I am a cycling expert – my 30 favourite family-friendly trails

Sitting on a saddle, pedalling away, watching the scenery on either side of you rolling by, blurring to create a moving panorama, is an idyllic way to spend a few hours, whether you’re seven or 77.

Katie Hammond, the commercial director at charity Cycling UK, has long seen the beauty of it. “Cycling has always been a part of my life. It is an amazing skill to have at a young age, because it gives you so much joy, freedom and independence, while improving fitness and getting you outside,” she shares.

Having loved the sport since she was a child and knowing how much it’s added to her world, she’s gone out on bike rides with younger members of her family to share it with the next generation, and more recently, she has begun bringing her one-year-old son.

“The first couple of times that we went out were hilarious; he was making such funny noises as he felt the wind. It was excitement, confusion, nerves, excitement again, but he loves it. We’re off to a good start,” she says.

Hammond advises you to ensure they have the neck strength to hold their head if you’re also thinking of starting them young. She adds: “You’ve got to have confidence in their disposition, so you can focus on cycling safely.”

Their weekly cycles and her occupation mean she has become an expert in the trails that work for adults and children heading out together, and shares her top tips. “Your only goal should be enjoyment and being together, don’t focus on distance or destination, because you’re at risk of being disappointed, as you have to go with the child’s enthusiasm,” she says.

“You want to remove the complexities, so look for something quite straightforward, like disused railway lines. They are generally pretty great because of the flatness, and the terrain is consistent.

“The width means you can cycle alongside children so their expressions are clear, and you can talk to them, and you’ll know when they are fatigued or nearing any type of crisis point, and can start making your way to a rest stop or back to the start.

“Make sure that you select a route with cafés, toilets, places to sit down, or nice play areas, so their needs can be met, and always put them in a helmet.”

Create some memories on two wheels this summer with Hammond and the Cycling UK team’s top 30 family-friendly routes…

North East England

Ellerburn Trail, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

The popular Ellerburn Trail is a multi-user accessible pathway for disabled cyclists, walkers, and wheelchair users. It’s perfect for smaller children who can choose from a 2.8km route or the slightly longer 4.5km route. The trail follows forest tracks and is mostly flat, with a slight incline near the end. It starts near the Visitor Centre, where you’ll also find Dalby Forest Café, and you can sip on a cup of coffee in the tree-lined courtyard.

North West England

Millennium Greenway, Cheshire

This 11.9km route runs along an old railway line from Mickle Trafford, east of Chester, through the historic city to finish at the Wharf at Connah’s Quay. Fairly flat and free of traffic, it’s an undemanding ride. Meadow Lea Farm Coffee Shop in Mickle Trafford and Yvonne’s Café at Connah’s Quay offer lovely lunches and sweet treats to lift energy levels.

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

Located in the Lake District, the forest is packed with lovely off-road routes. The shortest, at just 3.5km, is Goosey Foot Tarn Trail, a great place to start with little ones. It passes two of the forest’s man-made tarns, but there are a couple of small climbs involved.

East of England

Flitch Way, Essex

This place is pretty much where I learned to cycle, so this one has definitely got a special place in my heart. It is a peaceful, largely traffic-free route that follows a former railway line through the Essex countryside between Braintree and Bishop’s Stortford. The full trail is around 24km, but shorter family-friendly sections such as Rayne to Braintree (around 6 to 8km return) are ideal for younger riders.

The surface is mostly flat with gentle gradients and is wide enough that you can experience it side by side. You can see as far as the eye can see, so if the kids want to have races, adults can still have them in sight. In the summer, it has rolling rapeseed fields down either side of it, which is absolutely beautiful with all of its different colours. A disused rail station, Rayne Station, makes a great starting point, with a visitor centre, café, picnic area, and an old carriage, which is fun to look at.

Marriott’s Way, Norfolk

This 42km footpath, bridleway and cycle route follows the routes of two disused railway lines. It is split into easy-to-manage sections so you can choose to do short or longer rides. Traffic-free and mostly flat, it runs between Aylsham and Norwich. The latter makes a great base, with a train station, places to stay, plenty of cafés and restaurants, a cathedral and a castle.

East Midlands

Monsal Trail, Derbyshire

Set in the Peak District, this traffic-free trail from Buxton to Bakewell follows a former railway line through limestone dales, stone walls, and over viaducts. You get to see lots of wildlife, too – riverside birds and vibrant butterflies, and there’s one tunnel about halfway through it, which provides plenty of entertainment as you can echo your voice. The full route is around 13 to 15km one way, but shorter out-and-back rides from places such as Hassop Station or Millers Dale (as little as 5 to 8km) are an option.

