight problem that we do!). But a large component is probably due to the loss in muscle which occurs as we age (known as sarcopaenia).

Why does this happen?

We lose about 8% of our muscle per decade over the age of 40. This is an issue as muscle burns more energy than fat. That means that women tend to be more affected than men as they naturally have lower muscle percentage to start with. Wonder why men seem to lose weight more quickly when they put their mind to it? This is part of the reason.

fad-diets can lead to muscle as well as fat loss

There is also some evidence that repeated fad-dieting can contribute. Some studies show that fad-diets can lead to muscle as well as fat loss. Exacerbating sarcopenia. But, it also seems that changes in gut bacteria with dieting may have effects on metabolism too. That can be long-lasting.

In addition, hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid such as Hashimoto’s disease) is most commonly seen in middle-aged women (10 x more than men). This leads to a lowered metabolism as well as dry hair and skin, weight gain and cold intolerance amongst other things. Whilst officially only affecting around 2 in 100, some doctors feel it’s more common than that, but it can be treated with tablets helping you feel a whole lot better.

So, what can we do about it?

It’s hard to regain the metabolism of a 20 year old for many reasons.  Though excluding an under-active thyroid, if you have the symptoms mentioned above, is worth doing.  It’s a simple blood test. For everyone else, strength and resistance exercises as well as cardio will help preserve or even increase muscle, meaning you can keep your metabolism higher even when you aren’t exercising! That’s a win!  Lower metabolism makes it much easier to pile on the pounds . Especially if we keep eating the same as we did in our teens and twenties when we were growing rapidly or working hard, having babies or running around after boisterous toddlers! Remember, we need around 300 fewer calories per day now than we did then. So watch portion size and keep the snacking down to avoid weight gain.

Also, remember that if you lose weight your metabolic rate will fall, as you will need less energy to keep your body functioning. So, you may need to reduce your intake a little to avoid regaining the pounds you have worked hard to lose.

vavista boost your metabolism

 

You may also be interested in Weight or waist… Which is the best indicator of health? – vavista.com

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[1] Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet, England, 2020 – NHS England Digital
Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

How to Make a Simple Stir Fry

Posted on by SBSS

A healthy diet full of fruit and veg is better than many medicines your doctor could ever prescribe! Studies show that by upping our fruit and veg intake, we can help reduce our weight, cut our risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, some cancers – and could live longer too.  There’s no better way to boost your veg intake than with a stir fry. You won’t find any overcooked, mushy veg here – just fresh, nutritious, fibre-filled deliciousness.

A stir fry is one of the healthiest fast dinners around. When you’re pressed for time or just ‘can’t be bothered tonight’, use this fall-back recipe to ensure that your easy dinner doesn’t skimp on nourishment. We’ve given you choices for each element so that you can stir things up when you fancy or pick your favourites.

Servings: 4

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

 Ingredients:

  • 200g wholegrain rice or dried whole-wheat noodles
  • 2 tbsp sesame seed oil or good quality olive oil
  • 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, finely chopped ( or 2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1/2 red chilli, finely sliced (or sprinkling of dried chilli flakes, to taste)
  • 400g your choice of meat or fish (e.g. chicken, raw prawns or salmon)
  • Variety of vegetables (e.g. 6 spring onions, 1 large red pepper, 1 large yellow pepper, 200g mushrooms, 100g sugarsnap peas, 100g baby sweetcorn, 200g tender-stem broccoli or 2 pre-prepared stir fry veg mix from supermarket)
  • 2 tbsp Soy sauce
  • Optional: 1 ring pineapple (fresh or in juice), chopped
  • Optional: Handful fresh coriander

For allergens, see ingredients in bold.

Vegetarian or Vegan Alternative:

Swap meat or fish for 200g cashew nuts and 200g broad beans.

Method:

  1. Cook the rice or noodles to packaging instructions.
  2. Warm the oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the ginger and chilli to the oil for a minute whilst stirring to prevent burning. Add the meat/fish or cashews with broad beans as chosen and stir, until almost cooked all the way through.
  3. Next chuck in your choice of veg, stir fry for 3 – 5 minutes, ensuring that any meat/fish is cooked through and the desired tenderness of your vegetables.
  4. Turn the heat off. Add the rice or noodles, coriander and pineapple to the mix if having and fold through the soy sauce.

    Serve and enjoy!

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What exercises can I do at home?

Posted on by SBSS

Finding time for the gym can be tough, but staying active is essential. Luckily, you can easily exercise at home and reach your fitness goals. In this blog, we’ll share various exercises and tips to help you stay fit without leaving your house.

These exercises can help you tone up and burn calories all in the comfort of your own home. They will also help you feel and look fitter, as well as stronger, balanced and more energetic. Ten minutes is a good starting point, but if that is difficult, try just one exercise. You can increase the length of the routine as you get fitter.

