Nobody ever said that discovering the UK’s most beautiful cycle ride would be easy – but the views are worth the epic 42-mile trek alone.
The Lakeland Loop, based in the Scottish Highlands, follows part of the North Coast 500- often dubbed as Scotland’s answer to Route 66.
The route has a lot to offer: coastal roads, highland landscapes and hardly any traffic.
Perhaps the biggest challenge of the course is the climb of Bealach na Bà. At just over 9km, Bealach na Bà (it means Pass of the Cattle), rises from sea level to a height of 626m.
The climb is often compared to the apline mountain passes of the Tour De France and those who take it on will face tight switchbacks, 20 percent gradients and beautiful views of the Isle of Skye.
One cyclist said it “took their [my] breath away” and made them feel proud of their country.
If you are not used to countryside scenery, you will no doubt love it. But it’s definitely not for the faint hearted, as one visitor found.
They said: “A poorly surfaced road, very average scenery by Scottish standards and you have to keep your wits about you anyway so the chance of enjoying the view if you are the driver is minimal if you don’t want to end up down the hillside. I do cycle and thought about this as a challenge. But having driven it, I won’t bother.”
It certainly isn’t for the faint hearted due to the narrow paths and hairpins turns along the route.
The trail is also very popular among road trippers and motorhome owners.