Cycling is a great way to explore further distances with kids, so travelling by a safe cycle route is good option if you want to cover a lot of ground. There’s also multiple options cycle wise – toddlers riding their own bikes, tandem bikes, child bike seats or the covered bike trailers. Also, if you have kids of different ages, its a cool way to carry on adventuring as everyone can join in. Other ways of getting around tend to only work when kids are really young and can be carried, or older and can carry themselves further, or are able to do more technical stuff themselves.
Pre-kids I ran a lot, and this is still my first love. But I’m becoming more excited by the possibilities of cycling adventures with kids because of the greater options available. Cycling in the UK is so rewarding as we have such a diverse landscape to explore. It’s cheap once you’ve got the gear, and the mode of travelling by wheel on gorgeous off-road cycle routes gives you the reward of feeling in close contact with nature, yet being able to go further than on foot. Plus you can carry more, so bike/camp possibilities are opened too without breaking your back.
If you want to sort out your own cycle route, the National Cycle Network is the first place to start, founded by the charity Sustrans, it links hundreds of miles of traffic-free and quiet cycling paths across the UK. And there are now tons of fab family-and-bike-friendly beds, campsites and yurts to sleep in along the way too.
Otherwise, here are our favourite family-friendly cycle routes in the UK. Disclaimer: Researching this post kinda made me want to pack up and go now. Some seriously beautiful places out there.
Amazing UK cycle routes for families
Red Squirrel Trail, Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight is also known as ‘bicycle island’ because of its appeal and ease for cyclists. The red squirrel trail takes in 23 miles of smooth, mainly traffic free trail across the isle’s best – from wetlands to its beautiful coastline. A great one to break up with an overnight stay.
The Troll Trail, Isle of Wight
Play spot the troll as you cross the many bridges found along the way on the curiously-named Troll Trail. You’ll probably see more wildlife than trolls here however, including buzzards, woodpeckers, wagtails, dragonflies and butterflies. The Troll Trail between Merstone and Shide is a flat and safe traffic-free route perfect for young children just starting to ride.
Phoenix Trail, Buckinghamshire to Oxfordshire
The Phoenix Trail runs for seven miles between Princes Risborough and Thame. It’s flat and smooth, with seating every 500 yards, which make it one of the most family-friendly cycle routes in the country . A fantastic place to teach your child how to cycle and enjoy the Chiltern Hill views while you are doing it.
Flatford Mill to Dedham, Suffolk
Follow the route of the river Stour along the water banks in the iconic landscape that inspired Constable to paint his oil masterpieces. A chocolate box rural idyll awaits. Think wisteria, rolling meadows, trickling streams and birdsong.
North Wiltshire Rivers Route
This 25 mile cycle route is also traffic free. It runs alongside the River Avon to Chippenham and onto Calne via a disused railway line. You will pass Lacock Abbey (which featured in Harry Potter), the Cherhill White Horse and Avebury stone circle.
Tarka Trail, Devon
30 miles of unbroken traffic-free cycle paths – the longest in the UK. While cycling you can enjoy views across the mouth of the Taw Estuary plus look out for the multitude of wildlife found in the area. There’s also an art trail devised by Sustrans with shelters along the way, in case of rain.
Monsal Trail, Peak District
This cycle route runs for 8.5 miles from Chee Dale to Bakewell, through some of the Peak’s best limestone dales. It’s a former railway route, so tunnels, viaducts and cuttings add interest and variety.
Windermere Bike Boat and Wray Castle, Cumbria
This one is on our bucket list for a real adventurous feel. Combine your bike ride with a boat crossing across lake Windermere. Once off the boat, there’s plenty of off-road trails and quiet roads to explore en-route to neo-gothic Wray Castle.
Mawddach Trail Cycleway, Wales
A 10 mile long flat trail which follows an old railway line from Dolgellau to the gorgeous Barmouth rail bridge. The cycle route may be flat but the views are truly magical – with mountains, river and sea for the eyes to feast on. One side of the trail lies Rhinog hill and the Cadair Idris Massif on the other. Plus the Mawddach estuary is also home to two RSPB reserves at Coed Garth Gell and Arthog Bo to enjoy too.
North Wales Coastal Route
For epic coastline, traditional Welsh villages and Anglesey’s stunning scenery, head to the North Wales coastal route for 105 miles of mostly traffic-free paths and trails.
Burgh by Sands to the Solway Coast
A stunning 24 mile cycle route in an area designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – saltmarsh, farmland, wetlands and beaches.
Speyside Way, Scotland
The Speyside Way towards the Boat of Garten is a fabulous flat ride that passes through heather moor and birch woodland. You may be lucky enough to also spy a red squirrel here.