There’s a really great bike hire shop just outside the start, in Buxton, where you can hire everything that you need, so you don’t even have to bring anything. There are so many places to park your bike, to pick up a sandwich or a Bakewell tart, and then you go and find yourself on a verge where you can just hang your legs over safely to enjoy your food. It’s really quiet every time I’ve been, so you really feel like you can just take a leisurely pace.

Rutland Water Cycle Route, Rutland

A fantastic waterside ride offering mostly traffic-free cycling around one of the UK’s largest reservoirs. The full loop is around 24 to 27km, but families can enjoy a shorter, flat 13km section between Normanton and Whitwell, which is fully off-road and easy to navigate. The route includes plenty of scenic stops, including Normanton Church, visitor centres, playgrounds and cafés along the shoreline. You can go there without a single piece of equipment, then hire your bikes and helmets. It is set out for all activities and sports, so if cycling isn’t working, they could try something else, such as water skiing or canoeing in the reservoir.

South East England

Bushy Park, Surrey

Bushy Park is such a well-used destination for runners; it is the home of Parkrun, so on a Saturday morning, you’re going to find 700 people doing a lap, but it’s also great for cyclists. If you want to be somewhere where plenty is going on, then it’s really a nice place to be.

Entering from the Lion Gate, as you approach the Diana Fountain, you know you are onto a winner. You can choose from the 10km perimeter route or meander across the park, lengthening or shortening your route as you see fit. There are a couple of stops for refreshments as well as a large play area for children, and lots of toilets. You’re right on the edge of the Thames, so you can easily get out and you see some nice historic venues such as Kingston and Hampton Court Palace, and the only traffic is in the car park, so it’s very safe.

Forest Way, East Grinstead

This 16km route is traffic-free, and is part of the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty, so keep an eye out for wildlife including butterflies, deer, foxes and dragonflies. The route also passes through the village of Hartfield, the setting for AA Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. You can stop off at Pooh Sticks bridge, where tourists gather to race sticks in the stream, as they famously did in the book. There’s a Pooh Corner café and museum in the town, so you can munch on bear-shaped toast and pick up cute souvenirs.

The Phoenix Trail, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

With stunning views of the Chiltern Hills and the chance to spot a red kite, this 12km, flat, well-surfaced and traffic-free ride is ideal for nature-loving youngsters. It links the pretty market towns of Princes Risborough and Thame. There’s a train station at Princes Risborough and both towns have a variety of cafés and restaurants.

Richmond Park, London

The biggest enclosed park in London, where cycling is popular and deer roam freely, which feels quite mad in such an urban area. You can follow National Route Four through the park, and if you go further, you’ll find the London Wetland Centre, where there is plenty to do for kids.

There’s an easy, leisurely route which covers 7.8km and includes passing the visitor centre, lodge gardens, poet’s corner, The Way gates, Sawyers Hill, Pembroke Lodge, Henry’s Mound, the Pembroke Lodge Tea Rooms and the Roehampton Gate Café. Richmond Park has got some hills, so you get an amazing view from the top, where you can see all the way into Canary Wharf and the city as well. There is so much space, and it’s just really beautiful.

South West England

Bristol and Bath Railway Path

A 23km flat, traffic-free path that runs along the disused railway line between Bristol and Bath. The route passes sculptures, stopping points for drinks and snacks and working steam engines at the old train station at Bitton, but take care in the city centre, as you pass through an industrial estate and residential road.

Northern Ireland

Castlewellen Forest Park, Co Down

There are 27km of mountain biking trails in this park north of the Mourne Mountains. The gentle, circular, 4km Green Trail circumnavigates Castlewellen Lake and is suitable for all ages and offers incredible views of the mountains. You can camp in the park if you want to stay longer.

Crom, Co Fermanagh

Starting and ending at the Crom Estate visitor centre, this 6.5km route takes in woodland, Nalughoge Lough and riverside views. You can cycle along while trying to spot Pine Martens and visit the ruins of Crom Castle. The terrain is a variety of off-road paths, and the National Trust-owned estate has a lovely tea room.

Castlerock to Downhill Forest, Co Londonderry

This 3.2km route starts at the promenade at Castlerock, following the main road through the village before picking up a traffic-free cycle path to the forest. It’s very short, so good for little ones. Refreshments are available in Castlerock, and there is parking near the promenade.

