The Sustrans National Cycle Network stretches right across the UK, and is a a great way to get out and see the surrounding countryside when on a cottage holiday. Many of the 12,000 miles of cycle routes are traffic free.

Back in 2004 I tested out North Devon’s Tarka Trail cycle route. Now, it’s pretty tricky to mess the navigation up on that one – because it winds its way mainly along the coast, and is very well signposted. But some of the other parts of the national cycle route can be a bit trickier.

To this end, Sustrans have compiled info about all the routes into an illustrated guide – complete with descriptions and maps. You can get your hands on a copy here.

Tom K