10 family-friendly cycle routes in the UK

By Victoria Hazael

Find cycling routes that are suitable to ride with children

As part of Cycling UK's 140th Birthday celebrations we want to inspire the next generation to experience the joys of cycling, so we've asked Cycling UK members who regularly cycle with children to recommend ten of their favourite routes for cycling with kids.

Cycling to the seaside from Surrey on the Downs Link

Cycling UK's Victoria Hazael recommends cycling from Guildford town centre, along the River Wey Navigation to join the Downs Link path 36 miles to Shoreham-by-Sea. The Downs Link is an old railway line that has been converted to a path for cycling and walking. It's mostly traffic-free and can be easily ridden by very small children in sections.

View the Downs Link route

3-mile family-friendly route in Glasgow city centre

Cycling UK is part of Play Together on Pedals which has taught more than 8,000 children in Glasgow and Edinburgh to cycle since 2014, This route 3 mile route is perfect for families looking for a quiet and safe route to build up cycling confidence.

View the Glasgow city centre route

Traffic-free loop in Edinburgh

Edinburgh All-ability Bike Centre (ABC) is a Cycling UK project that supports people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to get cycling using a range of adaptive cycles as well as standard solo bikes. This 4-mile route in the North of Edinburgh is perfect for children who have just started to cycle.

View the Edinburgh all-ability route

Norbury Loop in Shropshire

Liz Colebrook has helped many children learn to cycle, she created this 16-mile loop in Shropshire that is not too hilly but perfect for older children who want to go a bit further.

View the Norbury loop route

Milford-on-sea to Lymington

Cycling UK's Vice President Josie Dew is rather more adventurous than average, but this 10-mile route along the coast in Hampshire is great for children who have mastered the art of cycling, but want to explore more than the local park.

View the Milford-on-sea to Lymington route

Portsmouth Harbour to Hayling Island

The coast of the UK offers some stunning views and great beaches. This route also by Josie Dew gives a 15-mile challenge with plenty of places to stop along the way for a rest and snack.

View the Portsmouth to Hayling Island route

Western shore of Windermere

The Lake District is a popular family holiday destination, Cycling UK member and author of CycleSprog Karen Gee recommends a 9-mile potter with your children along the western shore of Windermere.

View the Windermere route

Green Quarter Fell

If you want to start mountain biking with your children and want something different to a trail centre, try Green Quarter Fell. It is a 10 mile loop Karen Gee from Cycle Sprog recommends.

View the Green Quarter Fell route

Seacombe Ferry to New Brighton

Chris Alston is Cycling UK's Cycling Development Officer for Liverpool City Region, this is his favourite route for beginners and young children. It is a relatively flat, traffic free route meaning we can relax and enjoy the views of the Liverpool Waterfront and iconic Royal Liver Building which are instantly in sight as you depart Seacombe Ferry Terminal.

View the Seacombe Ferry to New Brighton route

Cambridge Commons

Vaneesa Kelly is a Cycling Projects Officer for Cambridgeshire County Council, and one of Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling for 2018. Here's a great loop around Cambridge City Centre where there are motor-traffic restrictions.

View the Cambridge Commons route