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LinkedinEver started a holiday with an alarm call at the crack of dawn followed by hours of mindless zig-zagging through passport control? Author Steve Silk offers a chilled-out alternative – courtesy of the humble pushbike.
Trust me when I say I’m no natural athlete. Dribbling a football? Not my strength. Cricket skills? Well, let’s just say I’ve had my share of “ducks.”
But recently, I’ve rediscovered the simple joys of cycling. At 50-something, I’ve found that a bike can offer the same thrill and freedom it did when I was a teenager riding around Berkshire and Buckinghamshire in the 1980s. It’s the kind of exercise that connects you with the world around you—no fancy gear, just a pair of comfy shorts and a sense of adventure.
In my latest book, Go West (published by Summersdale on July 10th), I recount a 300-mile journey, following the A40 from St Paul’s Cathedral in London all the way to the Welsh coast at Fishguard. While many cyclists aim for speed, I’m more of a wanderer—taking the scenic route and savoring the landscape. After all, cycling doesn’t just get you from A to B; it allows you to experience the world in a more intimate way. Sometimes, I even end up talking to strangers. Imagine that!
Cycling Out of London: A Surprisingly Easy Escape
A decade ago, I would have been concerned about cycling directly out of London. But today, the capital is surprisingly accommodating. From Oxford Street to Bayswater Road, and even through Notting Hill and Shepherd’s Bush, the city opens up to cyclists in a way it didn’t before. By the time I reached Hanwell, I was ready for a detour—taking the towpath along the Grand Union Canal. Beyond Uxbridge, near Denham Deep Lock, I heard my first cuckoo of the year—something you won’t hear at Heathrow or Heston Services.
Of course, Britain’s cycling network isn’t perfect. There were a few hairy moments on dual carriageways near Red Hill and Beaconsfield. But, for the most part, I was able to find quiet lanes and safe paths along the main roads. It’s not about speed; it’s about taking in the journey.
Accommodation: No Tents Here!
Now, if you’ve ever heard of “cycle tourers,” you’ll know they’re the hardcore folks who ride 100 miles a day, setting up camp each night with a tent strapped to their bike. Not me. I’m a “credit card tourer”—half the distance, double the comfort. By Day One, I was at a Travelodge in High Wycombe, enjoying a pint with old mates. By Day Two, I was at an AirBnB in Eynsham, and by Day Three, I’d arrived at Gloucester’s historic coaching inn, ready to rest.
The Beauty of Rural Britain
While cities like Oxford and Gloucester are always worth a visit, it’s the places in between that are truly magical. Riding through the Cotswolds, I avoided the crowds of Bourton on the Water and Bibury and found some hidden gems—like Little Barrington and Sherborne. On a warm June day, I found myself alone at the charming St Nicholas’s Church in Asthall, surrounded by quintessential English beauty.
In just eight days, I crossed three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two National Parks. That’s a lot of breathtaking views for a cycle tour.
So, What’s Stopping You?
Maybe you’re not ready for a 300-mile journey just yet. But my message is simple: you can go further than you think. Leave the car behind, and leave the passport too. With a bike, a pair of padded shorts, and some determination, you’ll find hidden beauty right on your doorstep.
About the Author
Steve Silk is a journalist for BBC Look East in Norwich. Go West is his second cycling adventure book, following The Great North Road, a journey from London to Edinburgh. He’s also written books on the Norfolk Broads, including The Wherryman’s Way (2010) and Hidden Riverside Norwich (2016). When not writing, Steve can be found cycling through Norfolk and Suffolk, either on his Jamis Aurora tourer or Voodoo Bizango mountain bike.
Click Here To Buy Your Copy of Go West Today!
ISBN: 978-1-83799-572-1
Cover illustratration for Go West by Steve Silk, by Alexey Erofalov
@_Alexey Erofalov
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