Last summer, I packed my camera gear, fired up my bike, and set off to discover the UK’s most incredible hidden motorcycle routes that barely anyone talks about. What I found completely blew my mind – stunning roads that rival anything you’ll see in the Alps, perfect vlogging locations without the crowds, and riding experiences that’ll make your subscribers hit that replay button.
If you’re a rider and content creator tired of the same old overcrowded routes, this guide is your ticket to discovering secret UK motorcycle roads that’ll transform your vlogging game. These hidden gems offer everything – epic twisty, breathtaking scenery, and those cinematic shots that make viewers wonder how they’ve never heard of these places.
Why Hidden UK Motorcycle Routes Are Perfect for Vloggers
Here’s the truth most riding vloggers won’t tell you – the famous routes everyone recommends are absolutely packed during riding season. Cat and Fiddle? Bumper to bumper. Snake Pass? More like Snake Wait. But these hidden UK motorcycle routes I’m sharing? You’ll have the roads practically to yourself.
These secret riding routes offer what every motorcycle vlogger dreams about: smooth tarmac that feels like butter under your tyres, sweeping corners that look incredible on camera, and stunning backdrops that need zero editing to look professional. Plus, you won’t have random cars photobombing your best shots every five minutes.
What makes these hidden motorcycle routes UK absolutely perfect:
Authentic riding experiences without tourist traffic ruining your flow
Cinematic landscapes that make even phone footage look like a Hollywood production
Empty roads where you can safely film without worrying about traffic
Unique locations your subscribers haven’t seen a thousand times already
Rider-friendly stops with genuine local hospitality and great food
Perfect surface conditions maintained better than many famous routes
5 Hidden UK Motorcycle Routes Every Vlogger Must Ride
1. The Northumberland Coastal Route – Britain’s Secret Seaside Thriller
Why Ride This Route: Jaw-dropping coastal scenery meets perfect riding roads
I discovered this hidden motorcycle route completely by accident while heading north, and honestly, it’s become my absolute favourite UK riding route for vlogging. The Northumberland coast offers something magical – empty roads hugging dramatic coastlines, medieval castles appearing around every corner, and lighting that makes golden hour filming ridiculously easy.
Route Details:
Start Point: Alnwick (perfect for Game of Thrones fans – Alnwick Castle featured as Hogwarts!)
End Point: Berwick-upon-Tweed
Distance: 45 miles of pure riding bliss
Road Type: Smooth A-roads with gentle sweepers and coastal straightaways
What Makes This Route Special:
The B1340 coastal road is absolutely pristine tarmac with flowing corners that feel like dancing. You’ll ride past Dunstanburgh Castle ruins sitting dramatically on clifftops – the shots you’ll get here are absolutely Instagram gold. Bamburgh Castle appears like something from a fantasy movie, and the beaches are so empty you can safely pull over for drone shots without anyone around.
Vlogging Paradise:
Best filming spots include Holy Island causeway (check tide times!), Bamburgh Beach with castle backdrop, and sunset shots from Berwick ramparts. The morning mist rolling over the coast creates atmospheric footage that’ll make your subscribers obsessed. I filmed here during September and the colours were absolutely insane.
Rider Amenities:
Plenty of bike-friendly cafes in Seahouses serving incredible fish and chips. The Copper Kettle in Bamburgh welcomes riders with secure parking and massive portions. Fuel stations available in Alnwick and Berwick.
Pro Filming Tip: Early morning rides (6-7 AM) give you completely empty roads and that magical soft light. The entire coastline faces east, so sunrise shots here are absolutely spectacular.
2. The Black Mountain Pass – Wales’ Hidden Alpine Experience
Why Ride This Route: Technical mountain passes that’ll test your skills and thrill your viewers
Most riders know about Snowdonia, but this hidden motorcycle route through the Black Mountains feels like you’ve teleported to Switzerland. I rode this route three times while filming because I couldn’t believe how good it was – technical hairpins, dramatic elevation changes, and views that genuinely rival European mountain passes.
Route Details:
Start Point: Abergavenny
End Point: Hay-on-Wye
Distance: 30 miles of concentrated excitement
Road Type: Mountain pass with serious elevation and technical sections
The Riding Experience:
Gospel Pass reaches 549 meters and the road up is absolutely mental – tight switchbacks, steep gradients, and corners that demand total concentration. This isn’t a route for beginners, but if you’ve got skills, your vlog footage will look absolutely professional. The descent into Hay-on-Wye is smooth and flowing, perfect for those speed shots (obviously within limits!).
