Top five UK motorbiking rides

Spring has sprung, the weather's warming up, and motorcyclists nationwide will be donning helmets and leathers and putting tyre to tarmac. As a bike lover, you may be on the search for the perfect blend of hair-raising bends and breath-taking scenery so you can get your knee down and your heart rate up at the start of the new season.
If so, read on for our pick of the UK's top rides.

1) The Peak District - the Cat and Fiddle Run

The 11km-long strip of tarmac known as the Cat and Fiddle run in Buxton, Macclesfield, is a rite of passage for bikers because of the smoothness of the surface and the staggering scenery, but it comes with its own fair share of danger, so make sure you ride with utmost care and concentration. Nonetheless, the bends, the corners, the moors and the views along the A357 are sure to keep you coming back.

2) Northern Ireland - the Antrim coast road

At 60 miles long, the Antrim coast road is a contender for one of the best biking roads in Ireland - if not, the world. Head north out of Larne on to the A2 and follow the road which twists in and out of pretty fishing villages, skimming close to the sea's edge - gazing out across the North Channel to the Mull of Kintyre. The route is extremely technical as the turns get tighter and the drops tumble into the waves crashing into the cliffs below, so focus on your observation and positioning skills - and you will be well rewarded.

3) East Sussex - Tenterden to Hastings

For a lovely ride on a sunny morning, leave Tenterden on the B2082 heading south towards Rye. Keep your wits about you, as this is a nippy, twisty road that demands your utmost attention, and watch out for blind spots from the high hedges that enclose the road. Rye is a great place for bikers, with many gathering at the roundabouts on the quayside, but once you've had your fill, head west from here on the A259, another good fast road, which should mean you get to Hastings - home to the annual May Day Run - just in time for lunch on the seafront.

4) North Wales and Snowdonia - Llangollen to Betws-y-Coed

The A5 is full of twists and kinks and follows a meandering river for much of the way - without cutting corners. For a great day's biking, follow the road all the way through Llanberis between the mountains of Snowdon and the Glyders - riding with caution through the Llanberis pass. Finish your journey in Betws-y-Coed, the gateway into Snowdownia National Park - and spend a night or two at one of the motorbike-friendly B&Bs in this small yet perfectly formed tourist town.

5) Scottish Highlands - Glasgow to Inverness

Throughout its length from Glasgow to Inverness, the A82 is a joy to ride; the banks of Loch Lomond set the tone for the route, as the road clings to the magnificent landscape. This fast yet smooth road goes on through Glencoe and along the full length of Loch Ness, offering a fantastic introduction to highland riding - with high speed curves and long sweeping bends - before taking you onto Fort William and Fort Augustus. With boundless views into the distance, this road will give you a real sense of freedom, and is the perfect place to spend a weekend getting away from it all.