There’s nothing better than treating yourself to a tasty ice cream cone or yummy tub of sorbet to cool off during your walk, wheel or cycle ride. We've put together a list of some of our favourite ice cream spots along the Network that you've just got to try.
It's time to spill the sprinkles on your favourite ice cream spots along the National Cycle Network. Credit: Lauren Mealor
With so many great ice cream shops to choose from, which one should you try?
Well sit back and relax, as we've asked our teams across the UK to give us the scoop on their favourite ice cream shops on or near to the National Cycle Network.
1. Route 99, Northern Ireland
Paper Cup, Belfast
Located in the Titanic Quarter just off Route 99, Paper Cup is part of Pedal Perks – our brilliant cyclist loyalty scheme in and around Belfast.
They have a selection of tasty ice creams with a choice of toppings and sauces.
And if that’s not enough to get you jumping on your bike and heading over there, they’re also offering 10% off the bill for anybody riding a bike.
2. Route 7, Scotland
The Ice Cream Factory, Troon
This friendly, family-run ice cream and sweet shop is truly scrumptious.
Owner Michele has over 30 years’ experience in the ice cream business and he really knows his stuff when it comes to creating yummy flavours.
Whether you fancy vanilla or mint choc chip in a cone or a cup, the Ice Cream Factory has it all.
And if you’re all about the extras, you can top your ice cream off with a selection of wafers and sauces.
Give the Scottish Tablet ice cream a go – it’s their bestseller and a flavour not to be missed.
3. Route 1, North East
Di Meo’s Ice Cream, Whitley Bay
Route 1 is home to lots of ice cream stops, but Di Meo’s definitely tops the list.
The shop is about 20 metres from Route 1, with a kiosk on the route along the seafront too.
Their award-winning homemade gelato is freshly made by hand every day using the finest milk sourced from local dairy farms.
Flavours from this Whitley Bay spot include alfonso mango, amarena cherry, and their very own chocolate and hazelnut delight, aptly-named Whitella!
Across country, follow the National Cycle Network routes and cool down with scoops of delicious ice cream. Credit: Brian Morrison
4. Route 56, North West
Nicholls, Liverpool
Parkgate is renowned for its delicious ice cream shops, and Nicholls is certainly no exception.
Making ice cream for over 75 years, there’s nothing they don’t know about crafting truly tasty scoops.
The shop overlooks the Dee Estuary and is just a stone’s throw away from Route 56, the best place to stop and enjoy an ice cream with a view.
5. Monsal Trail, East Midlands
Hassop Station, Derbyshire
Situated in a spacious old station building with a sun terrace overlooking the beautiful Monsal Trail, Hassop's is a must-see when cycling along Route 680.
The cafe offers ‘Desserts of the Day’ served with vanilla ice cream sourced from a local Peak District dairy.
Hassop’s also has a range of bike hire for adults and kids including e-bikes, tandems and trailers.
6. Route 16, South East
Rossi, Southend-on-Sea
Located along Route 16 in the lovely seaside resort town of Southend-on-Sea, Rossi has been making award-winning ice cream in Essex for over 85 years.
Their Lemon Ice sorbet picked up a prestigious national award from the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA).
Flavours like Candy Crush and an eye-catching jet-black vanilla ice cream, the team there are always coming up with new and exciting ice creams to enjoy — so prepare for a surprise.
There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy ice cream during your adventures on foot or bike. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
7. Bristol and Bath Railway Path, South West
Warmley Waiting Room, Warmley
Situated along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, Warmley Waiting Room is a bustling cafe and an ideal stop for mid-journey refreshment on the repurposed railway line.
Along with hot drinks, cakes and sandwiches, you can also grab a delicious Marshfield ice cream.
There’s plenty of bike parking available nearby so you can lock up your bike and keep both hands free to enjoy your ice cream.
8. Route 27, South West
The Coffee Shack, Plymouth
Perched right on the Plymouth Hoe and overlooking the breathtaking Plymouth Sound harbour, the Coffee Shack is a great place to stop when cycling along Route 27.
They have a range of ice creams with milk sourced from Cotswold farms, but it’s the Special which is the one to look out for — vanilla with clotted cream.
9. Route 1, Scotland
Jannettas Gelateria, St. Andrews
Now in its 118th year and fifth generation, Jannettas Gelateria has been serving ice cream and sorbet in St. Andrews for a while.
This is a place that transports you right into the sun-drenched hills and beaches of Italy.
Situated close to Route 1, grab an ice cream and sit at the nearby beautiful beach to savour it.
Many of our favourite ice cream shops offer stunning views and make for an excellent family day out. Credit: Martin Bond
10. Route 93, Northern Ireland
Cream of the Coast, Portrush
This little ice cream van sells delicious Sundae on the North Coast at Magheracross viewpoint near Portrush.
From raspberry ripple to the classic whippy and a flake, Sundae cravings are guaranteed to be satisfied.
Right on the beautiful Causeway Coast Cycle Route, a visit here makes for a great day out and a stop with a view.
11. Route 4, Wales
Verdi's, Swansea
Imagine sitting right on the seafront, in an Italian cafe with a scoop of delicious gelato — welcome to Verdi's.
Situated a little along the beach front from Route 4 in the Victorian fishing village of Mumbles, this cafe and ice cream parlour offers spectacular panoramic views across Swansea Bay.
It makes for an easy day trip from nearby Swansea or a longer walk, wheel or cycle from nearby towns.
