This guide, like all other Lonely Planet guides, contains the essentials you need to know about Britain before travelling, as well as essential facts for cyclists, including many specialist cycling organisations and contacts. It is good also to see sections dealing with cycling specific health and safety issues, as well as a basic but thorough, and easy to understand, guide to bicycle selection and maintenance.

The bulk of the guide is dedicated to the multitude of routes that can be traversed in Britain's regions. It should be pointed out that these routes are mainly aimed at those seeking to do touring cycling and is mainly based on road and light trails. Those in search of more strenuous off-road biking might be disappointed, although advice on off-road cycling and mountain biking is given throughout the book and some off-road routes are included.

The maps and directions for the routes are clear, and advice is given as to which OS maps correspond to the routes. There is also information on places to stay, places to eat, natural history (always a bonus when you are spending too much time in the landscape), planning, and importantly, advice on how to get to and from the ride.

For the serious cyclist this will make a good addition to the library, a quick reference for the various rides, routes and accommodations available in an area. For the less experienced, perhaps holiday cyclist, this guide will be a essential packing for the pannier, providing, as it does, everything you should know before embarking on a ride. --Iain Robinson

Synopsis
This guide offers mapped rides, from one day excursions to longer trips, and provides instructions for bicycle set-up and maintenance, as well as loading a bike for touring. There are tips for staying healthy on the road, where to stay and what to see when not in the saddle.