Irvine to Ayr, Ayrshire; National Cycle Network Route (NCN) 7; 19 miles

This popular, flat route starts at Irvine Beach Park. Meander through Gailes Marsh and Shewalton Wood wildlife reserves, where you'll see roe deer, whooper swans and long-eared owls. En route to Prestwick, whiz past Troon golf course and along the promenade to Ayr (ayrshirepaths.org.uk).

King's Lynn to Cromer, Norfolk; Regional Route 30; 60 miles

This newly created cycleway on the West Norfolk coastline winds past a mixture of rolling sand dunes, reed beds and crystal-clear horizons. You'll pass the medieval ruins at Castle Rising, the Queen's Norfolk residence at Sandringham and arrive at Ringstead - the perfect place to stop for a meal and overnight stay at The Gin Trap Inn. The next day, pass country churches and Holkham Park on the way to Cromer (norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk; visitnorfolk.co.uk).

Dover to Folkestone, Kent, NCN 2; seven miles

For something a little quirkier, try this route along the famous white cliffs, which has magnificent views over the English Channel as well as nautical and naturethemed contemporary art dotted along (www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk; visitkent.co.uk).

Giant's Causeway to Castlerock, County Antrim; NCN 93; 22 miles

This route along the North Atlantic coast has a smorgasbord of attractions. Giant's Causeway may be breathtaking, but be sure to stop and quaff a dram at Bushmills - the world's oldest whiskey distillery (www.irishtourist.com/antrim).

Pembrey to Penclacwydd, Carmarthenshire; NCN 4; 14 miles

The Millennium Coastal Park is perfect for young or nervous cyclists, as you can glide along on the smooth coastal cycleway (www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk).

Rottingdean to Shoreham Port, East Sussex, NCN 2; eight miles

Your bike will need a basket for all the treats you pick up, as you pass through Brighton and the heart of town (www.visitbrighton.com).

Whitby to Scarborough, North Yorkshire; NCN 1; 18 miles

Gather the clan for this fun offroad coastal path. From Whitby's railway path, cycle along open moorland and through Ravenscar. Once at Scarborough, check out Peasholm Park at North Bay (www.moortoseacycle.net).

Land's End to Bude, Cornwall; NCN 3 and 32; 123 miles

Begin at Land's End and pass through the landscapes of West Penwith to Truro. From here, take the north coast road, with its sandy beaches, or go south past coves, fishing villages and creeks. Both routes meet at Bodmin for the North Cornwall coastal route to Bude (www.cornwalltouristboard.com).

With the fresh salty breeze on your face, cycle down the wide sea promenade through Colwyn Bay, past award-winning beaches and Gwrych Castle in the hills between Llanddulas and Abergele. Visit the tiny chapel of St Trillo in Rhos-on-Sea, and Prestatyn and Rhyl, two of the most atmospheric seaside towns in Wales (www.cyclingnorthwales.co.uk).

This quiet and well-signed route offers spectacular views from craggy cliffs over the Moray Firth, where you might spot harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins. Travel over the old railway viaduct in Cullen, before following the path to the rock arch of Bow Fiddle Rock and the village of Portknockie. Next is cheery Findochty, followed by the harbour village of Port Gordon and then Garmouth. Here, you can follow the railway path east across the Speyside Viaduct to the Moray Firth Wildlife Centre (www.moray.gov.uk).

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