The 7 best coast to coast bike rides

1. Coast to Coast/C2C (United Kingdom)

Best for experiencing the wild variety of Northern England’s landscapes.

Key statistics

229 kilometres

3,627 metres of elevation gain

Start/ finish: Whitehaven (Irish Sea)/ Tynemouth (North Sea)

Route notes: what makes it special

The UK’s classic coast to coast cycle route offers one of the most rewarding and scenic cycling challenges in the country. Running from the Irish Sea at Whitehaven to the North Sea at Tynemouth, the route takes riders across the entire width of Northern England, crossing the Lake District, Eden Valley, North Pennines and the Tyne Valley.

This iconic journey is a true test of endurance and determination – with big climbs (including the notorious Hartside Pass), technical descents, and constant undulations – but it’s also accessible, with dedicated infrastructure and plenty of accommodation en route.

The ever-changing landscapes are a major highlight: dramatic Lakeland fells, wild moorland, remote valleys, old mining villages, and finally the striking coastal finish at Tynemouth Priory. The contrast between rugged solitude and lively towns makes for a dynamic and satisfying ride. Add in the sense of purpose that comes with point-to-point travel, and it’s easy to see why the C2C has become a rite of passage for UK cyclists.

More information

• Our ultimate guide to the UK’s coast to coast cycling route covers this route in much more detail.
• There are also alternative coast-to-coast routes in our list of the 16 best UK cycling routes.

Cycling the iconic C2C (photo credit: Rhys Beddoe via UK Bike Tours)

2. Sardinia Coast to Coast (Italy)

Best for escaping into the wild interior of a Mediterranean island on a rewarding week-long crossing.

Key statistics

280 kilometres

5,075 metres of elevation gain

Start/ finish: Montevecchio (Mediterranean)/ Cardedu (Mediterranean)

Route notes: what makes it special

Cycling coast to coast across Sardinia is an unforgettable way to experience the diverse character of this unique Mediterranean island. This journey offers more than just spectacular scenery – it’s a cultural immersion through Sardinia’s natural beauty, ancient history, and remote mountain life.

The ride begins with a loop of the Costa Verde’s wild coastline, where sweeping sea views, peaceful lagoons, and traditional fishing villages set the scene. As you leave the coast behind, the terrain transitions into Sardinia’s central highlands – a remote, rugged region rich in prehistoric sites and agricultural heritage.

One of the most memorable sections takes you through the Nuoro Province, part of the world-renowned Blue Zone, known for the longevity of its inhabitants. From here, the route carves through limestone ridges and quiet mountain roads in the Montarbu and Tacchi di Ulassai ranges – an untouched cycling paradise that sees few tourists.

The final stretch leads you past Perda Liana, a dramatic natural rock tower, before descending toward the tranquil eastern coastline. With smooth tarmac, low traffic, and a sense of remoteness, this point-to-point ride offers a deep and rewarding cycling experience in one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.

More information

• Explore more route options for the island with our guide to cycling Sardinia.
• Sardinia also features in our guide to some of the best Mediterranean bike tours.

Saddle Skedaddle’s coast to coast road cycling holiday (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)

3. Pyrenees Coast to Coast (France, Spain)

Best for stringing together legendary Tour de France climbs on an unforgettable mountain traverse.

Key statistics

750 kilometres

14,500 metres of elevation gain

Start/ finish: Hendaye, France (Atlantic Ocean)/ Canet-en-Roussillon, France (Mediterranean)

Route notes: what makes it special

The Raid Pyrenees is one of the most iconic coast-to-coast cycling challenges in Europe, stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean across the formidable backbone of the Pyrenees. The classic route runs from Hendaye on the Basque coast to Cerbère on the Mediterranean. If you’re doing the official “Raid Pyrénéen” then it’s a timed event, intended to be undertaken in 100 hours (though that’s completely optional, of course).

This isn’t just a ride – it’s a rite of passage for mountain-loving cyclists. The route links together many of the range’s greatest hits: Col d’Aubisque, Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and Col de Pailhères, among others. These climbs, many of them Tour de France staples, offer stunning high-mountain scenery, thrilling descents and a raw, unfiltered sense of achievement.

Despite the epic terrain, it’s not just about the physical challenge. The crossing offers a deep connection to the mountains, from misty pine forests and alpine pastures to stone-built villages and quiet mountain roads. By the time you reach the Mediterranean, the shift in climate, culture and landscape makes this a coast-to-coast ride with a real sense of journey.

More information

• Get more detail on the Raid Pyrenees cycling route with our dedicated guide.
• Or ride the trans-Pyrenees routes in more leisurely style.
• Alternatively, this article shares an itinerary though the Spanish Pyrenees (albeit not coast to coast).

Quiet roads in the Spanish Pyrenees (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)

4. Land’s End to John o’ Groats (United Kingdom)

Best for taking on the UK’s most iconic long-distance cycling challenge from tip to toe.

Key statistics

1,609 kilometres

16,764 metres of elevation gain

Start/ finish: Land’s End (Atlantic Ocean)/ John O’Groats (North Sea)

Route notes: what makes it special

LEJOG is a legendary long-distance challenge that embodies the spirit of adventure cycling in the UK. Spanning the length of Britain, it’s a route rich in personal milestones and deeply varied landscapes: the wild Atlantic coast of Cornwall, the remote beauty of Dartmoor, green English shires, the Lake District’s dramatic climbs, the majestic lochs of Scotland, and finally the windswept cliffs of the far north.

