The UK packs an extraordinary amount of great road into a small island. Here are 15 we'd put on any rider's list, from quick Sunday runs to once-in-a-lifetime passes. Each links to a full guide with highlights, hazards and stops.
England
- Cat and Fiddle (A537) — fast moorland sweepers between Macclesfield and Buxton.
- Snake Pass (A57) — the Peak District's most famous road.
- Hartside Pass (A686) — hairpins up to the North Pennines.
- Buttertubs Pass — the Dales' most dramatic crossing.
- Kirkstone Pass (A592) — the Lake District's highest pass for motor traffic.
- Porlock to Lynmouth (A39) — steep Exmoor coast road.
Wales
- Horseshoe Pass (A542) — the classic North Wales meeting point.
- Black Mountain Pass (A4069) — hairpins and huge views.
- Rhayader to Aberystwyth (A44) — Mid Wales at its flowing best.
- Llanberis Pass (A4086) — rock walls under Yr Wyddfa.
Scotland
- Bealach na Bà — Alpine hairpins to Applecross.
- Snow Roads Scenic Route — the UK's highest main roads.
- Glencoe (A82) — the grandest main road in Britain.
- A708 Moffat to Selkirk — empty Southern Uplands riding.
And one for the pilgrims
The Snaefell Mountain Course on the Isle of Man is 37.73 miles of public road you can ride all year. At legal pace it's still extraordinary.
Riding them as a group
Import a route, pick the twisty option, add café and fuel stops and invite your group. Everyone gets the same line, and it only changes if you confirm it.