Epic Vlogging Locations:
The summit of Gospel Pass offers 360-degree views that look fake they’re so good. Park up at the top and get drone footage – you’ll capture the snaking road below with valleys stretching forever. The contrast between green valleys and dark mountains creates incredible depth in footage.
Weather Considerations:
This hidden motorcycle route can be sketchy in bad weather – low clouds roll in fast and visibility drops to nothing. Check forecasts religiously. When it’s clear though? Absolutely mind-blowing. I rode it in October and had perfect crisp autumn weather with stunning light.
Facilities:
Fuel up in Abergavenny before starting – nothing on the pass itself. Hay-on-Wye has brilliant rider-friendly pubs and the town is famous for bookshops if you fancy a browse. The Granary is excellent for lunch with proper parking.
Filming Advice: Mount your camera low and wide for the switchback sections – the dramatic angles make the technical riding look incredible. GoPro chest mount works perfectly here.
3. The Galloway Forest Scenic Route – Scotland’s Hidden Treasure
Why Ride This Route: Remote beauty with roads so good you’ll think they were built specifically for motorcycles
Nobody talks about this hidden UK motorcycle route and I genuinely don’t understand why. Galloway Forest Park offers hundreds of miles of perfect tarmac through ancient forests, past lochs that look photoshopped, and over hills with views stretching to Ireland on clear days. This route changed how I think about Scottish riding.
Route Details:
Start Point: Newton Stewart
End Point: New Galloway (circular route possible)
Distance: 55 miles through pure wilderness
Road Type: Smooth single-track and A-roads through forest
What You’ll Experience:
The A712 Queens Way cuts through Galloway Forest and it’s absolutely phenomenal – smooth surface, flowing curves, and you might see deer, red kites, and if you’re lucky, golden eagles. The forest creates these natural tunnels of trees that look incredible on camera, especially when autumn colours peak.
Dark Sky Park Bonus:
Galloway Forest is a designated Dark Sky Park – if you’re camping or staying overnight, the star photography opportunities are world-class. I filmed night-lapse footage here and the Milky Way was clearly visible. Imagine starting your vlog with those shots!
Vlogging Gold Mine:
Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall makes for incredible background footage. Murray’s Monument offers panoramic views perfect for those establishing shots. The Red Deer Range viewing area lets you film wildlife safely. Clatteringshaws Loch has pull-offs with stunning reflections for drone work.
Rider Services:
Newton Stewart has everything you need – fuel, accommodation, bike shops. Wild camping is allowed in Scotland (Leave No Trace principles apply). Several rider-friendly B&Bs cater specifically to motorcyclists with secure parking and drying rooms.
Best Season: September to October when forests turn golden and red. Tourist traffic drops but weather remains rideable.
4. The Lincolnshire Wolds – England’s Forgotten Rolling Paradise
Why Ride This Route: Unexpected brilliance in a region most riders completely ignore
I’ll admit it – I only rode this hidden motorcycle route because I was heading somewhere else and took a wrong turn. Best mistake ever. The Lincolnshire Wolds are these gorgeous rolling hills with roads that sweep and flow like they were designed by riders for riders. Zero traffic, perfect tarmac, and scenery that’s quietly beautiful rather than dramatic.
Route Details:
Start Point: Louth
End Point: Market Rasen
Distance: 40 miles of smooth flowing roads
Road Type: B-roads with gentle elevation changes and perfect sightlines
The Riding Flow:
This hidden UK motorcycle route is all about rhythm – the roads rise and fall naturally, corners are perfectly cambered, and you can see ages ahead so the riding becomes almost meditative. It’s not technical or dramatic, but the smoothness makes for incredible cruising footage. Your bike will sound amazing through these valleys.
Vlogging Perspective:
The gentle landscapes might not seem dramatic initially, but they create this beautiful pastoral footage that’s really calming to watch. Perfect for those “healing ride” style vlogs that are getting huge views lately. The big skies and golden fields during summer are absolutely stunning on camera.