It may take a bit more effort the first few times as you get to know the exercises – but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll soon settle into a routine. And just think of all that money and travel time you’re saving on not going to the gym.

To keep you motivated…

Plenty of studies show that playing the right sort of music can boost your workout. Check out Vavista’s very own playlists over on Spotify!

Here goes…

Squat

Target areas: abdominals, hips, thighs
Equipment: hand weights or kitchen cans (optional)

Stand with feet apart. Hold your hands together in front of you. Gently draw in abdominals and slowly squat down, bringing knees to approx 80 degree bend. Then slowly stand. Repeat three sets of 10.

To make it harder

a) Hold weights in your hands. You don’t need to have fancy weights – a tin from the cupboard weighing approximately 400 g can act as a small weight. You can increase the weight you carry as you get fitter, or use a back pack on your back with books in it to increase resistance.

b) Lift one leg a little off the ground and try and do this on 1 leg only.

Woman doing exercise at home. Squatting.

Stationary Lunge

Target areas: abdominals, hips, thighs
Equipment: hand weights or kitchen cans (optional)

Step one foot in front of the other. Front foot flat on the ground, back foot up on your toe. Gently bend knees, then straighten. Bend your knee up to 90 degrees, but no further. The front knee should not go past the front toe: keep it centred over your foot.

Do for 30 seconds with one leg leading, then 30 seconds with opposite leg leading. Do this cycle as many times as you wish and according to your fitness level.

To make it harder

a) Hold weights in your hands.

b) Do the exercise slowly, pushing through the front heel more. This makes hip muscles work harder.

c) Try a ‘stepping lunge’. Walk lunge forward, lunging with one leg then moving straight into a lunge with the opposite leg rather than returning to the starting position. Move forward for 30 seconds, then turn around and return to the start position. Now repeat.

Woman doing exercise at home. Lunging.

Diagonal sit ups

Target areas: abdominals, trunk
Equipment: none

Lie on your back, knees bent, with one leg crossed on the other. Place hands on the side of your head. Lift the upper body and turn body to one side, then return to the midline. It is important to keep the neck straight and avoid bending the head forward. This targets the waist, giving you definition through the midriff. Start with between 10 and 20 repetitions each side.

To make it harder

a) Do the exercise slowly

b) Keep upper body off ground in between sit ups

Woman doing exercise at home. Sit Ups.

Plank

Target areas: abdominals, trunk
Equipment: none

Place the elbows on the ground, directly underneath the shoulders. Rise up onto your toes so that your body stays straight and parallel to the ground. If you find it too difficult to raise yourself on your toes, try supporting yourself on bent knees instead. Gently draw in the abdominals. Clasp your hands together. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat five times.

To make it harder

a) Increase the length of time you hold the exercise for – up to 30 seconds is good, but make sure you don’t lose your form

b) Keep hands clasped and lift hands off ground, coming up higher on your elbows

Man doing exercise at home. Planking.

Arm toning

Target areas: shoulders, arms, postural muscles
Equipment: hand weights or kitchen cans

Stand tall. Place small weights in your hand, between 250 and 750 grams to start with. You can use tins from the cupboard to substitute if you don’t have weights. Place elbows at 90 degrees and bend the arm up, then take it back to 90 degrees. Repeat three sets of 10 each arm. Be mindful of keeping an upright posture to get the most out of this exercise.

To make it harder

a) Put arms straight out in front of you level with your shoulders, palms with weights facing up. Bend elbow fully, then return to the starting position

b) Increase weight or do more quickly.

Woman lifting weights.

For some more fitness inspiration, click here. 

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Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

The truth behind electric bikes

Posted on by SBSS
For more information on the new craze in cycling, we spoke to Karl Haden, E-bike expert – theelectricbikeshop.co.uk

Here’s what he had to say on E-bikes…

Not really considered an electric bike or think they aren’t worth the money? Think again. Let me put you right on four of the common misconceptions that can put people off buying an e-bike!

They’re Not As Expensive As You Think

People often look at the upfront cost of an electric bike and no further. While E-bike prices tend to start at about £1,000, which is undoubtedly more than a regular bike, in the long run, they can be the most cost-effective option.

That’s because an E-bike is more convenient than a regular bike, so you’re likely to use it more often. E-bikes are ideal for commuting because you can use the pedal assistance to help you ride longer distances, or get over tricky hills meaning you won’t arrive at work all sweaty!

Cycling instead of driving means you’ll save money on petrol and parking, plus your car will last longer due to a decrease in wear and tear. When you consider that you will get several years’ worth of use out of your electric bike that upfront cost begins to look like a worthwhile investment. The Electric Bike Shop also offers 0% finance across our range of E-bikes so you can spread the cost, meaning there’s no need to break the bank.

