The world's best cycling routes

By Charlie Allenby

February 8, 2023

See a destination differently, by hopping on a bike.

From sightseeing at a leisurely pace to testing yourself on new terrain, here are five of the best cycle trails and tracks around the globe.

Como to Moltrasio loop, Lake Como

This relaxed 20km loop takes in Northern Italy’s scenic lakes and mountainous alpine passes, without tackling any thigh-burning inclines. A 15-minute drive from Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como brings you to the city of Como, your starting point for the ride. Setting off from Como Lago train station, you can follow a path that hugs the lake’s shoreline, taking you along Passeggiata Lino Gelpi from Piazza Cavour to Villa Olmo’s spectacular gardens. From here, the cycle path keeps things coastal until you’re able to join Via Regina and go all the way to the town of Moltrasio. A pretty town once famed for its limestone quarries, Moltrasio was a favourite destination of the late Gianni Versace, who oversaw the restoration of one of its villas, Villa Fontanelle. When retracing your route back to Como, look out across the lake to the east and try and spot Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como on the other side.

Distance covered Approximately 20km

Challenge level Mild

Richmond Park, London

Just a 30-minute drive from Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, the vast and verdant Richmond Park is best enjoyed on two wheels, with a variety of cycling options to help you cover some of its 2,500 acres. Keen road cyclists might want to head here first thing and try to keep up with one of the numerous cycling clubs that use the 10.8km circumference loop for training rides. Whichever way you set off, each circuit includes a short and sharp climb of either Dark Hill (anti-clockwise) or Broomfield Hill (clockwise). If you prefer to take things at a more sedate pace, the traffic-free Tamsin Trail comprises 12km of gravel paths, passing some of the park’s most scenic spots, from the wooded Isabella Plantation to King Henry’s Mound, with its view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Distance covered Approximately 12km

Challenge level Mild to moderate

Fraser’s Hill loop, Kuala Lumpur

Cycling uphill isn’t everyone’s idea of a life-affirming afternoon, but for a certain breed of cyclist, the ascent (and the well-earned descent down the other side) is all part of the fun. The outskirts of Kuala Lumpur are home to some brilliant road climbs, and it’s hard to beat the route to the top of Fraser’s Hill – a former tin mine-turned-hill resort. Drive an hour north from Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur to reach the start (and end point) of the Kuala Kubu Bharu loop. Set off on the wide, sweeping asphalt of Federal Route 55 and get ready for a gentle 30km warm-up as you follow the meandering path of the Selangor River, flanked by lush vegetation. On reaching the big Fraser’s Hill sign, it’s time to turn off the main drag and onto the one-way climb (with its constantly changing gradients) all the way to the clock tower at its summit. Drink in the views and enjoy a rest before whizzing your way downhill, back to Kuala Kubu Bharu.

Distance covered Approximately 80km

Challenge level Moderate to tough

Coast to coast, Singapore

Crossing a whole island might sound like a feat for experienced cyclists, but there’s a route in Singapore that even first-timers can tackle in a day. Its starting point is a 25-minute drive west of Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, in Jurong Lake Gardens. Spanning 36km, the trail connects some of the city’s loveliest green spaces on its way to the finish line at Coney Island Park. With views out across the MacRitchie Reservoir and Bukit Batok Nature Park’s crystal-clear waters, the route also passes Adam Road – the perfect spot for a mid-ride refuel, with its cluster of terrific street-food stalls.

Distance covered Approximately 36km

Challenge level Mild to moderate

Santiago Metropolitan Park, Santiago

With the snow-capped Andes to the east, the Chilean capital has some show-stealing mountain vistas. The hills and mountains are criss-crossed with rugged bike trails, not least in the city’s Metropolitan Park (which, at 1,700 acres, is over twice the size of Central Park). The park has three different downhill trails to choose between, within easy reach from your base at Mandarin Oriental, Santiago, each starting at the Mirador Pablo Neruda Amphitheater. Beginners can pedal the Zorzal or Amphitheatre trails, while the snaking bends of the S route are for riders with off-road experience.

Distance covered Approximately 5km

Challenge level Mild to moderate

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About the Author

Charlie Allenby

A London-based writer and editor, Charlie is the author of the book Bike London.