Cycling up a steep hill is a lot easier when there's an incredible view to enjoy at the top. We've come up with a selection of beautiful places to train for SOHK does LEJOG across the UK to make those early-morning rides all the more worth it.

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EDINBURGH

Pentland Hills Regional Park

If you live in Edinburgh then the Pentland Hills are where you want to be! With over 100km of off-road track, the breathtaking Pentland Hills are right on your doorstep and are perfect for some high-intensity training. If you don’t want to get too muddy, you can cycle the Water of Leith path, through Balerno and up to the Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs.  

Holyrood Park

Just a few minutes walk from Edinburgh Old Town, Holyrood Park boasts some of the most beautiful views in Edinburgh. Expect to see volcanic cliff faces and tackle dramatic hills on your ride.

 

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CARDIFF

Bute Park - The Taff Trail

Start your training session in Bute Park, a beautiful leafy space located in the centre of Cardiff. Here there are an abundance of scenic routes to discover, including the The Taff Trail which runs for 55 miles between Cardiff and Brecon along a mixture of riverside paths, railway paths and forest roads.

Sirhowy Valley Country Park - Three Parks Trail

Get your helmet on and take a trip down the Three Parks Trail. Starting in the picturesque Sirhowy Valley Country Park, the 13 mile cycling route will take you through Parc Penalta to stunning views across Caerphilly and finally passing through the beautiful Parc Taf Bargoed.

 

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SOUTH LONDON

Richmond Park

With an abundance of wildlife, scenic views and a stunning 7-mile cycling route on its outskirts, Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London. Be sure to hope off your bike, take a stroll across the park’s woodland gardens and see if you can spot some deer!

Bushy Park

North of Hampton Court Palace, the historic Bushy Park offers beautiful views, stunning waterways and roaming herds of deer. Start at Bushy Park and cycle alongside the Thames all the way to Hampton Court Park.

Box Hill Park

Following the 2012 Olympics, Box Hill has become famous for its road cycling. With routes varying from 33 miles to 99 miles, the Box Hill area is nothing short of a challenge! You’ll be compensated however by gorgeous views across the surrounding countryside and a chance to try out the famous zig zag road.

    

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NORTH/WEST LONDON

Colne Valley Regional Park

Colne Valley Regional Park provides several excellent cycling routes to choose from. Thousands of acres of parkland, green spaces and lakes provide some breathtaking views of the countryside just outside of the city. The 8-mile long journey will take you alongside the picturesque Grand Union Canal for a scenic cycle.

Chiltern Hills

The Chiltern Cycleway will take you on a 170 mile circular route across the Chiltern Area into historic villages and small market towns. Passing through Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire, you’ll be able to spot some of the best landscapes in these counties.

 

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