Top-Ranking Cycle Routes on the National Network Leading to Pride Celebrations
For those planning to attend Pride events across the UK this summer, the National Cycle Network (NCN) offers an enjoyable and accessible way to reach these celebrations. While specific NCN routes leading directly to Pride events may not be explicitly listed, the following information can help identify key routes for major cities known for Pride events such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
In London, the city hosts multiple Pride events including UK Black Pride on 10th August 2025. Cyclists can make use of NCN Route 4, which runs east-west linking central London with Greenwich and other boroughs, and NCN Route 1, running north-south, connecting various parks and cycle paths through the city. Combining these routes can help navigate to central locations like Trafalgar Square or the Pride parade routes typically in central London.
Manchester Pride occurs in August, and useful NCN routes include NCN Route 62 (part of the Trans Pennine Trail), which runs through Manchester and connects to nearby towns, and NCN Route 6, which passes through Manchester city centre and links to surrounding areas. These routes allow cyclists to reach the city centre events from the suburbs or neighboring towns.
Birmingham, though not explicitly noted for a 2025 Pride event in the search results, commonly hosts Pride in July. NCN routes in the city include NCN Route 5, NCN Route 54, and NCN Route 41, which provide connectivity to central Birmingham.
Other Pride events taking place in cities such as Liverpool, Brighton, Dundee, Hay-on-Wye, and Wells can also be reached via various NCN routes. For instance, Route 56 offers trails along former railways and traffic-free paths through Wirral Country Park en route to Liverpool, where the Pride celebrations can be found at the city's iconic Pier Head. The Pride event in Brighton can be reached via routes 2, 20, 82, and 90.
Route 3, which loops around the city, is home to the start of the Pride celebrations in Wells. Route 42 heads through the center of Hay-on-Wye, where the Pride event takes place on 6th July 2025. Route 77, also known as the Salmon Run, leads to the celebrations in Dundee's city center, with the march starting outside Steeple Church adjacent to Route 77. Foyle Pride takes place from 15th - 24th August 2025, with the parade on 23rd August 2025 next to Route 93.
Route 3 is a 328-mile cycling route that connects Land's End in Cornwall to Bristol, offering spectacular views of the mountains and valleys of Wales. Routes 92 and 93 follow the River Foyle around Londonderry, and a section of Route 93 runs along the River Foyle in Derry. Route 20 runs from Pyecombe to Brighton, and part of Route 2 can be used to reach the city via the south coast promenades.
While direct official NCN route guidance specifically for Pride events in 2025 is not detailed in available sources, these well-established National Cycle Network routes in cities hosting major Pride events provide strong cycling access options during summer 2025. Checking local Pride event websites closer to the date often reveals recommended cycling routes or partnerships with cycling organizations.
Additional cycling events like the London Cycle Festival around June 2025 at Coal Drops Yard (King's Cross) suggest good cycling infrastructure and community engagement with cycling in London, which often overlaps with Pride celebrations.
By planning routes combining these NCN segments, cyclists can reach Pride event locations safely and enjoyably, making for a memorable and sustainable way to participate in these important celebrations.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts preparing for Pride events in London can complement their outfits with food-and-drink stops along NCN Route 4, known for its diverse eateries in Greenwich, or RCN Route 1, passing by various parks and cool cafes in central London.
- For sports lovers attending Pride in Manchester, they could start their day with a leisurely bike ride using NCN Route 62, part of the Trans Pennine Trail, which passes through scenic landscapes before reaching the city, then participate in the Pride events and later cap off their day with a friendly game of football or other sports activities at local venues.