The government cycle to work scheme allows you to save up to 42% off your electric bike. Making the possibility of cycling to work over driving far more feasible. Especially with electric bikes as you will be able to cycle that little bit further.

e-bike in the park

You Can Go Further

There’s a huge misconception that you’ll have to charge your E-bike regularly, but thanks to advances in technology they now last longer between charges. Some modern E-bikes can last for up to 110 miles on a single charge; however, this is dependent on factors such as how often and at what level you use the pedal assist.

The type of motor or battery your bike has will also affect how often it needs charging and how long it will take to charge, so it’s worth considering this when you’re choosing what bike is best for your needs.

When you do need to charge your bike, all you need to do is plug it in and within a few hours, you’ll be good to go!

E- Bikes Aren’t As Heavy As You Think

Although E-bikes carry a little extra weight because of the motor and battery, it’s barely noticeable. At The Electric Bike Shop, all our bikes use lithium ion batteries which are incredibly light and efficient. You’ll find many of our E-bikes have a sleek design and the motors are super discreet, with very little noise.

E- Bikes Are Low Maintenance

All types of bikes need taking care of, even nonelectric bikes. Caring for an E-bike is similar to a regular bike, with a few small exceptions such as being conscious not to drench it in water when you wash it.

As with a non-electric bike you should expect average wear and tear. Although very rare that something would happen to the electrics; if it does, it can be sorted for you.

So, if you’re considering getting a new bike then rest assured there are plenty of good reasons to invest in an E-bike. Best of all, as a Vavista website visitor you will receive £100 of bike accessories from The Electric Bike Shop. View offer here. 

Top 5 family-friendly bike rides in the South West

Posted on by SBSS

Get fit with all the family in the open air this summer – on one of these beautiful cycle routes in the South West!

At Vavista, we love fitness for fun! Instead of slogging away on a static bike in the gym, we prefer finding local trails, loading up the bikes and kids, and heading off for a day’s adventure. Enjoy a leisurely pub lunch or pack an al fresco picnic to savor en-route. Studies show that being active as a family positively impacts your children’s future activity levels. Plus, an hour’s cycling can burn up to 600kcals, boosting your fitness and mood while enjoying summer sunshine. Read more on the benefits of cycling here. Many of us head to the South West over the summer, so here are our favorite routes in this beautiful part of the country…

1. Exe Trail – Exmouth to Exeter

This waterfront cycle route can be as long or short as you want. Start at the Estuary’s mouth in Exmouth. Follow the trail along the water’s edge through pretty Devon villages like Exton and Lympstone. Both have excellent pubs if you need sustenance. Reach the town of Topsham for more foodie delights, including Darts Farm, dubbed the ‘Selfridges Food Hall of the South West’. If you’re in it for the day, get to the historic quay at Exeter to complete the full circuit. With some gradients, this route is for a fitter family. But with so much to see, you’ll barely notice the hills. Plus, the route follows the train line, and with stations in each village, you can always hop on when little legs get tired.
More details 

2. Tarka Trail – North Devon

The Tarka Trail runs 32 miles from Braunton to Meeth in North Devon. It uses old railway lines that cut through unspoilt countryside, as described by Henry Williamson in his novel ‘Tarka the Otter’. The route can be segmented into shorter rides. There are 21 information boards along the way to inspire young minds with historic and wildlife facts. The sandy beaches at Croyde and Saunton are also great destinations for families.
More details

A wooden sign on the Southwest Coast Path / Tarka Trail public footpath and cycleway. Taken between Bideford and Barnstaple in North Devon England

3. Camel Trail – Cornwall

If you’re heading to Cornwall this summer, pack the bikes or hire them at the start of the Camel Trail. The trail runs 18 miles from Padstow to Wenfordbridge, mainly traffic-free, through glorious Cornish countryside. It’s perfect for two wheels and has family-friendly gradients. There are great bird-watching opportunities too. End up in Padstow and reward yourself with an ice cream on the beautiful quay or enjoy some retail therapy in the fishing village’s boutiques.
More details

4. Bath-Bristol

This 13-mile off-road route is a fun urban trip for older children. It’s a new way to experience two cities in one day. The old railway route carries one million trips a year. It’s a favorite with fit commuters and those who enjoy the scenic landscape and attractions. These include artworks, sculptures, a historic brass mill, and a steam railway station.
More details

5. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Easily accessed from the M4/M5 corridor, this woodland is a fairytale forest, perfect for a family ride. The 11-mile circular route follows purpose-built paths and disused railway lines. It’s littered with picnic sites for a leisurely adventure. The Sallowvallets area, designated by the Forestry Commission for mountain biking, is perfect for high-octane adventure. It offers moderate to severe routes, including the red-graded Freeminer trail.
More details

Cycling woman riding on bike in autumn mountains forest landscape. Woman cycling MTB flow trail track. Outdoor sport activity.

Exploring the South West on two wheels offers an unparalleled experience of the region’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, these bike rides promise adventure and unforgettable memories. For more inspiration on scenic and sustainable travel, check out our blog on the Top 5 Scenic and Sustainable UK Road Trips. Happy riding!

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Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

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