21 family-friendly bike rides in the UK

The Afan Valley is famed for its tough mountain biking routes but it’s also home to a wonderful, traffic-free family trail. There are two versions of the Y Rheilffordd trail and we’ve chosen the circular route, which is 10 miles long (16 km).



You begin at Pontrhydyfen which has a car park and picnic… read more

How does 13 miles (21 km) of beachside, traffic-free cycle trail sound to you? The Millennium Coastal Path is that and more, passing nature reserves, wetlands and stunning harbours. With plenty of car parks and towns by the route, you can choose to start wherever you like and shorten the route accordingly… read more

At nine miles long (14.5 km) and flat, this is a great cycle trail for the whole family. Taking you from the mountains to the beach, the Mawddach Trail begins in historic Dolgellau and follows one of the UK’s many former railway trackbeds. As you leave the town, you can catch a few glimpses of the river… read more

At just three-and-a-half miles long (5.6 km), this part of the Lon Las Menai trail links the wonderful town of Caernarfon with Y Felinheli alongside the Menai Strait. As the bulk of the path is traffic-free and flat, it’s a great route to take the whole family along, particularly if you have younger… read more

Easy to access at both ends, this rural cycle route sends you across flat, gorgeous countryside between Braintree and Dunmow. Mostly traffic-free, this family-friendly route has you pedalling on tarmac and gravel due west along a disused railway line. The full route length (one way) is seven-and-a-half… read more

Great for families with older children used to cycling, the HArTT Route (Helix Around Town Tour) offers a full day adventure around Falkirk, taking in some magnificent sites. Starting at the incredible Kelpies sculpture, this trail is largely traffic-free and uses canal towpaths, cycle paths and shared… read more

A six-mile (9 km) trail through glorious evergreen woodland, the Loch an Eilein Route begins from the Rothiemurchus Centre and will spark the imagination of every child (and adult)! Using forest tracks and gravel trails, you pedal between the trees to the magical Loch an Eilein with its tiny central… read more

This has got to be one of the most beautiful cycle rides on our list with spectacular Highland scenery. The Caledonia Way is an extraordinary long-distance cycle path and this 11-mile (17.7 km) section is particularly great for family rides.



You can begin from either end but Fort Augustus has facilities… read more

This flat cycle route is ideal for families with children who are comfortable with road riding on quiet lanes. At 7.8 miles (12.5 km), this is a fantastic day out amongst the stunning scenery of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.



You can park in Strathyre and, as it’s a loop route, you… read more

This linear route is short but perfectly formed for young children and family days out. At two miles (3.2 km) long one way, a round trip is still a manageable distance for young children, particularly as Castlerock has some excellent ice cream outlets.



Park on the seafront promenade behind the dunes… read more

Just north of the Mourne Mountains, Castlewellan Forest Park is packed with wonderful activities including bike trails for every ability. The Family Trail is perfect for young children as it’s a flat loop hugging the lakeshore under the watchful gaze of the castle.



Two-and-a-half miles (4 km) long, you… read more

This woodland trail has fantastic views and a few ups and downs to challenge the legs. Off-road and in a tranquil forest setting, it makes a great place for all the family to get pedalling and explore the nature Binevenagh AONB has to offer.



Park in the Ballycarton Wood forestry car park just off Aghanloo… read more

The combination of canal path and disused railway track makes this an exceptionally family-friendly bike ride through Derbyshire’s stunning scenery. The trail links Long Eaton to Shipley Country Park and is a wonderful setting for spotting the area’s industrial past as well as its thriving wildlife… read more

Norfolk is a particularly family-friendly cycling county thanks to its low-lying landscape and gorgeous rural surroundings. The Marriott Way makes the most of this abundant greenery and winds for 26 miles (41.8 km) through phenomenal countryside with no hills to worry little legs.



Looking at the Marriotts… read more

Woodlands, fields and vibrant hedgerows make this completely traffic-free cycle route utter bliss. A former railway track, the Forest Way extends for 10 miles (16 km) between Groombridge and East Grinstead in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route is flat and has plenty of picnic… read more

Largely traffic-free, the Cuckoo Trail is a cycle path perfect for families. Starting from Heathfield in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and travelling, more or less due south, the trail uses a disused railway line to whisk you to Hampden Park.



Mostly rural and passing through several… read more

This nine-mile (14.4 km) trail is a fantastic way to explore the majestic Forest of Dean as well as enjoy a fun family bike ride. A circular trail, you cycle on forest tracks and a former railway trackbed, all easy to ride on.



Take your time as you pedal through the conifer and oak woodland where roe… read more

This seaside ride is blissfully flat, mostly traffic-free and topped and tailed by ice cream stops. What’s not to love? At three miles (4.8 km) long, the Isle of Wight’s (IoW) Pier Pedal begins at Sandown and passes its pier before heading on to Shanklin.



On the south eastern coast of the island, you… read more

Just outside of Exeter, the Forestry Commission’s Haldon Forest Park is a brilliant place to hit the trails with your family. The Discovery Trail is a shared hiking and cycling path and the perfect blend of woodland curves and outstanding views across the Exe Valley.



With some small ups and downs and… read more

One of Cornwall’s stunning cycle paths, the Camel Trail is mostly traffic-free and flat; ideal for families. Linear and 18 miles (29 km) long, you can break it down into convenient, shorter sections easily. Extending from the quaint seaside town of Padstow to Wenfordbridge on the edge of Bodmin Moor… read more