Countryside cycle route ranked among best in UK and Ireland

A countryside cycle route has been ranked among the best in the UK and Ireland.

The South Downs route, which stretches 100 miles across Sussex and towards Hampshire, was named sixth in Enjoy Travel's list of the 20 top routes in the UK and Ireland.

The ranking was based on its "far-reaching views" and the fact cyclists experience no traffic as it is the only cycle route in the UK to be based entirely within a national park.

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A spokesman for Enjoy Travel said: "The route weaves along typical rural English countryside, past Iron Age hillforts and Bronze Age burial grounds, though there’s ample opportunity for beginners to break along the way.

"In fact, with far-reaching views over the farmlands and out over the Channel, you’ll want to pause quite a few times. For the best views, begin the trail in Winchester and head east to the looming white cliffs of Beachy Head."

Other routes on the list include the Isle of Wight's "Round the Island" route and the Elan Valley Trail in Wales.

The North York Moors Cycleway in Yorkshire was ranked best overall.