EuroVelo 12: North Sea Cycle Route – UK

Ride the British leg of EuroVelo 12 along the North Sea coast. Expect a mix of wild Scottish shoreline, castle-dotted Northumberland, Yorkshire cliffs, flat fens by the Humber, and long sandy stretches through Norfolk and Suffolk, finishing at Harwich for the ferry to the Netherlands. Some variants also hop via Orkney and Shetland if you’re chasing the full North Sea vibe.

Terrain is mostly paved on quiet roads and dedicated cycleways, with short spells on busier streets through towns. You’ll meet the odd gravel path, boardwalk, or cobbles near promenades, so 28–35 mm tires are ideal. Wayfinding is decent with EV12/NCN signs (lots of NCN 1), but a GPS helps where signage thins out.

This is classic big-sky, sea-breeze riding: cliff-top views, fishing villages, bird reserves, lighthouses, and plenty of seaside cafés. The wind is the real boss—pack a good layer and enjoy the tailwind days. Spring to early autumn is the sweet spot.

Ride any direction, link it up as weekend chunks, or go for a full through-ride. Trains connect many coastal towns for easy logistics. Watch for local ferry links and occasional diversions in storm season. It’s a great mix of scenery, history, and salty air.