Hidden Highlights:
Cadwell Park circuit is nearby if you fancy some track day footage. Hubbard’s Hills in Louth makes for brilliant break footage with a stream running through ancient woods. Plenty of traditional pubs where locals are genuinely friendly and curious about your bike.
Practical Info:
Excellent fuel stops throughout. Market Rasen has great cafes. The area is surprisingly bike-friendly with several classic motorcycle events during summer. Roads are well-maintained and never icy compared to mountain routes.
Filming Tip: This route is perfect for testing new camera equipment because the smooth roads mean no vibration issues. Great for gimbal work and stabilizer testing.
5. The North York Moors Moorland Loop – Purple Paradise Route
Why Ride This Route: Moorland vistas and heather-covered hills that look straight out of period dramas
Everyone knows about the Yorkshire Dales, but this hidden motorcycle route through the North York Moors is genuinely better for vlogging. During late summer when the heather blooms, the entire landscape turns purple and it’s one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever filmed. The roads are brilliant too – fast, flowing, and virtually empty.
Route Details:
Start Point: Helmsley
End Point: Whitby (coastal finish!)
Distance: 60 miles of moorland magic
Road Type: Mix of A-roads and fantastic B-roads across open moorland
The Riding Experience:
These hidden UK motorcycle routes open up across the moors with incredible visibility – you can see the road ahead for miles. Fast sweeping bends, great overtaking opportunities when needed, and that feeling of complete freedom. The descent into Whitby is absolutely spectacular with the coast appearing below.
Peak Vlogging Season:
Late August to early September when heather blooms – the purple landscapes are absolutely unreal. I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else in the UK. Your footage will look like you’ve applied filters even when you haven’t. Golden hour here is absolutely magical for filming.
Must-Film Locations:
Sutton Bank has a viewpoint that’s genuinely breathtaking – on clear days you can see 40 miles. The gliding club there adds interest to shots. Rosedale Chimney Bank is one of UK’s steepest roads at 1-in-3 gradient – makes for intense technical riding footage. Whitby Abbey provides a gothic ending backdrop.
Rider Facilities:
Helmsley has excellent rider cafes and secure parking. Whitby is super bike-friendly with great fish and chips and maritime atmosphere perfect for vlog outros. Plenty of fuel throughout route. Several biker-friendly accommodation options.
Weather Warning: Moorland weather changes fast – mist can roll in suddenly reducing visibility to nothing. Always check forecasts and don’t ride in thick fog.
Planning Your UK Motorcycle Vlogging Adventure
Best Seasons for Hidden Motorcycle Routes UK
Spring (March-May): Fresh green landscapes and great light for filming. Roads are quieter before summer tourists arrive. Weather can be unpredictable so pack layers. Wildflowers bloom in moorlands and valleys.
Summer (June-August): Longest daylight hours mean more filming time. Peak riding season so some routes busier. Purple heather blooms late August. Perfect weather for coastal routes.
Autumn (September-November): Absolute prime time for vlogging – autumn colours make footage spectacular. Weather still rideable but pack waterproofs. September and October are my favourite months for these hidden UK motorcycle routes. Morning mist creates atmospheric filming conditions.
Winter (December-February): Some mountain passes close or become dangerous. Coastal routes remain rideable with dramatic stormy seas providing unique footage. Shorter daylight limits filming hours. Some routes absolutely stunning in snow if you’re experienced.
Essential Vlogging Gear for Motorcycle Routes
Camera Equipment: GoPro or DJI Action camera for helmet/bike mounting. Chest mount provides best perspective for technical riding. Gimbal stabilizer for walk-around shots at stops. Drone for aerial establishing shots (check local regulations).
Audio Quality: External microphone crucial – wind noise ruins footage. I use wireless lav mic under my jacket for narration. Separate audio recorder for better quality talking head segments at stops.
Power Solutions: Portable power banks essential for long filming days. USB charging port on bike keeps devices topped up. Carry spare batteries for all cameras – cold weather drains them fast.
Protection: Waterproof cases for all electronics. I learned this the hard way when unexpected rain killed my phone. Memory card cases to organize and protect footage. Screen protectors prevent scratches.
Budget Planning for Hidden UK Motorcycle Routes
Daily Riding Costs:
Fuel: £15-25 depending on bike and route distance. These hidden motorcycle routes are fuel-efficient due to flowing roads versus stop-start city riding.
