Lost Lanes Central England: 36 Glorious Bike Rides in Central England

Jack Thurston — best‑selling author of the Lost Lanes series — is back in the saddle, this time guiding you through the hidden lanes, quiet byways and big‑sky landscapes of the Midlands and beyond. From the windswept hills of Shropshire to the limestone crags of the Peak District, from Lincolnshire’s wide horizons to the honey‑coloured villages of the Cotswolds, these rides show off some of England’s most underrated cycling country.

The routes are graded from easy to challenging and come with everything you need for a great day out: the best pubs and tea stops, wild‑swim spots, viewpoints, places to stay, and loads of local flavour. Each ride includes turn‑by‑turn instructions, detailed maps, downloadable GPX files and a dedicated website for extra planning help. All routes are accessible by train and cover Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire.

Pedal the traffic‑free trails of the Peak District, explore the quietest corners of the Cotswolds, follow Edward Elgar’s tyre tracks up the Malvern Hills, uncover Birmingham’s secret canal‑side greenways, or ride the high, dramatic contours of the Shropshire Hills. Whether you’re after gentle lanes or big‑view adventures, this collection is packed with inspiration for unforgettable days on the bike.