Comber Greenway, Co Down

Using a former railway line, this 11km green corridor leads from the centre of Belfast to Comber on the shores of Strangford Lough; it’s an important corridor for local wildlife, and there are plenty of cafés along the route. It’s traffic-free, but watch out, though, as some junctions cross roads.

​Lagan and Lough Cycle Way, Counties Antrim and Down

A 34km largely traffic-free route that connects Lisburn, Belfast and Newtownabbey. It can be easily split up into smaller family-friendly sections. It offers views of Belfast Lough, while it’s lovely to ride alongside the River Lagan.

Antrim to Randalstown

With its riverside and parkland views, castle ruins and spectacular railway viaduct, this 8.4km section of the Loughshore Trail offers plenty of attractions. The route sticks to quiet minor roads and goes through the beautifully kept grounds of Clotworthy House.

Scotland

Circuit of Great Cumbrae

The island of Great Cumbrae is located in the Firth of Clyde. This 21km circular route heads around the island’s coast, offering lovely views of Bute and the firth. It’s an easy road ride on mostly well-paved surfaces and very flat, and there are plenty of independent cafés in the town of Millport.

Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trail, Trossachs National Park

There are five trails from 3.2km to 16km. Start from Aberfoyle village, where there is a car park, cafés and restaurants. Once you’ve set off, look out for animal sculptures and sound posts of wildlife recordings. You’ll be cycling on gravel tracks with some uneven patches, so it may be a bit more challenging for smaller children.

Loch Katrine, the Highlands

Why not go for a steamboat ride and then a cycle ride? After a 45-minute sailing from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar, you cycle the 21km back to the pier, a mostly traffic-free lochside road with lovely views.

Loch an Eilein Route, Aviemore

This 9.6km route on the Rothiemurchus Estate is a circular ride on mostly wide gravel roads and forest paths to the shores of the loch, with views of a 13th-century island castle. It starts and ends at the Rothiemurchus Centre, where you’ll find refreshments and parking.

7stanes, Dalbeattie

Ironhash is an 11.5km green trail, which is a good taster for teenagers who want to try mountain biking. It provides an easy ride deep into the heart of the forest, mainly on forest roads. A short uphill climb gives impressive views over Dalbeattie, and Brambles Café is just down the road from the car park.

Culbin Forest, Inverness

Hill 99 is a 5.7km way-marked trail on largely wide, firm and smooth gravel and sandy surfaces to the tower for views over the forest and across the Moray Firth. There’s a lovely picnic area, and plenty of wildlife, views and forest tracks.

Tentsmuir, Dundee

A good network of firm, level trails offers easy cycling through pine-scented forest, windswept sands and a wonderful variety of wildlife. The Ice House Trail is 6.2km of largely firm, uneven sandy surfaces to a 19th-century ice house. Salt and Pine is a converted shipping container offering a range of sweet crepes, savoury hot bagels, and hot and cold drinks.

Isle of Mull

The island has plenty to choose from. Fishnish and Garmony (6.5km) or Aros Park’s Coastal Trail (4.2km) are worth a visit. Every corner of the island, you’re looking at something completely different, and you feel like you could be several-hundred miles further away from the rest of civilisation, and yet you know that you only have to go a couple of miles to reach a bakery or pub. Keep an eye out for eagles – the island is home to both white-tailed and golden eagles.

Wales

Lôn Las Menai, Caernarfon

A 5.6km section of an old railway line linking Caernarfon with the old slate harbour of Port Dinorwig (Y Felinheli). There are some short road sections at Caernarfon and Y Felinheli, but the rest is off-road and paved, too. Caernarfon has a train station as well as plenty of places to stay the night and to dine.

Swansea Bike Path

This is a 9.3km traffic-free route that hugs the curving coastline of Swansea Bay. It offers views across the bay to Mumbles Head and the Gower Peninsula. You can also visit Oystermouth Castle, which sits majestically on the hill overlooking Swansea Bay, and could be a fun reward for the kids.

Peregrine Path, Gwent

Straddling the border between Wales and England, this beautiful 12km ride has plenty of places to stop and explore. The mostly traffic-free tarmac path winds alongside the River Wye. It starts in the historic market town of Monmouth, where there are hotels, restaurants, a castle and more.

The Millennium Coastal Path, Llanelli

Starting at the Discovery Centre, the route follows a mix of coastal and woodland paths to Pembrey Forest, home to many rare botanical and wildlife species, including 35 species of butterfly, migrant songbirds and birds of prey. The 7.2km linear route is traffic-free, flat and smooth, with plenty of tracks around the country park to extend your ride. Llanelli has cafés, a train station and plenty of places to stay.