If 2020 was the year of the Homeliday, then 2021 must be the year of the Staycation.

North Coast 500, Scotland

515mi of pristine coastal roads around the North Coast of Scotland. It officially starts and finishes in Inverness but choose your start and end point to tailor your experience.

Since its inception in 2015, the North Coast 500 has rapidly gained popularity among motorists, cyclists and campervan adventurers.

Thanks to the Scottish Access Code, it is possible to (responsibly) pick a spot to camp for the night when you find that perfect view or simply want to stop and take it all in.

The gain in popularity of the North Coast 500 has increased pressure on the roads and amenities through which it passes, and it is essential you follow the guidance on responsible access and camping to ensure the wild beauty of the region is preserved.

https://www.northcoast500.com/

Causeway Coastal Way, N Ireland

154mi exploring the spectacular coastline of Northern Ireland. From the home city of the Titanic, Belfast via must see stop offs such as The Gobbins sea cliff walk, filming locations of the hit series Game of Thrones and, of course, the stunning Giant’s Causeway.

A shorter, quieter alternative to the North Coast 500 over in Scotland, the Causeway Coastal Way is no less spectacular. With heaps of history and natural beauty, not to mention cosy pubs and cafes to watch the world go by.

With its mix of wild splendour and historical interest, not to mention a special place in the hearts of Game of Thrones fans, the Causeway Coastal Way holds a surprise around every sweeping bend and hairpin turn.

https://discovernorthernireland.com/destinations/causeway-coastal-route

Atlantic Highway, South West

70mi of stunning beaches, picture postcard fishing villages and wild heathland. This drive from Barnstaple to Fraddon delivers views around every corner.

For those who want to spend more time exploring and less time driving, the Atlantic Highway has long been a classic excursion that serves up dramatic scenery and idyllic village life by the bucket (and spade) full.

Don’t let the short length fool you, the Atlantic Highway packs in a lot to see and do, not to mention some fantastic campsites. It is also possible to extend the route and carry on following the coast as far as you like, with more pristine beaches promised over every rise in the road.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/the-atlantic-highway

Lustleigh, Dartmoor

Get off road for some classic UK trails, a shorter undertaking, perfect for a weekend bikepacking mini-adventure. Dartmoor is the only place outside of Scotland where wild camping is actually legal in the UK. Find the perfect spot to pitch up and relive the day’s riding.

Starting and finishing in Postbridge, this challenging circuit heads up and over Headland Warren from Chagford Common before picking up the River Bovey and on to Dunsford for a refuel. A short section along the River Teign follows before another steep churn back onto the moor and over to Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford Reservoirs. More steep climbs follow up towards Black Hill, Hound Tor and Hameldown Tor to finish.

With a mix of technical riding, open space and steep valleys, this is a challenging ride that suits being broken into a couple of days to really take the time to enjoy it.

http://www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/bikepacking-book/

https://www.wikiloc.com/bikepacking-trails/lustleigh-bike-trip-64693254

Hope Valley, Peak District

Another short but sweet off-road offering around the stunning valleys and moors of the Peak District. Sedate riding along the shores of Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs give way to technical ascents and challenging descents with lots of opportunities for a really wild camp along the way.

Though a popular area at any time of year, by bikepacking this route, there is plenty of opportunity to escape the crowds and a night spent out under the stars ensures you are there after the last of the day trippers have left and on the trails before the first arrive.

https://www.wikiloc.com/bikepacking-trails/peak-district-bike-trip-64693611

http://www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/bikepacking-book/

Hebridean Way, Scotland

185mi from the very southern tip of the Outer Hebrides on Vatersay and onto Barra, all the way up through South and North Uist, on to Harris and to the very northern tip of Lewis. With ferry crossings and empty roads, this is a real adventure on two wheels. Add idyllic beaches and mountains and it’s a recipe for an unforgettable bikepacking experience.

The Outer Hebrides can feel like the edge of the world but with beaches like this, who cares! Though a popular destination for the adventurous, the wide-open spaces of the Hebrides mean it rarely feels busy and apart from the odd seal or porpoise, you’re likely to have the beach to yourself. Island life follows a different tempo and, on a bike, you will soon slip into it. Winding from headland to cove to beach to mountain pass; the geology, history and wildlife on offer are hard to beat.

Look out for basking sharks, whales, dolphins and porpoise in the clear waters below and keep an eye on the skies for the mighty sea eagles that fish those same crystalline shores.

https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/active/cycling/hebridean-way-cycling-route/

https://www.cicerone.co.uk/cycling-in-the-hebrides-second

River Wye – Chepstow to Hereford

Let the River Wye take the strain and go with the flow. There is nothing finer than a few days spent messing around on the river. The pace of the river is perfect for taking in the changing landscape as you pass marvels such as Symonds Yat and take time to visit the beautiful towns and villages along the way.

This idyllic and popular river journey is perfect paddle trip for families, with lots of opportunities to stop and swim or simply sit with a picnic and watch the water go by. The route is well served by campsites and amenities, meaning you don’t have to carry lots of supplies along the way.

https://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk/exploring-wye-valley-aonb/on-the-water/canoeing/

Great Glen Way, Central Highlands

This classic traverse of Scotland takes you from coast to coast via a series of locks and lochs. Surrounded by towering peaks and glens, this is a spectacular trip for all abilities.

Running for 60mi from Inverness in the east to Banavie in the west, the Great Glen Way follows the route of the Caledonian Canal, linking the mighty Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy, the Caledonian Canal opened up trade across Scotland and has left a trail of history to be discovered along the way. With deep forests, steep slopes and quiet glens, the Great Glen Way Canoe Trail delivers a true Highland experience for all abilities.

Well served by local amenities, there is always a warm welcome in the many stop offs along the way, you’ll want to take your time over this coast-to-coast traverse to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

http://greatglencanoetrail.info/index.html 

Argyll Sea Kayak Trail

Take to the high seas with this spectacular island-hopping adventure. Covering 96mi of hidden beaches and complex coves plus the Crinan Canal, with lots of opportunities for whale spotting and bird watching, this is a once in a life-time paddle packing trip. Starting in Ganavan and finishing in Helensburgh, this is a great opportunity to see the west coast of Scotland from a different angle.

This is a challenging undertaking with strong currents and tides plus the uncertainty of Atlantic weather and, as such, it is only to be undertaken by experienced paddlers or under the guidance of a qualified leader. But for those that tackle it, the rewards will be well worth it.

https://paddle-argyll.org.uk/