The Cathedrals Cycle Route travels nearly 2,000 miles across some stunning English landscapes, traversing between the 42 Church of England cathedrals. Mostly on paved surfaces, the route is not signposted, but very often you are following an existing cycle route.
With so much stunning architecture and scenery along the way and a welcoming hostel at the end of the day, this challenge will give you the satisfaction of time well spent. You can also collect stamps to mark your progress along the way in your Pilgrims Passport .
Read more at the British Pilgrimage Trust and Cycling UK .
Thanks to a unique partnership between Newcastle Cathedral, Cycling UK, the British Pilgrimage Trust and the Association of English Cathedrals the Cathedrals Cycle Route links every Church of England cathedral in a new initiative to promote greener travel and wellbeing. It is hoped that the route will be extended to other nations of the UK in the future.
Stickers and stamps are available at all cathedrals, these can be collected in a Cathedrals Cycle Route Pilgrim’s Passport which is available at most cathedrals and from the English Cathedrals website.
Cathedrals Cycle Route
The Walrus Hostel is London's most central hostel. Just outside Waterloo station it is only a 10 minute walk to Big Ben, The London Eye and The Houses of Parliament. This prime position, the friendly, helpful staff and the competitive prices have meant that it steadily ranks among the top 5 budget accommodation in London. Book direct for free early check in, towel hire + 10% off at the bar!
Harlow International Hostel is in the centre of a landscaped park and is one of the oldest buildings in Harlow. The town of Harlow is your ideal base for exploring London, Cambridge and the best of South East England. The journey time to central London is only 35 minutes from the hostel door and it is the closest hostel to Stansted Airport. National Cycle Route 1 passes the front door. Meals can be provided for groups. There’s a children’s zoo, orienteering course and outdoor pursuits centre in the park.
Comfy, farm stay self-catering in rural, but train-accessible, Suffolk. Sleeps 22 in five bedrooms, including a restored Shepherd’s Hut. Mix of oak bunks & beds. Relax in cosy sitting room; croquet, BBQ, ping-pong & badminton; explore the farm, picnic in a meadow. 20 bikes included in hire or kayak down the River Stour. Go Ape, visit castles, coast, historic towns. Larger groups can also book the Tudor Barn (also in this guide).
Off Market Square, right in the centre of Nottingham, Igloo Hybrid offers great value and comfort. With dorms, singles, doubles, triples, and family quarters as well as our posh en suite Shed digs. Rooms and communal areas feature up-cycled furniture and street art murals, with a self-catering kitchen, WiFi, power showers, lockers, lounge & courtyard.
Astor York is set in a beautiful Grade II listed building just minutes’ walk to the historic centre!With a huge cosy lounge & dining areas, free WiFi throughout the building and every room en suite, Astor York is the perfect base for exploring the incredible historic centre of York. There is also a bar on the property if you fancy a drink with friends, or to meet fellow travellers, and a kitchen where you can cook your own food if you are on a budget!
Located on a small working farm, just 3 miles east of Richmond, Yorkshire. Brompton on Swale Bunkbarn offers a welcome break from walking or cycling the Coast to Coast. A pot of tea for weary walkers upon arrival and safe storage for bikes makes this bunkhouse especially welcoming. Close to the Yorkshire Dales, Swaledale, Wensleydale, Easby Abbey, Richmond Castle & Ellerton Lakes.
Dogs welcome (on a lead as there are ducks, hens and geese.)
Houghton North Farm, partly built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall is in the beautiful Northumberland countryside right on the Hadrian’s Wall trail, 15 miles from the start. This spacious new build is perfect for groups, individuals or families. The bunkrooms are located around the central courtyard. There is a self-catering kitchen (continental breakfast included). The TV lounge has a log fire and WiFi. Long-term parking, baggage transfer and packed lunches are available on request.
Fly high with the award winning “Albatross”! This clean and modern hostel is located in Newcastle’s city centre. Providing rooms from 2 bed to 12 beds and anything in between for as little as £17. The overnight price includes; linen, 24hr reception, fully fitted self-catering kitchen with free tea, coffee and toast, free WiFi access and computer terminals, pool table, satellite TV, free baggage storage and chargeable laundry facilities.The Albatross offers the perfect city centre base for international travellers, walkers, cyclists, and bikers.
