Cycling trip from Kings Hill to Liverpool May 2026

Four days.
506 km (314 miles) across England on our mountain bikes from Kings Hill, Kent to Liverpool.

What impressed us the most was not only the physical challenge, but the engineering and infrastructure that made this journey possible.

To cross such a huge part of the country while being exposed to traffic for probably less than 5% of the route is remarkable. Canal towpaths, riverside paths, cycleways, tunnels, viaducts and locks gave us a completely different perspective of England.

We rode across every type of surface imaginable: cobbles, gravel, mud, grass, asphalt and concrete. The constant changes made the trip varied and entertaining, especially the climbs and descents around the lock systems.

Seeing the canals still functioning after more than 200 years was fascinating. We were even able to help operate some of the locks ourselves and witness how these incredibly practical systems still control water levels and allow boats to move efficiently through tunnels, aqueducts and narrow sections.

Along the route we saw viaducts, bridges, tunnels, overflow structures, abandoned factories and warehouses, but also countless cafés, marinas, restaurants and industries still operating beside the waterways today. It was also surreal hearing high-speed trains rushing past nearby, as many railway lines run parallel to the canals following the flattest terrain through the country.

One of the highlights was seeing life on the narrowboats. Some people were quietly having coffee on the deck as we passed by, others clearly travelling slowly through the country on holiday. Entire communities still exist around these waterways.

What made the experience even more special was sharing it with close friends. Riding side by side for hours, supporting each other through the painful moments and through the moments of doubt. Somehow those difficult moments become the memories you value the most afterwards.

Thankfully, we completed the trip with only two punctures and one seatpost failure… literally arriving into our place in Liverpool. We were also incredibly lucky to have four straight days of fantastic weather.

This journey showed us a side of England you simply do not experience from a motorway, train or aeroplane. Slower, quieter, more human and deeply connected to the country’s industrial and engineering history.

If you ever get the chance to do a trip like this — whether 20 km or 500 km — do it.

You will see this wonderful country from a completely different perspective.

Thank you Mark, Mick, Adrian and Steve for being part of such a great adventure!