Best Family Cycle Trails in the UK: Traffic-Free Routes, Bike Hire and Trailers

Are you looking for a bike ride where the kids can pedal without cars whizzing past? The UK has some brilliant traffic-free cycle trails. Many of them follow old railway lines, so they are flat, wide and easy to follow. Some even have bike hire, trailers and cafés right on the route.

I love exploring by bike. We cycled around the New Forest from Brockenhurst and rode the Viking Coastal Trail in Kent. Since Peter was born, I have been researching the easiest family rides even more. So in this guide I share my favourite traffic-free routes, where to hire bikes and what to know about trailers and child seats.

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Quick answer

• Flattest and easiest: the Bristol and Bath Railway Path (13.9 miles, almost all asphalt) and the Mawddach Trail in Wales (about 9.5 miles).
• Best for a seaside day out: the Camel Trail in Cornwall and the sea wall from Margate to Reculver on the Viking Coastal Trail.
• Most fun for kids: the Monsal Trail in the Peak District, with four lit tunnels.
• Best forest ride: the Family Cycle Trail in the Forest of Dean (9 miles, circular) or the New Forest's 100+ miles of waymarked routes.
• Bike hire: you can hire at Wadebridge (Camel Trail), Hassop Station (Monsal Trail) and Brockenhurst (New Forest).
• Rules: helmets are not a legal requirement, but the Highway Code says you should wear one. Children can only ride as passengers in a seat or trailer built for it.

What makes a good family cycle trail?

When you cycle with kids, the route matters more than the distance. Here is what I look for:

• Traffic-free: old railway paths are perfect. There are no cars and the gradients are gentle.
• A smooth surface: asphalt or firm gravel is fine for trailers and small wheels. Loose gravel is harder work.
• Turnaround points: you don't have to ride the whole thing. Pick a café, a playground or a station as your turning point.
• Toilets and snacks on the way: trust me, you will need both!
• A station nearby: many of these trails start close to a railway station, so you can leave the car at home.

Most of the routes below are part of the National Cycle Network. It is cared for by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, and its route pages give the length and surface of each trail. I've used them for the facts below.

The best traffic-free family cycle trails in the UK

Camel Trail, Cornwall

The Camel Trail follows an old railway along the Camel estuary. The section from Padstow to Bodmin via Wadebridge is about 12 miles (19.5 km). The whole trail is around 18 miles if you continue inland to Wenfordbridge. About 92% of it is traffic-free, and most of the surface is asphalt.

• Best for families: Wadebridge to Padstow along the estuary. It is flat, with lovely water views, and Padstow is a great place for lunch.
• Watch out: there are short on-road bits through Wadebridge and into Bodmin town centre, so take care with kids there.
• Bike hire: Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge has kids' bikes, trailers, tandems, e-bikes and even a wheelchair bike.

Monsal Trail, Peak District

This is the one kids will remember! The Monsal Trail runs for about 8.9 miles (14.4 km) from just north of Bakewell to Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale. It is 100% traffic-free. It goes through four old railway tunnels, each about 400 metres long.

• Tunnels: the lights are lit in normal daylight hours. In winter they switch off earlier, around 4:30 pm, so bring bike lights if you ride in the afternoon.
• Bike hire: Monsal Trail Cycle Hire at Hassop Station is open 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Tissington Trail, Peak District

The Tissington Trail runs 13.2 miles (21.3 km) from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay. It is completely traffic-free and mostly flat. There is one steeper incline near Mappleton. The surface is mainly firm gravel with some asphalt.

Bristol and Bath Railway Path

This 13.9-mile (23.3 km) path links two cities on an old railway line. It is almost entirely flat and 99.7% asphalt, so it is perfect for trailers and balance bikes. There are drink and snack stops at Bitton and Warmley stations, and you can see working steam engines at the old Bitton station. Both Bristol and Bath have railway stations near the ends of the path. Take care on the short road section at the Bath end.

Tarka Trail, Devon

The cycle path of the Tarka Trail runs 30.3 miles (48.8 km) from Braunton via Barnstaple, Instow and Bideford, and currently ends at Meeth. Almost all of it is traffic-free. You don't need to do the whole thing. A short section, like Barnstaple to Instow, makes a lovely ride with young kids.

