Family Days Out: Cycling Routes To Take Your Kids On

On a sunny weekend, drag your bikes out of the garage, pack a picnic in a backpack and to head out on a cycle ride.

There are loads of family-friendly routes (take a look at these brilliant ones throughout the UK from Sustrans), which are flat, not super long, don’t involve traffic and are easy on the hills. The majority go through parks, greenery or woodland so if you pack a blanket and picnic, you can make a few pitstops along the way.

Wherever you decide to go, don’t worry about miles or timing or speed, just enjoy the ride and the time spent with your family.

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1. Camel Trail, Cornwall

Overview: Easygoing, off-road and no inclines.

Families can enjoy the Camel Trail cycling route in Cornwall because of its flat surface and beautiful views. The whole route is 18 miles, but you can choose to do as much or as little as you’d like. The trail runs from Padstow to Poley’s Bridge, via Wadebridge and Bodmin, and passes through the wooded countryside of the upper Camel Valley. Find out more.

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2. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Overview: Flat and circular.

Another flat route (meaning its great for all ages), this cycle ride starts in the Cannop Valley and whisks past trees in the countryside. You might want to make a day of it, as the circular route stretches 11 miles, but with a couple of pitstops for food, it’ll be worth the time. The kids will also have that sense of satisfaction when they finish the route. Find out more.

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3. Fallowfield Loop, Manchester Cycleway

Overview: Off-road, pedestrian route.

The full cycleway route is pretty long (see a map here) and runs from Chorlton in West Manchester through Fallowfield and Levenshulme, up through Gorton and East Manchester, to the Velodrome and Sportcity. You’re unlikely to do the whole route with kids in tow, but you can choose smaller sections. The Fallowfield Loop is eight miles. Along the way it passes close by to three parks, which make great stopping off points. Find out more.

4. Marriotts Way, Norwich

Overview: Pretty traffic-free and flat.

Marriotts Way is a very green route running from the heart of Norwich into the countryside along a disused railway. There are some on-road sections through Norwich, but otherwise the route is traffic-free and flat. Beginning close to the River Wensum, the route continues through farmland, woodland and water meadows - perfect for a picnic. Find out more.

5. The Tamsin Trail, Richmond

Overview: Gravel path and gentle hills.

This route in London heads around Richmond Park, the largest Royal Park in London and home to around 650 free roaming deer as well squirrels and birds to keep kids cooing in delight. Pretty flat and with only a few gentle hills, the trail will take you past woodlands, ponds, gardens and grasslands and trees. There are several roads to cross in the park so take care with your little peddlers! Find out more.

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For more routes take a look at these brilliant ones throughout the UK from Sustrans.

Before You Go

5 Scenic Walking And Cycling Trails On The Kent Coast

Walk: Chalkup21: Dover to Deal(01 of05)

The Southeast corner of Kent is celebrated for its military history and iconic white cliffs. But there is much more to see and experience in its contrasting landscape. New walking trail Chalkup21 is an easy and fascinating meander that starts in Folkestone and ends, 17 miles later, in the friendly seaside town of Deal. In between, the trail connects nine public artworks and buildings, including the Dover Esplanade, the National Trust visitor centre at Langdon Cliffs, and Jasin’s restaurant at the end of Deal Pier. Aside from the official highlights, the trail takes in picturesque villages, lush countryside and - to one side - the timeless and evocative English Channel. (credit:Ray Wise via Getty Images)

Cycle: Viking coastal trail: Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate(02 of05)

The Viking trail is an easy-going cycle trail that runs along promenades, broad sea walls and quiet country lanes. The cycling is leisurely, and there are many reasons to hop off your bike and take a look around. The circular 32-mile route takes in - among many other highlights - the Dickens Museum at Broadstairs, the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate and Viking Ship 'Hugin' at Pegwell Bay. The trail offers the best of the Kent landscape, hugging the coastline to Ramsgate before heading inland to explore some of the county’s lush countryside and historic villages. There are any number of attractive options for coffee stops and meal breaks along the way.

Hire bikes at The Bike Shed or Ken’s Bike Shop in Margate, or from Viking Coastal Trail Cycle Hire in Minnis Bay. (credit:Sara Melhuish via Getty Images)

Cycle: Whitstable to Canterbury(03 of05)

For a weekend of wonderful contrast, stay by the sea in quirky, cosmopolitan Whitstable and take an afternoon to explore the historic city of Canterbury. It’s only seven miles inland, and the best way to get there is along the scenic and almost traffic-free cycle way that follows the course of one of England’s first railway lines. The gentle pedal takes you past a 13th century church and through an RSPB nature reserve and bird-filled woodland. Once in Canterbury, explore the medieval lanes and magnificent historic architecture of its World Heritage Site, before heading back in time for sunset over the seafront.

Kent Cycle Hire has stations at Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay. (credit:Michael Godek via Getty Images)

Walk: Ramsgate to Margate via sand and sea(04 of05)

This walk is best taken slowly, giving you time to take in some of England’s best coastal scenery. Begin the day with a leisurely alfresco breakfast at the Royal Harbour in Ramsgate, before taking the eastward trail towards historic Broadstairs (Dickens fans won’t want to miss the real Bleak House on the clifftops above town). You’ll pass several stunning bays along the walk, all of which are worth a stop-off. Joss Bay is Kent’s surfing paradise. Viking Bay - a wonderfully unspoilt horseshoe of fine yellow sand - is perfect for traditional seaside fun. The route is littered with great places to linger and explore, from towering white chalk stacks to out-of-the-way smugglers’ coves. Bustling, rejuvenated Margate offers a warm welcome and plenty of lively cafés and restaurants in which to end a day of relaxing adventure. (credit:DESPITE STRAIGHT LINES (Paul Williams) via Getty Images)

Cycle: Sandwich to Rye(05 of05)

This 56-mile ride takes in a host of attractions on the Kent coast and can be completed in a day by experienced cyclists. If that’s not you, good rail links mean that you can break the riding down into more manageable chunks. The nine-mile ride from Dover to Deal via pretty St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe is - for the most part - an easy meander along a stunning clifftop path. Similarly, the stretch between Folkestone and Rye starts with a picturesque run through the Lower Leas Coastal Park, a linear park featuring three zones of gardens, adventure play and wildlife habitats. You can then take the almost traffic-free sea wall for the next six miles as far as Hythe, a market town on the edge of Romney Marsh and one of the original Cinque Ports.

Hire bikes at Mike’s Bikes in Deal or Locks of Sandwich Cycles in Sandwich. (credit:NSritawat via Getty Images)