Sun’s out. Holiday started. Treats? Non-negotiable. Because let’s be honest — exploring the National Cycle Network is even better with tasty pit stops. Luckily, the Network is packed with brilliant cafes, bakeries and farm shops that turn a simple walk, wheel or cycle into a full-on summer day out. We’ve rounded up some of the best spots along the National Cycle Network.
The Network spans across the UK with excellent cafes, bakeries and farm shops along the way. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
England
The Orchard Tea Rooms, Grantchester (Route 11)
A classic. Literally. Cycle out from Cambridge on Route 11 and land in deckchairs under apple trees.
Reached on small country lanes from the National Cycle Network, the Orchard Tea Rooms is a great place to stop and relax.
And, of course, trying their cream tea is mandatory.
Humble Pie ‘n’ Mash, Whitby (Route 1)
Just off Route 1 in Whitby you can enjoy homemade pies in a restored 1700s-era shop with open fire and chintz.
The perfect break to refuel with traditional British comfort food in a quirky setting.
e5 Poplar Bakehouse, London (Route 1 and Route 13)
Perfect for urban explorers and just off Route 1 and 13 on the Limehouse Cut canal in East London, this bakehouse delivers next-level buns, sandwiches and coffee.
e5 Poplar Bakehouse makes for a great day out in the city.
Why not combine it with a visit to the iconic Limehouse Basin Lock?
200 Degrees Coffee, Nottingham (Route 15)
This lovely coffee spot is easy to reach by walking, wheeling or cycling, whilst calm enough to feel like you’ve escaped the city.
Close to riverside Route 15, 200 Degrees Coffee offers speciality roasted coffee, pastries, in the heart of the city.
Grab a cuppa and a treat and sit on the riverside before continuing your adventure.
Summer is a great time for a day out on the Network. Credit: Andy Catlin
Scotland
Wild Highlands Coffee, Balloch (Route 7)
Stunning loch views and coffee that hits the spot.
With cakes that disappear quickly — this is Wild Highlands Coffee.
Situated just a short walk from Route 7 in Balloch, overlooking Loch Lomond and towards Ben Lomond.
Sit back and relax, and immerse yourself into the wild whilst enjoying a locally roasted cuppa.
Inverness Botanic Gardens Cafe, Inverness (Route 78)
The Botanics offer a peaceful pause on a longer route or a day out in the city, surrounded by greenery and glasshouses.
Route 78 runs from Inverness town centre passing over Ness Islands to the Botanical Gardens.
The cafe makes the ideal stop if you are out exploring with children.
Ottoman Coffeehouse, Glasgow (Route 756 and Route 7)
How about some award-winning coffee right in the heart of the city?
Ottoman Coffeehouse is easily reached on Route 756 or 7.
A firm favourite all over Glasgow, this place brings bold flavours — think rich coffee, Turkish treats and a warm welcome.
And why not make this trip into a relaxed riverside Clyde walk or explore the Riverside museum nearby.
Lannan Bakery, Edinburgh (Route 75)
Just a few minutes’ walk, wheel or cycle from Route 75 along the Water of Leith lies Lannan Bakery.
An innovative viennoiserie bakery that specialises in using a harmonious match of traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients.
Why not make it a day out with a visit to the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden?
Along the Network you can find farm shops offering seasonal and local produce, home baked cakes and treats. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Wales
Ash Farm, Kilgetty (Route 4)
Walk or cycle past beaches, and then stop by a delicious farm shop and cafe.
Around a 15 minute cycle from Route 4, you'll be treated with homemade cakes, local produce, and outdoor seating.
Don't forget to see the alpacas.
Pettigrew Bakeries, Cardiff - Taff Trail (Route 8)
Pettigrew bakeries in Cardiff feels like a local secret whilst being close enough to reach on traffic-free Route 8.
This artisan bakery is close to Bute Park and the Taff Trail.
Here you can indulge in fresh sourdough, flaky pastries and seasonal bakes that sell out for a reason.
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Coaltown Coffee Roasters, Ammanford (Route 437)
Set in South Wales’ old mining heartlands close to Route 437, this is a destination cafe with a quiet edge — industrial heritage meets carefully crafted coffee.
Coaltown cafe feels spacious, airy and perfect for a relaxing stop.
Walk, wheel or cycle along River Amman to the nearby villages and then return to Ammanford where you can catch a direct train to Shrewsbury and Swansea.
Cafes, cake and a well-earned breaks are all part of your adventures on the National Cycle Network. Credit: Jon Bewley
Northern Ireland
Wallace and Donut, Lisburn - Lagan Towpath (Route 9)
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 budding wildlife spotters.
Treat yourself to a donut or lunch (or both) at Wallace and Donut before catching the train back.
Lost & Found Cafe, Portstewart (Route 93)
If sipping coffee and eating pastries on the beach sounds perfect, this cafe is for you!
A great, easy cycle or walk from Coleraine to Portstewart on Route 93, takes you to Northern Ireland's impressive coast.
And if you haven't had enough, you can continue on the route to Portrush.
Assemble Bakery, Belfast - Comber Greenway (Route 99)
For our urban explorers, why not try Assemble Bakery? Pop in for pastries, bread and delicious coffee.
Just off Route 99, known as the Comber Greenway, it makes for the perfect stop before continuing on the Greenway.
The Greenway starts in the heart of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast and meanders seven miles out to Comber in the County Down countryside.
The Scullery, Derry~Londonderry (Route 93)
Just up the path from Route 93, lies a cosy, pared-back cafe known for great coffee and simple, well-made food.
The Scullery is tucked slightly away from the main tourist flow, and it’s perfect for a coffee stop.
Combine the visit with a walk, wheel or cycle along the River Foyle on either side on Route 93 or 92.
Hidden gems, like the Broch cafe in Perthshire, make exploring the Network extra special. Credit: Julie Howden