In the centre of the village of Newbrough, this community run bunkhouse sleeps 22 across 3 dorms. Facilities include
2 shower/WC rooms, 2 sink areas & a small equipped kitchen. A large communal area is available to groups by arrangement. With footpaths leading directly to Hadrian’s Wall, approx 3 km away, it is popular with walkers. While for cyclists the Sandstone Way & Hadrian’s Cycleway pass right by.
Situated in the village of Greenhead on both the Pennine Way & Hadrianâs Wall, this bunkhouse is ideal for walkers or for exploring the Roman heritage sites. It has a self-catering kitchen big enough for large groups. Book by the bed, the room or for sole use. Run by Greenhead Hotel just over the road with an award winning food, it is the perfect place to stop for the night & treat yourself to a meal. Our hostel has 6 dorms (6 & 8 bed) & a few private rooms. All with shared bathroom facilities. Book a bed within a dorm or a private room!
Slack House Farm is an organic dairy farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It is on the NCN 72 cycle trail and close to Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The bunk-barn has 3 en suite bedrooms of 3,5 and 8 beds. A wood pellet-fired stove gives a warm heart to the kitchen/lounge and provides under-floor heating throughout the barn.Book a bed, a private room or sole use of the whole bunkhouse.
Located right on the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail this friendly bunkhouse is aimed at walkers or cyclists. With a drying room and cycle storage this is the perfect stop-over on the trail.Open from April to October. Florrie’s provides a comfortable bed, breakfast and evening meals plus the opportunity to socialise with other guests at the bar. In the winter season the bunkhouse is open to groups with self-catering.
Caldbeck Glamping accommodation is in the centre of Caldbeck Village close to Wainwright’s Northern Fells. Opposite The Odd Fellows pub and close to the village store. The self contained barns sleep 6 and 4. Three people can sleep in the Bothy and there is space for a small tent or two. Caldbeck is a 25 minute drive from M6 and right on The Cumbria Way and The Reivers Cycle route. Sit back and enjoy everything this hidden Lake District village has to offer.
Close to Penrith town centre and perfect for the C2C cycle route. Excellent value accommodation for visiting Penrith, the Eden Valley & the North Lake District.Bike storage, cleaning, and maintenance facilities on site. Kitchen & dining, en suite rooms with beds made up, lockers, bedside lights & USB points. Individuals, small parties & groups welcome.
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by magnificent countryside with caves, waterfalls and mountains, Ingleton is dominated by Ingleborough, the best known of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (this is a great base for The Challenge). Known for its walking routes and waterfall trail, the area has plenty for walkers, climbers, mountain bikers and cavers. Licensed and serving tasty meals there is also a self-catering kitchen. Perfect for families and school trips.
A cosy, 4-bed, mini-bunkhouse situated in the centre of Ingelton in the Yorkshire Dales. Surrounded by magnificent scenery, it's the perfect base for walking. The Three Peak Challenge and a number of long distance routes are on the doorstep. The area also boasts superb climbing, caving, cycling and mountain biking. Dogs are welcome. Bedding & towels are provided.
The Embassie is a majestic terraced house in an unspoilt Georgian square. Until 1986 it was the Consulate of Venezuela! Only 15 minutes’ walk from the centre of Liverpool, known for its nightlife, it’s in the perfect position. Recently refurbished, there are new kitchen facilities, a brand new shower suite and an all new games room & relax area with Sky Sports and HD television. The hostel is clean, safe and staffed 24 hours. Bedding is provided (including sheets) and free coffee, tea, toast and jam are available 24 hours.
Ackers Residential Centre (ARC) is a purpose built accommodation centre set in 70 acres of semi rural land just 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham. Perfect for The Sea Life Centre, Cadbury World, Thinktank, The Bull Ring shopping centre, National Motorcycle Museum & the NEC. With 9 sleeping rooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining area and a rec room with TV, DVD, games and comfy seating. Ackers Adventure provide instructor led outdoor activities on site which can be incorporated into your stay.
The Bristol Wing provides unique accommodation for independent travellers, groups and tourists.This iconic former police headquarters provides chic accommodation in the heart of Bristol.A mix of private, en suite and dorm rooms with communal spaces and cafe.Close to the bus station, and perfectly located for Bristol’s best attractions and shopping from big names to quirky markets.
Larkshall (Mendip Bunkhouse) is the Cerberus Spelaeological Society’s HQ. It offers well appointed comfortable accommodation on The Mendips, perfect for caving, walking, cycling, climbing, diving at Vobster Quay and for exploring the Somerset countryside. Local attractions include Wells, Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury & Bath. Camping available. Ample parking.
