The cycle paths in England

The problem with most of these cycle paths 

in England is the surface.

They might be traffic free but they are rarely paved, or only for short sections and as such they are hard work, with mud, ruts, roots and rocks to ride over. Contrast that with Holland where scenic rides through forests and along the coast are properly paved and maintained. This makes leisure cycling much more of a pleasure than here where you really do have to suffer for the scenic views. I don’t blame sustrans as they barely have the money to signpost the routes. This is something our governments, local councils and society has failed on for years and it will take more than a few jolly announcements from the government to change things and even if it does, it will take 40 years to have an effect. This is how long it took the Netherlands to do it (and they’re still doing it).

Here is a lovely cycle path in Scotland