Exploring purple: The best National Cycle Network routes to see heather in bloom

From the wild Pennines to the North York Moors, the Scottish Highlands to the Mourne Mountains, there are National Cycle Network routes that take you right through some of the UK's most spectacular late-summer landscapes.

Think rolling purple hills stretching to the horizon and plenty of excuses to stop for a photo. 

Now is the time to see it. Heather doesn't hang around for long, which makes catching it in full bloom feel extra special.

So, if you're ready to surround yourself with some colour, here are some of the best National Cycle Network routes where heather season is at its best.

Jump to: 

Scotland

Wales 

Northern Ireland

England

Sherwood Forest, Mansfield (Route 6 and 648)

A heaven of pink hills awaits you in Sherwood Forest, just off the junction of Route 6 and Route 648.

Easily reachable from major cities like Nottingham, Sheffield and Lincoln, the forest offers the perfect weekend escape.

North York Moors and the coast (Route 656, 65, 165 and 1)

Views in the North York Moors are the kind that make it difficult to put your camera down.

Route 656, 65 and 165 take you right into the heart of the moors, where late summer transforms the landscape into a patchwork of vibrant heather.

And if you fancy pairing your heather with a salty sea breeze, hop onto Route 1 between Scarborough and Whitby.

The route weaves between purple moorland, dramatic coastline and charming fishing villages.

The Pennine Cycleway, North Pennines (Route 68)

The Pennine Cycleway (Route 68) runs through some of the most spectacular landscapes and unspoilt countryside that England has to offer. 

And at this time of the year, it's even more spectacular. Expect big skies, bigger views and plenty of purple. 

The route is famous with long-distance walkers and cyclists; passing the iconic 73-miles long Hadrian's wall and through Northumberland National Park. 

Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs (Route 7)

Purple season looks pretty spectacular on Route 7 in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

With sparkling lochs, forests and heather-covered hills rolling away into the distance, time on Route 7 is stunning — especially at this time of the year. 

Cycle from Glasgow to Balloch or catch a train to Balloch and cycle through the Trossachs. If you fancy, you could go all the way to Pitlochry on Route 7.

Lomond Hills near Falkland, Fife (Route 1)

Looking for heather with a side of history? Route 1 near Falkland is hard to beat.

Late August, the slopes of the Lomond Hills burst into shades of purple, creating a colourful backdrop to one of Scotland's prettiest villages.

It's worth taking time to explore Falkland's cobbled streets and the stunning Falkland Palace; where you could try yourself at a game of tennis at now the oldest surviving royal tennis court in the world. 

Cycle from Edinburgh to Falkland or catch a train/bus to get you closer to Falkland. The section along Loch Leven in Kinross to Falkland is especially beautiful to walk, wheel or cycle.

The Ayrshire coast (Route 7)

The section between Troon to Irvine on Route 7 offers some spectacular coastal heathland in the dunes. 

Easy to reach from Glasgow entirely on Route 7, or by train to Troon or Irvine, this coastal route makes for a brilliant day out.

Expect open views over the beach, fresh sea air and plenty of opportunities to pause and take it all in.

Wales

The Celtic Trail, Pembrokeshire (Route 177)

The Celtic Trail near Pembrokeshire combines wildlife spotting with beautiful coastal and moorland heather. 

Look out for dramatic cliff-top views, hidden coves and stretches of coastline that feel wonderfully wild.

You might even spot some seabirds overhead or seals bobbing along the shoreline. 

The Gower peninsula, near Swansea (Route 4)

This stretch of Route 4 between West Cross and Loughor pairs sea views with pockets of beautiful heathland.

You'll be treated to sweeping views across the Gower landscape, with beaches, salt marshes and rolling countryside.

The Route itself does not go onto the peninsula, but a detour past Cefn Bryn to Rhossili may be well worth it. 

Northern Ireland

Belfast to Lisburn - Lagan Towpath (Route 9)

Not a heather route itself, but the Lagan Towpath from Belfast to Lisburn makes for the perfect day out.

On the route you'll pass rivers and beautiful parks — perfect for nature lovers and wildlife spotters.

Route 9 ends in Newry, making it a great gateway to the Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion AONB — both magical places to spot heather in bloom. 

Causeway Coast (Route 93)

Follow in the legendary footsteps of giants at Northern Ireland on this 23-mile route.

Running between the Giant's Causeway, Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock along the north coast, Route 93 offers beautiful coastal heather.

The route combines sea cliffs, beaches and the famous Giant's Causeway.

Portrush, Coleraine and Castlerock are accessible by train on the Belfast – Londonderry service.