The 10 best UK cycling routes for a charity challenge

The beauty of organising your own charity ride is the flexibility. You choose the distance, the pace, the route and when to do it. 

Whether you're cycling solo, with friends or as part of a team, you'll be doing it your way and making a powerful difference for men affected by prostate cancer. 

Every mile you ride, every hill you climb and every conversation you spark will help to make more men aware of prostate cancer and raise funds for lifesaving research and support.

Real riders, real lives

One of the most powerful things about creating your own cycling challenge is seeing the impact you can have first-hand. Take the incredible story of The Prostate Peddlers, led by Ashley Jones. 

Ashley, who is living with prostate cancer, wanted to raise funds and make more men like him aware of their risk. Alongside his friend Ian and a group of mates and former colleagues, he planned a multi-day ride from Hereford to Port Talbot via Brecon, covering challenging hills and hundreds of miles. 

Their goal was ambitious – raise £10,000. But they didn’t just meet it – they smashed it, bringing in a phenomenal £30,567. 

Even more inspiring, the ripple effect of their challenge led to something lifesaving – Ian, who chose to get tested following the ride, was diagnosed with prostate cancer early. He’s since had treatment and is making a strong recovery. 

Ashley’s story shows the true power of taking on a ride like this. You can not only raise money, you can also change – and even save – lives. 

Top 10 UK cycling routes for charity riders

From beginner-friendly loops and short city rides to dramatic coastal treks and multi-day endurance adventures for seasoned cyclists, here are 10 of the best UK cycling routes to consider for your fundraising challenge.

Each route offers something unique and many are rich with scenery and history. 

How to choose the right route for you

hink about what kind of experience you want from your challenge. Are you looking for something scenic and relaxed, like a flat trail with cafe stops? Or do you want a personal endurance test – big climbs, multi-day, long-distance or a mental and physical feat? 

Ask yourself: 

• What’s your current fitness level? 

• How much time can you commit to training and the ride itself? 

• Do you want to ride solo, with a friend or as part of a group? 

• Are you aiming for a single-day challenge or a longer journey over several days? 

Don’t forget to factor in logistics such as train access, nearby accommodation, terrain type, and road safety. You can use route planning tools like Strava, Komoot or Ride with GPS to explore routes, check how hilly they are, the surface types you’d ride on and even read reviews from other cyclists. 

If you’re new to charity cycling, start local. A well-planned 20-mile loop close to home can be just as meaningful and easier to manage than a remote adventure. What matters most is that you’re doing something personal, purposeful and positive.

Tips for navigating long-distance rides

Longer rides are incredibly fulfilling, but they require planning. Whether you’re riding 50 or 500 miles, here are a few essentials to help you get the most from your challenge: 

• Break it down: Divide your route into daily chunks or rest stops to stay motivated. 

• Pack smart: Bring the essentials – water, snacks, repair kit, layers and phone power. 

• Safety first: Always let someone know your route and check the weather forecast. 

• Train gradually: Build up mileage slowly in the weeks before your challenge. 

• Celebrate milestones: Every five miles, every hill climbed – it all counts. 

Most importantly, listen to your body and enjoy the journey. The sense of achievement you'll feel at the end is second to none, and knowing you're riding for something bigger makes it even more powerful.

Inspired? Start planning your cycle today

Choose your route, set your goal and make your cycling challenge matter. Every mile you ride you’ll be helping to fund lifesaving research and supporting dads, partners, brothers and mates to navigate prostate cancer.

REGISTER YOUR RIDE TODAY