Family cycling together on a quiet street lined with traditional European buildings and bike-friendly paths.

Best Family-Friendly Cycling Spots in the UK: Safe, Scenic and Fun

May 20, 2025

Designed for parents, kids, and all-age riders who want to enjoy cycling together.

Whether you're planning your child's first ride or a weekend family adventure, the UK is bursting with safe and scenic cycling routes that are perfect for all ages. From coastlines and forests to castles and canals, these cycle trails offer the perfect mix of ease, enjoyment and stunning scenery. And if you're new to the idea of electric bikes, these routes are a brilliant introduction to low-effort, high-enjoyment riding.

Tip: Little Gliders offers a charming range of kids' bikes, trikes, and scooters—perfect for every age and ability.

Why Choose Family-Friendly Cycle Trails?

Family-friendly routes are usually:

Traffic-free or low traffic, making them safer for kids
Flat or gently graded, so younger riders (or towing parents) don't struggle
Packed with places to stop, from wildlife reserves and beaches to cafes and castles
E-bike friendly, so grown-ups can go further with less effort

Whether you're riding tandem with your toddler or letting older kids roam a little, these trails are ideal for building cycling confidence.

Best Family Cycle Routes in England

✨ The Camel Trail, Cornwall

Distance: Up to 18 miles (broken into 3 sections)
Start Points: Padstow, Wadebridge, or Bodmin

Cyclists riding along a peaceful riverside trail with coastal hills in the background. Camel Trail Cornwall amily friendly biking spots.

This iconic trail is one of the UK’s best-known family routes. Mostly flat and traffic-free, it follows a disused railway line through beautiful Cornish countryside and along the Camel Estuary. Look out for wading birds and stop off at one of the many cafes along the way.

Perfect for: New riders, e-bikes, and wildlife spotting

✨ Tissington Trail, Derbyshire

Distance: 13 miles
Route: Parsley Hay to Ashbourne

A former railway route with gentle gradients and plenty of interest along the way—including a 600m tunnel and a restored signal box. The path is wide, stable and ideal for young cyclists and adult riders alike.

Perfect for: Families with young children and those using trailers or tagalongs

✨ Forest of Dean Family Trail, Gloucestershire

Distance: 12 miles
Start Point: Beechenhurst Visitor Centre

Child cycling along a woodland trail on a balance bike surrounded by trees.

A classic traffic-free loop through the UK’s oldest oak forest. This gentle trail connects villages and scenic spots, with cafes, picnic areas, and an optional off-road detour for the more adventurous.

Perfect for: Mixed-age families and nature lovers

Best Family Cycle Routes in Wales

✨ Mawddach Trail, Snowdonia

Distance: 19 miles round-trip
Route: Dolgellau to Barmouth

Cyclists riding a coastal trail in the British countryside with scenic mountain views.

One of Britain’s most picturesque trails. Ride along a former railway line with views of the estuary, historic wooden bridges and RSPB reserves. Mostly flat and easy, this trail is a great place for first-time riders.

Perfect for: Day trips, e-bike users, and nature-themed family rides

✨ Elan Valley Trail, Mid Wales

Distance: 18 miles round-trip
Route: Rhayader to Penygarreg Reservoir

Cyclists riding beside a scenic lake with mountains in the UK countryside.

A gentle climb out and a breezy downhill return along old railway paths and dam-side trails. The scenery is stunning, the track is tarmacked, and the visitor centre offers refreshments and bike hire.

Perfect for: E-bikes and kids who love dams and engineering marvels

✨ Millennium Coastal Path, Llanelli

Distance: 13 miles
Start Point: North Dock, Llanelli

Family cycling along a coastal UK trail with sea views and green hills in the background.

Flat, sea-hugging paths take you past golf courses, wetland centres, and sandy beaches. Ideal for short rides or longer explorations with pit stops for flamingo spotting or crazy golf.

Perfect for: Beach days and multi-age cycling groups

Best Family Cycle Routes in Scotland

✨ Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Kinross

Distance: 13 miles loop
Route: Circular around Loch Leven

Boats docked on a calm lake with scenic hills and reeds in the foreground on a sunny day in the UK. Cycling Loch Leven Heritage Trail

This off-road route is popular for its wildlife (keep an eye out for otters, ospreys and kingfishers) and historic landmarks like Lochleven Castle. The trail is flat and packed with photo spots and picnic places.

Perfect for: Wildlife lovers and first-time riders

✨ Lòn Eifion, Caernarfon

Distance: 12.5 miles
Route: Caernarfon to Bryncir

Caernarfon Castle at sunset with boats moored along the river in North Wales.

Running alongside a steam railway, this tarmacked path offers epic views of Snowdon and other peaks in Eryri. It’s a gently undulating ride with lots of options for pit stops.

Perfect for: E-bike users, scenic rides, and railway fans

Best Family Cycle Routes in Northern Ireland

✨ Lagan & Lough Cycleway, County Antrim

Distance: Up to 21 miles
Route: Lisburn to Jordanstown via Belfast

Canal-side cycling path with old brick bridge in green woodland, England.

This riverside route connects city and coast with plenty of shorter sections for little legs. Ride past Belfast Lough and through peaceful woodland trails.

Perfect for: Urban riders looking for a slice of nature

✨ Castle Ward Estate, County Down

Distance: 34km of trails
Route: Circular options available

Aerial view of British countryside estate with gardens and river estuary.

Cycle past castles, lakes and open parkland. Balance bikes are available to borrow and there’s plenty to do before or after your ride.

Perfect for: All-day adventures and younger riders building confidence

Hidden Gems & Local Favourites

✨ Red Squirrel Trail, Isle of Wight

23 miles of fun through forests and fields, with sculptures, wildlife and even hidden trolls under bridges. Great for adventurous families and younger explorers.

Couple cycling through a sunlit forest trail on a peaceful woodland ride. Red Squirrel Trail Isle of Wright

✨ Waddesdon Greenway, Buckinghamshire

Flat, smooth and beginner-friendly. This route is perfect for kids learning to ride, connecting Waddesdon and Aylesbury through quiet countryside.

✨ Phoenix Trail, Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire

Watch red kites soar overhead as you glide along this 7.5-mile flat route between Princes Risborough and Thame. Well surfaced and popular with families.

Planning Tips for Family Cycling Adventures

Check the Route

Even family-friendly trails can have the occasional hill or road section. Check maps and read recent reviews before you go.

Consider an E-Bike

Electric bikes make family cycling days longer and more enjoyable—especially if you’re towing a trailer or keeping pace with energetic teens.

Bring Snacks & Stop Often

Plan breaks around scenic viewpoints, cafés or picnic areas. Don’t forget water and high-energy nibbles.

Use the Right Gear

Make sure bikes are sized properly and helmets fit snugly. Trailers, tagalongs and balance bikes help involve every age.

Check for Bike Hire

Many of these trails offer bike hire on-site, including e-bikes, tagalongs, and children’s options. Handy if you don’t want to transport your own.

Ready to Ride?

Whether you're introducing your toddler to their first balance bike or exploring coastal paths with tweens on e-bikes, there's a family cycle trail out there for you. The UK's best family-friendly cycling spots are safe, scenic, and full of adventure—all you need to do is pick one and start pedalling.

Looking for the perfect first bike or scooter for your little one?
Explore Little Gliders’ beautifully crafted range of kids' bikes, trikes and scooters—designed to help your child ride with confidence, comfort and joy.

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