The Best Motorcycle Riding Routes in the UK
A short list of the roads every rider should have on their bucket list
The UK might be small, but it's packed with some of the best motorcycle roads in the world - sweeping coastal routes, tight mountain passes, and empty moorland straights that make every ride feel like an event. Here are five of the best.
1. North Coast 500, Scotland
A 516-mile loop around the top of Scotland starting and ending in Inverness. Expect dramatic coastlines, single-track roads, and some of the most remote, rider-friendly scenery in the country. Best tackled over several days rather than rushed in one.
2. Bealach na Bà, Applecross
One of the highest and most challenging road climbs in the UK, with hairpins that wouldn't look out of place in the Alps. The reward at the top is a sweeping view over to Skye - just watch out for loose gravel and sheep on the bends.
3. Cat and Fiddle Road (A537), Peak District
A favourite for riders across the North West, this stretch between Buxton and Macclesfield is famous for its fast, flowing corners through open moorland. Popular at weekends, so an early start goes a long way.
4. Hardknott and Wrynose Passes, Lake District
Two of the steepest, tightest passes in England, joined together for a proper test of low-speed control and clutch work. Not the place for a big cruiser, but unforgettable on the right bike.
5. Military Road (B3399), Isle of Wight
A shorter, more relaxed entry on this list, but the coastal views along the island's southwest edge make it well worth the ferry crossing. A great option for a weekend ride rather than a full touring trip.
Whichever Route You Choose
Long days in the saddle put more demand on every part of the bike, exhaust included. If you're planning a big ride this year, it's worth checking your setup can handle it - and if you're after a deeper, richer soundtrack for the journey, take a look at our range of Hitchcox Motorcycles exhausts before you set off.
Whatever you're riding and wherever the road takes you, stay alert, ride within your limits, and stay safe out there.
