Sportive

Six of the best UK roads

Giant’s Causeway Coastal Road, Northern Ireland

The sweeping hairpins of Bealach na Ba form the UK's toughest climb (Pic: Stefan Krause, via Wikimedia Commons)
Northern Ireland's rugged coastline makes for some great riding (pic: Richard Watson, via Fusion Media)
The Tour of Britain peloton took on Marine Drive earlier this year (pic: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)
The Hardknott Pass is the toughest climb in the Lake District (pic: Shirokazan, via Creative Commons)
Horseshoe Pass is set against a stunning backdrop in north Wales (pic: Simon Pix, via Flickr Creative Commons)
Haytor has become a regular feature of the Tour of Britain (pic: Paul Hayes-Watkins)

Giant’s Causeway Coastal Road, Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway Coastal Road follows a breathtaking 120-mile route in Northern Ireland, from Londonderry to Belfast.

The stunning road, part of Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 93, passes close to the Giant’s Causeway itself and was used in part by stage two of the 2014 Giro d’Italia.

The most scenic stretch from Bushmills to Larne follows a rolling road through lush countryside hugging the rugged coastline, with dramatic cliffs and deserted beaches seemingly around every corner.

The road also passes close by the climb of Torr Head, which rears up to 20 per cent, for riders who want to test their legs further.