Family Friendly Cycling Routes Across The UK

Family Friendly Cycling Routes Across The UK

Family Friendly Cycling Routes Across The UK

Recommended Family Friendly Cycling Routes Across The UK

Embarking on a family cycling adventure is not just about getting from A to B, it’s the shared sense of achievement, and the memories that remain long after the journey ends.

The UK, with its diverse landscapes and well-maintained cycle paths, offers a treasure trove of family friendly routes that beckon you to saddle up and explore. So, grab your helmets, pack some snacks, and delve into the world of cycling where every turn is a new adventure.

Welcome to our guide to some of the most enchanting family friendly cycling routes across the UK – your next holiday could be a ride away!

England

Exploring Rural England with the family on bikes is a great experience. Here are some family-friendly cycling trails across the regions perfect for children:

London

  • Thames Path - A scenic route along the River Thames, suitable for all skill levels. More info
  • Richmond Park - Offers a variety of trails with beautiful views and wildlife, perfect for families. More info

North East

  • Newcastle Town Moor Loop - A 5.5-mile route suitable for older or more confident kids. More info
  • Derwent Valley Short Route - A 4.5-mile path ideal for families. More info

North West

  • Liverpool Loop Line - A flat, 13-mile traffic-free path stretching from Halewood to Aintree. More info
  • Lune Valley Trail, Lancashire - A five-mile traffic-free route starting at Lancaster Millennium Bridge. More info

Yorkshire

  • Angler’s Country Park, Wakefield - A flat 2-mile route around a reservoir, great for young riders. More info
  • Harrogate to Ripley - A 4-mile ride to the village of Ripley with a fantastic café and castle. More info

East Midlands

  • The Monsal Trail - From Bakewell Station to Blackwell Mill and back, suitable for all skill levels. More info
  • Rutland Water loop from Oakham - A scenic ride around the water, also suitable for all skill levels. More info

West Midlands

  • River Cole Valley - A scenic and easy route exploring green spaces within Birmingham. More info
  • Harborne Walkway - An off-carriageway walking and cycling route through Bournville, Stirchley, and Kings Heath. More info

South East

  • Crab & Winkle Way - Between Canterbury and Whitstable, featuring some hills and fine views. More info
  • Cuckoo Trail - An 11-mile route from Polegate to Heathfield in East Sussex, rich in birdlife. More info

East of England

  • Forest Way - A 10-mile traffic-free route through the village of Hatfield. More info
  • The Phoenix Trail - A 7.5-mile flat, well-surfaced traffic-free ride between Princes Risborough and Thame. More info

South West

  • Bradford on Avon, Bath and the Two Tunnels Greenway - A 34.8 km intermediate ride with mostly paved surfaces. More info
  • Poole Harbour loop - Dorset AONB - An intermediate ride with a ferry crossing, offering beautiful coastal views. More info

Wales

Here are family-friendly bike routes in the Welsh regions that are suitable for families with young children:

North Wales

  • Mawddach Trail - A flat, scenic route from Dolgellau to Barmouth. Enjoy the beautiful estuary views and wildlife. More info
  • Lôn Las Cefni - A beginner-friendly path from Llangefni to Malltraeth. Explore Anglesey's countryside and enjoy a leisurely ride. More info

Mid Wales

  • Ystwyth Trail - A 22-mile route along the old railway line in the Ystwyth valley. Suitable for families with older kids. More info
  • Elan Valley - A 13-mile route around the reservoirs of the Elan Valley. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and picnic spots. More info

West Wales

  • Port Talbot to Afan Forest Park - From coastal views to forested uplands, this route offers a mix of scenery. More info
  • Cardiff to Castell Coch - A traffic-free path ideal for families. Explore the historic Castell Coch along the way. More info

South Wales

  • Taff Trail - A flat route with wildlife corridors from Cardiff to Brecon. Enjoy the canal paths and green spaces. More info
  • Monmouth and Brecon Canal - A lovely family ride along the canal towpath. Look out for canal boats and ducks! More info

Scotland

Exploring Scotland with young children on bikes can be a delightful experience. Here are some family-friendly off-road cycling trails in various regions of Scotland, perfect for young riders:

Central Scotland

  • Speyside Way, Cairngorms - Quiet lanes and off-road paths. More info
  • The Caledonia Way - Through the Highlands of Scotland offering stunning scenery and historical sites, with flat and accessible paths suitable for families. More info

Glasgow

  • Lochwinnoch Loop - A 10-mile traffic-free route with smooth tarmacked roads ideal for families. There is a RSPB reserve nearby for a nature break. More info
  • Helix Park - Featuring The Kelpies a 16 mile circular trip that’s mainly traffic free featuring impressive artworks. More info

Highlands and Islands

  • Great Glen Way - From Fort William to Inverness. More info
  • Hebridean Way - Across 10 islands in the Outer Hebrides. More info

Lothian

  • Edinburgh to North Berwick - A coastal route with stunning views suitable for families looking for a leisurely ride. More info
  • The John Muir Way – A coast to coast trail across Scotland, offering diverse landscapes and historical points of interest. More info

South of Scotland

  • Dumfries to Caerlaverock - An 18-mile cycle perfect for families. More info
  • Dumfries to Mabie Loop - A 12-mile route ideal for families offering safe cycling in the countryside. More info

West Scotland

  • Great Cumbrae Island Loop - From Largs, includes a ferry crossing a 13 mile circular route around the islands coast with lovely views of Bute. More info
  • Loch Ard Sculpture Trails - Choose from trails between 2 and 16 miles each offering sculptures and natural beauty. More info
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