Drama and stark beauty at every turn: readers’ favourite winter cycles in the UK and Europe

From the snowy peaks of Spain’s Sierra Nevada to Northamptonshire’s winding country lanes, our tipsters share the bicycle routes that inspire them

I recommend a Northamptonshire countryside route that combines winding lanes bordered by fields, chocolate-box villages, manor houses and the execution spot of Mary Queen of Scots, Fotheringhay Castle. I like to make a circular route starting in Fotheringhay up to Nassington, on to Yarwell and Kingscliff, then head back via Apethorpe Palace and Woodnewton. This route is about 22km, but you can lengthen and shorten the route depending on your energy level by adding in or taking out villages. I like to rely on the signposts to navigate, rather than my phone. Make sure to look out for hares, red kites and fallow deer along the route, and post-ride there are some lovely local pubs with open fires.
Imogen Chappelow