Britain's cycling-friendly pubs

Try to find a cycle route that doesn't go past at least one pub and you'll probably be looking for a while.

Pubs are the ideal place for cyclists to relax after a long day on the bike, with gardens, cold drinks and food all available.

Just like cafes started appealing to coffee-loving riders, pubs too are installing facilities to cater for visiting cyclists.

Here are a few around the UK that are proud to be cycling-friendly.

Strickland Arms

Penrith, Cumbria

Team Sky visited this pub last September and Bradley Wiggins presented owners Anton and Penny Flaherty with one of his Tour de France yellow jerseys (now proudly displayed inside). Cyclists can use the bike lock facilities, drying room and even stay in the log yurt. There's space to wash and repair bikes while the Flahertys are also willing to keep the kitchen open late and take people to the local bike shop if needed.

Website: www.thestricklandarms.co.uk

Waggon and Horses

Great Yeldham, Essex

When a cyclist rode by the Waggon and Horses pub recently with a puncture, landlord Mike Shiffner gave him a spare inner tube to repair it. Local cycling clubs now come by regularly and lock up their bikes in the facilities and have lunch, while cycling tourists often stay in the hotel.

Website: www.waggonandhorses2.homestead.com

Y Talbot

Tregaron, Ceredigion, Mid-Wales

When Y Talbot was recently refurbished, the owners installed a drying room and lockable shed to store bikes. Cyclists who visit can be directed to bike shops, bike hires and given suggested routes. "If we can't help them, we know someone who can," said Nia Taylor, one of the pub's owners.

Website: www.ytalbot.com

Sun Inn

Leintwardine, Herefordshire

"We're a typical country pub, with muddy boots, Lycra and dogs," said Gary Seymour, one of the landlords of this 200-year-old pub. "We have cycle racks, a garden where cyclists can come in and cool down, and a balcony to sit on." The pub even has its own ‘non-Lycra' cycling club called ‘On Yer Bike Sun'.

Website: www.suninn-leintwardine.co.uk 

Scarlett Arms

Walliswood, Surrey

Cyclists are a regular presence at the Scarlett Arms. Sited along the Surrey Cycleway, many groups of riders stop here every month. "We've always been a cycling friendly pub," said landlady Tracey Wilson. "The more the merrier. I run a country pub and everyone is entitled to use the countryside."

Website: www.scarlettarms.co.uk 

Related links

Great British cycling cafes