Unlike other coast to coast rides, this one traverses the entire country – and while there’s no single set route, that freedom is part of the appeal. Riders can tailor it for speed, scenery or remoteness, from the Wye Valley to Fort William. Whether you opt for a 9-day ultra challenge or a more leisurely multi-week version, it’s as much a mental feat as a physical one.

What elevates LEJOG is the camaraderie it inspires. Shared struggles, remote lunch stops, and emotional finishes under the famous signpost at John o’ Groats create memories that endure long after the ride ends.

More information

• Read our guide to the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle route to learn more about some of the options available.
• We also have an interview with Epic Road Rides ambassador Norbert, to get his perspective on his LEJOG cycling route.
• See where LEJOG fits in our guide to the ultimate cycling challenges for your bucket list.
• And check out our guide to the world’s best long distance cycling routes for more on LEJOG.

Obligatory celebration selfie around the iconic John O’Groats sign (photo credit: Norbert Dürauer)

5. Cycling the Balkans (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey)

Best for crossing borders and cultures on a truly epic ride through southeastern Europe.

Key statistics

1,656 kilometres

22,121 metres of elevation gain

Start/ finish: Cavtat, Croatia (Adriatic Sea)/ Gelibolu, Turkey (Dardanelles Strait)

Route notes: what makes it special

Cycling across the Balkans isn’t just a physical challenge – it’s a full-blown adventure through history, culture, and wildly varied scenery. This extraordinary ride takes you from the sparkling Adriatic coastline near Dubrovnik to the doorstep of Asia in Istanbul, covering seven countries along the way.

Along the route, you’ll ride famous switchback climbs like the Serpentine above Kotor Bay, tackle remote highlands in Albania, cruise around Lake Ohrid, explore UNESCO heritage sites, and climb into the pine-scented Pirin Mountains.

The tour blends coastlines, lakes, rugged mountains, and quiet rural roads with bustling cities, creating a powerful sense of journey. You’ll cross borders both literal and figurative – and for many, it’s a ride that changes your relationship with travel, cycling, and what it means to cover ground under your own power.

More information

• Read our in-depth review and guide to cycling the Balkans.
• The Balkans route also features in our guide to the best bike tours across Europe.
• We have a deeper dive into cycling Croatia which covers part of the Balkans route.
• We also have several guides to cycling Greece which you can find on our Greece destination hub page.
• Check out our guide to Turkey cycling tours to learn more about the last leg of the Balkans route.

Historic city of Perast on the beautiful Bay of Kotor in summer, Montenegro

6. EuroVelo 6: Atlantic to Black Sea (France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria)

Best for following Europe’s great rivers through cities, vineyards and centuries of history.

Key statistics

4,700 kilometres

28,452 metres of elevation gain

Start/ finish: Nantes, France (Atlantic Ocean)/ Constanta, Romania (Black Sea)

Route notes: what makes it special

EuroVelo 6 is a bucket-list adventure that traverses the heart of Europe, following three of its most iconic rivers – the Loire, Rhine and Danube – from the Atlantic coast to the shores of the Black Sea. This is slow, cultural cycle touring at its finest: charming river towns, vineyard-draped hills, imperial cities like Vienna and Budapest, and breathtaking natural scenery, including the Iron Gates gorge.

You’ll cycle through ten countries in total – from the châteaux-dotted Loire Valley, through Bavaria’s fairytale towns and Austria’s wine country, before continuing along the mighty Danube into Eastern Europe. The ride passes through a tapestry of history and landscape that few routes in the world can match.

You’ll find good cycling infrastructure, bike-friendly accommodation, and countless opportunities to stop for wine, cheese, or a scenic picnic. A true transcontinental journey, it offers an unbeatable blend of challenge, reward and cultural richness.

More information

• Our guide to the best EuroVelo routes has more information on EuroVelo 6 and some other fantastic long-distance rides.
• Get more information on the first part of this route with our tips for cycling the Loire Valley.
• Our guide to Danube bike and boat tours also has more information on sections of the EuroVelo 6.

Panoramic view of Budapest at sunset

7. Cycling Across the USA (United States)

Best for embracing the sheer scale of America on a classic east-to-west adventure.

Key statistics

4,865 kilometres

14,959 metres of elevation gain

Start/ finish: St. Augustine, Florida (Atlantic Ocean)/ San Diego, California (Pacific Ocean)

Route notes: what makes it special

Cycling across America is one of the most iconic long-distance rides in the world – and for good reason. Stretching from ocean to ocean, this coast-to-coast challenge offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the immense scale, cultural diversity, and dramatic scenery of the USA.

There are many different routes you can take, but the Southern Tier route (Florida to California) is one of the most accessible ways to make this journey. At over 4,800 kilometres long, it weaves through everything from alligator-filled swampland in Florida to the cactus-strewn deserts of Arizona and the sun-scorched highways of California.

Along the way, you’ll ride through the Deep South, Texas Hill Country, and remote stretches of New Mexico ranch land – all the while absorbing the changing food, architecture, and communities that reflect America’s vast regional contrasts.

It’s not a ride to be underestimated. High temperatures, big distances between services, and unpredictable weather demand serious planning and resilience. But what you get in return is unforgettable – big skies, generous strangers, and the satisfaction of pedalling coast to coast under your own steam. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.

More information

• Our article on biking across America.
• This route features on our guide to the best long-distance rides in the world.

Biking across America

What’s next?

Looking for more inspiration to help you plan the ultimate cycling adventure for you?

• Best coastal cycling routes is perfect if you want to keep those sea views with you throughout your journey.
• Best islands for cycling, including some island-hopping adventures.
• Best bike tours across Europe includes a look at the best epic journeys you can take on the continent, including some of the coast-to-coast routes featured above.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.