Ashclyst Farm Hostel is a charming National Trust farmhouse surrounded by land currently in the process of rewilding, with Ashclyst Forest a short walk from the Hostel. Your hosts Martyn & Lorraine are tenants of the Killerton Estate.Their spacious farmhouse is available for extended weekend breaks. Guests have the use of five private bedrooms, the farmhouse kitchen, dining rooms and lounge. There is a walled courtyard, secure cycle storage and drying room.
Globe Backpackers offers clean, comfortable, self-catering accommodation for up to 30. Book a bed, a room or the whole place.It is just a few minutes’ walk from Exeter’s city centre with its cathedral, picturesque historic waterway, quay and wide range of shops, pubs, clubs, cafés and restaurants.
A small, friendly eco-hostel in the centre of Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor National Park. Popular with cyclists, hikers, bikers, wild swimmers, artists and photographers, A beautifully converted stone stable with hot showers, kitchen, courtyard, BBQ & secure bike shed.High open moorland, rocky tors, ancient burial sites, stone circles, woods and clear rivers close by. Moretonhampstead has shops, cafés, art galleries and pubs. On the Cicerone LEJOG, Dartmoor Way and CTC routes.
Dolphins Backpackers provides affordable accommodation just ten minutes from the South West Coast Path in the centre of the scenic coastal village of Tintagel. It is just five minutes’ walk from the castle, famous for King Arthur’s legends, myth and folklore.The hostel sleeps up to 13 in a mixture of private and dorm rooms. There is a welcoming atmosphere in the shared kitchen, the communal areas and the large covered garden. Basic breakfast provided, cooked breakfasts available.
Welcome to Stonehenge Hostel, family farm & vineyards, where the perfect overnight accommodation awaits!Set in over 40 acres of stunning Wiltshire countryside, vineyards, farm & woodlands, the hostel is located just 8 miles from the historic city of Salisbury and is only 5 miles from the iconic Stonehenge. Come along and enjoy the rare breed farm animals, vineyards and over 70 beds in the fantastic Stonehenge Hostel.
An award winning eco-renovation in the heart of the South Downs National Park right on the South Downs Way. The perfect base for walkers, cyclists, business away-days and family get-togethers. The Lodge offers well appointed self-catering accommodation. There are also B&B rooms and a campsite with yurts & secluded pitches. Large grounds with woodland trails and a café. Pubs, shops & take-aways, 2 miles.
Puttenham Barn provides cycle-friendly accommodation just 1¾ miles from where the Cathedrals Cycle Route reaches Watts Gallary. Follow the off-road track to Puttenham village where you will find a choice of pubs and a simple night's accommodation in a converted historic barn with a volunteer warden to welcome you.
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Palace Farm Hostel is a relaxing, flexible 4* hostel on a family run farm.Situated in the village of Doddington, (which has a pub!), in the North Kent Downs AONB. The area is great for walking, cycling & wildlife. There are ten fully heated en suite rooms sleeping up to 39. Duvets, linen and continental breakfast included.
Amanda and Jeff cycled the Cathedrals Cycle Route in Sept 2022 and sent this Update from the road Finally, we have arrived at Oxford cathedral after 11 days cycling, 9 cathedrals and 471 miles and we have now finished this leg of our pilgrimage. We have now completed over 1200 miles and 30 cathedrals since we started. We have cycled in and out of 30 cities.
We have been along A roads, through city centres, along canals and rivers, through tunnels, over many motorways, through Central London. We have been past wetlands, through rolling countryside, up and down a thousand hills, through dockyards, by the sea and through many suburbs, through parks and residential areas.
We have seen kingfishers, herons, a buzzard, drug cannisters, rubbish and traffic. We have met interesting people and been welcomed and encouraged wherever we have gone.
We have met Bishops and Canons and Deans. We have been prayed for and blessed and had Cathedrals Cycle Route candles lit for us. We have had tea with a canon at Exeter, a drinks party with the high and mighty at Chelmsford. We have had seats of honour and mentioned in the service at Wells. We have been in the gravel pits under St Pauls. We have been with the mourners at Bristol and heard the bells tolling. We have prayed and praised God in every cathedral.
We have laboured and cried and sung and laughed and been stressed and anxious and got lost. We have run out of food and water. We have pushed ourselves to the limit. We have had illness and pain. We have had moments of despair and many times of elation but we have done it. Now we go home to plan the final leg of 900 miles and 12 cathedrals of the Cathedrals Cycle Route.
Read more at the British Pilgrimage Trust and Cycling UK