Accommodation: £30-60 for biker-friendly B&Bs or £10-20 for camping. Many routes pass through budget accommodation areas.
Food: £20-35 daily eating at rider cafes and local pubs. Packed lunches save money on remote routes.
Money-Saving Tips:
Camp where possible – wild camping legal in Scotland. Book accommodation directly with owners mentioning you’re a rider – often get discounts or garage access. Eat at local cafes rather than tourist spots. Fill up at supermarket fuel stations rather than motorway services.
Safety First on Hidden Motorcycle Routes UK
Ride Preparation: Check weather forecasts obsessively – mountain routes become dangerous in bad weather. Inform someone of your route and expected arrival time. Carry basic tools and puncture repair kit.
Filming Safety: Never film while actively riding through technical sections – mount cameras and check footage at stops. Use mirrors properly even with cameras running. Pull completely off road for drone work and walking shots. Stay aware of surroundings when focused on filming.
Route Conditions: These hidden UK motorcycle routes can have unexpected hazards – livestock, gravel, mud on corners. Ride within your limits especially when unfamiliar with the road. Morning rides often mean damp patches in shaded areas.
Making Great Motorcycle Vlog Content
Storytelling Tips: These hidden motorcycle routes have amazing stories – research local history and legends to add depth. Interview locals at stops for authentic content. Share genuine reactions to stunning views rather than scripted commentary.
Editing Approach: Mix riding footage with static shots at viewpoints. Use drone establishing shots to set scenes. Include bike maintenance or route planning segments for variety. Natural sound of exhaust note is as important as narration.
Engagement Hooks: Create detailed route guides in video descriptions. GPS coordinates for filming spots help viewers recreate your rides. Behind-scenes footage showing how you film creates connection with audience.
Hidden UK Motorcycle Routes: The Real Experience
These seven hidden motorcycle routes transformed how I think about UK riding and vlogging. Every single route offered something unique – from technical mountain passes testing my skills to flowing coastal roads where I could just enjoy the ride. The vlogging opportunities were genuinely world-class.
What Made These Routes Special:
The emptiness – riding for miles without seeing another vehicle, just pure focus on the road and scenery. These hidden UK motorcycle routes let you film safely without constantly worrying about traffic photobombing shots.
The variety – from Scottish forests to Welsh mountains, from English moorlands to Norfolk waterways, the landscapes are incredibly diverse. Your content will never look repetitive.
The surface quality – most of these hidden motorcycle routes have better tarmac than famous spots because they’re less trafficked. Smooth roads mean better footage and more enjoyable riding.
The locals – smaller communities along these routes are genuinely welcoming to riders. I had countless great conversations, got brilliant local tips, and made connections that enhanced the entire experience.
Challenges I Faced:
Weather changed rapidly on mountain routes requiring flexible planning. Remote locations meant limited phone signal – offline maps essential. Some routes had no fuel for long stretches requiring careful planning. Language and accent differences in Scotland and Wales added challenge but also authentic character to footage.
Start Your Hidden UK Motorcycle Vlogging Journey
These hidden UK motorcycle routes and vlog spots offer everything content creators dream about – stunning scenery, great riding, and unique locations your subscribers haven’t seen repeatedly. From Northumberland’s dramatic coastline to Wales’ technical mountain passes, from Scotland’s forest wonderland to England’s rolling wolds, these secret routes showcase Britain’s incredible riding diversity.
Skip the overcrowded famous routes where you’ll spend more time waiting in traffic than actually riding. These hidden gems provide authentic experiences, better filming opportunities, and roads that’ll remind you why you started riding in the first place.
Whether you’re a seasoned motorcycle vlogger looking for fresh content or just starting your channel, these hidden UK motorcycle routes will elevate your content and give your subscribers something genuinely different to enjoy.
Ready to discover Britain’s best-kept riding secrets? Fire up your bike, charge your cameras, and explore these incredible hidden motorcycle routes. The open road and epic footage are waiting – all you need to do is ride.
Stay safe, film responsibly, and most importantly, enjoy every single mile of these absolutely brilliant hidden UK motorcycle routes. See you on the road!
About RoamTraveller.com
At RoamTraveller, we’re passionate about discovering and sharing hidden travel destinations that offer authentic experiences away from tourist crowds. Whether you’re exploring on two wheels or four, our guides help adventurous travellers find the road less travelled.
