Cycling gear for UK weekend breaks

A kit list for cycling on trails, canals and country lanes during a weekend away.

Whether you hire a bike on the Camel Trail or bring your own to the Peak District, a few small items keep a day on two wheels safe and comfortable.

What to look for

Essentials checklist

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Activities where this helps

New Forest ponies walkLyndhurst and Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The New Forest is one of the few places in England where ponies, cattle, pigs and deer roam freely on open heath and ancient woodland, under a system of rights known as commoning.

Mountain biking at Coed y BreninNear Dolgellau, Snowdonia, Wales

Coed y Brenin forest is widely known as one of the UK's first purpose-built mountain bike trail centres, with graded trails from gentle family loops to hard technical descents.

Camel Trail cyclingPadstow to Wadebridge, Cornwall

The Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free path along a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, running from Padstow to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin.

Destinations where this helps

Peak DistrictDerbyshire

England's first national park, with moors, dales and stately homes

Snowdonia (Eryri)Gwynedd

Wales's mountain heartland, with Snowdon at its centre

Yorkshire DalesNorth Yorkshire

Green valleys, limestone scars and drystone walls

New ForestHampshire

Ancient woodland and heath with free-roaming ponies

South DownsSussex and Hampshire

Rolling chalk hills, white cliffs and country pubs

PadstowCornwall

A Cornish fishing harbour famous for seafood and the Camel Trail

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to bring my own bike?

Not usually. Many trails, such as the Camel Trail and New Forest, have bike hire nearby. Book ahead in summer.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Helmets are not a legal requirement in the UK, but they are strongly recommended and many hire shops provide them.

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