The trail, which runs from the Peak District to Cape Wrath or John o’ Groats in Scotland, was recognised as the UK’s Sports Staycation of the Year in iNews’ National Staycation Awards. The award was announced at an exclusive event held in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London (Thursday, 21 November).

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns said, “At Cycling UK we’re passionate about both encouraging and enabling more people to enjoy the UK’s breathtaking countryside, so it’s great to see our Great North Trail recognised by the Staycation Awards.

“The off-road cycling community has been calling for joined up and long-distance routes, which is why Cycling UK developed and launched the Great North Trail. It’s an 800- mile trail from Derbyshire to the northern coasts of Scotland, connecting existing off-road routes with quiet lanes to create an iconic largely off-road route across some of northern England and Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.”

The off-road cycling community has been calling for joined up and long-distance routes, which is why Cycling UK developed and launched the Great North Trail.

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK's Head of Campaigns

The Great North Trail takes riders through some of northern England and Scotland’s most iconic spots of natural beauty, beginning in the Peak District and continuing through the Yorkshire Dales, Kielder Forest, Corrieyairack Pass, Loch Ness, before ending in Cape Wrath.

Its development is part of Cycling UK’s on-going work to open more of the countryside to cyclists, which could have enormous health and economic benefits for the rural economy as both a domestic and international tourist attraction.

Currently only two of England’s national trails are rideable end to end. It is Cycling UK’s aim to fulfil the original goal of the 70-year-old National Parks Act, which saw the creation of the national trails, and create a network of long distance routes that will also connect the national parks for cyclists, walkers and horse riders enjoyment.

“Cycling UK set out to capture people’s imagination, bringing the environment they would be passing through to life, with options for day trips, weekends and to segment the route,” said Mr Dollimore. “We’re thrilled to win an award which celebrates everything that’s fantastic about holidays and recreation on home shores.”

A guidebook for the Great North Trail, written by mountain bike guide Max Darkins and illustrated with stunning photography by Joolze Dymond, will be available in time for Christmas via the Cycling UK. To secure a copy, you can register your interest via the Cycling UK website.