Winter doesn’t usually stop people who enjoy cycling, but it does narrow the choices.

Traffic picks up, surfaces deteriorate, and routes that rely on good conditions stop being reliable, which is often what shortens rides or puts them off entirely.

Greenways – traffic-free paths often built on disused railway lines – are a practical choice for winter cycling thanks to their reliable surfaces, gentle gradients, and uninterrupted distances.

Now one in Cornwall has been named among the top five best greenway routes in Britain to beat the winter blues.

Ben Mercer, from Leisure Lakes Bikes, said: “In winter, most bike riders aren’t looking for variety, they’re looking for certainty.

“Greenways come up again and again because people know what they’re getting: steady riding, usable surfaces, and enough distance to justify heading out in the first place.

“That also means they work across different bikes, whether someone’s on a hybrid, a gravel bike, or an e-bike set up for colder weather.”

Ben has highlighted five greenways ideal for winter cycle trips.

Camel Trail

The Camel Trail in Cornwall is a particular favourite, stretching nearly 18 miles from Padstow to Bodmin via Wadebridge along a tidal estuary.

Ben said: “We see riders sticking with routes like the Camel Trail through winter because they know exactly what the ride involves.

“The surface stays consistent, the distance works with daylight, and that removes a lot of hesitation.”

The trail offers a mostly flat, traffic-free ride from the moment you leave Padstow, with Wadebridge serving as a natural turnaround point.

Continuing on to Bodmin adds extra miles without making the route too ambitious for a winter’s day.

Ben’s four other choices are:

Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Linking two busy cities while rarely feeling urban, the Bristol and Bath Railway Path follows the Avon Valley for around 13 miles on a well-maintained, fully traffic-free surface.

Starting in central Bristol, the route slips into greener surroundings, passing woodland, riverbanks and old railway features before delivering riders straight into the heart of Bath.

On this route, you’re not dealing with mud, sudden climbs or pressure to push on. Cafés at both ends make it easy to turn the route into a relaxed day out, whether you ride the full length or break it into sections.

Tissington Trail

Set high in the Peak District, the Tissington Trail runs for 13 miles between Ashbourne and Parsley Hay on a former railway line that was built for steady movement. Dry stone walls, open fields and long views define the route, giving it a sense of scale that suits winter riding particularly well.

Ashbourne makes an easy starting point with plenty of places to warm up afterwards, while Parsley Hay connects to other trails for those wanting to extend the day. The gradient stays gentle throughout, with no climbs that drain energy or break the rhythm.

Monsal Trail

The Monsal Trail follows a former railway line through the Peak District, keeping gradients shallow and the surface consistent from end to end. Starting near Bakewell, the route stays traffic-free and uninterrupted, carrying you through tunnels, cuttings and across viaducts without introducing climbs or rough sections that break the ride up.

In winter, the tunnels provide regular shelter, while the open sections remain clear and easy to read under changing light. You can ride the route steadily from start to finish, cover meaningful distance, and finish within daylight without needing to adjust pace or pick your way through difficult ground.

Cuckoo Trail

The Cuckoo Trail offers a quieter, more enclosed experience, running for 14 miles between Polegate and Heathfield through woodland, farmland and small Sussex towns. Tree cover along much of the route provides shelter from wind, making it a dependable choice when conditions are changeable.

All five routes are suitable for a range of bicycles, including hybrids, gravel bikes, and e-bikes.