Mawddach Trail, Wales

The Mawddach Trail follows a disused railway along the southern edge of the Mawddach estuary. It is about 9.5 miles (15 km) from Dolgellau to Barmouth. The route is flat, at least 3 metres wide for most of its length, and almost entirely traffic-free. The highlight is the long railway bridge over the estuary into Barmouth.

Be careful at the Barmouth end! The exit from the toll bridge onto the A496 is steep and meets the road on a blind corner with no footpath. With young kids, I suggest turning back before the bridge or walking your bikes. There are train stations at Morfa Mawddach and Barmouth if you want to ride one way.

Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail

Forestry England's Family Cycle Trail is a 9-mile (14.5 km) circular route on specially surfaced paths. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and is best ridden clockwise. If that is too long, the Hicksters Way loop is 5 miles (8 km) and takes about 45 minutes. The trail is gently sloping, apart from one long, steep downhill section. It has two road crossings and one stretch of road shared with vehicles, so keep the kids close there. Forestry England says the loop is great for new riders of all ages and for towing cycle trailers.

New Forest

The New Forest has more than 100 miles of waymarked, family-friendly cycle routes, and much of it is traffic-free. We hired mountain bikes from Cyclexperience next to Brockenhurst station and rode three different routes. Our 26 km loop through the Ornamental Woods was fun and easy, and I'd say it is suitable for families with small children. We even stopped at a stream with a rope swing. Read all about it in my post on our cycling getaway to the New Forest.

Remember that ponies, cattle and deer roam freely here. Forestry England asks you to stay on the waymarked routes, pass animals wide and slow, and use your bell. E-bikes are only allowed on the designated cycle routes. You can reach the network from Ashurst, Brockenhurst and Sway stations.

Viking Coastal Trail: Margate to Reculver

We cycled the whole 32-mile Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle of Thanet. For families, I suggest the 9-mile traffic-free stretch that follows the sea wall from Margate to Reculver. It is really safe and pretty, with places to stop for refreshments and public toilets along the way. From 1 May to 30 September you must get off and push on some promenades between 10 am and 6 pm, so look out for the signs. Read more in my Viking Coastal Trail guide.

Family cycle trails at a glance

Bike trailers, child seats and tag-alongs

How do you take a child who can't ride yet? You have a few options:

• Bike trailer: my favourite. Children sit low, out of the wind and rain, and there is room for snacks and a toy. Many trailers convert into a jogger or stroller.
• Child seat: lighter and cheaper, but your child is more exposed to the weather.
• Tag-along: a half-bike that attaches to yours, so older kids can pedal and rest when they are tired.

The Highway Code says you must not carry a passenger unless your bike has been built or adapted to carry one. So always use a proper seat or trailer. For babies, check that the trailer and infant insert are approved for cycling, not just for strolling.

Before Peter was born, I spent weeks comparing trailers. You can read all my research in my guide to the best kids bike trailers in the UK. One I recommend in it is the Hamax Outback. It converts into a cargo trailer and has a reclining seat.

If you want a premium option with adjustable suspension, I also recommend the Thule Chariot Cross in the same guide. Check the current model before you buy, as brands update their ranges often.

Tips for cycling with kids

• Go short: plan half the distance you think they can do. You can always add more.
• Ride out and back: on linear trails, turn around when the kids are still happy, not when they are tired.
• Use the train: many trails start near a station, which also makes one-way rides possible.
• Helmets and clothing: the Highway Code advises a helmet that fits and is fastened, and light-coloured or fluorescent clothing.
• Lights: pack them for tunnels and short winter days.
• Share the path: walkers, horse riders and dogs use these trails too. Ring your bell and slow down.
• Leave no trace: take your litter home and close gates behind you.

If you prefer mountain bike trails, Rushmere Country Park near us has bike trails too. You need a Greensand Cycling Pass for them. Read more in my post about exploring Rushmere Country Park. And if you get hooked on bike holidays, have a look at our Switzerland cycling holiday.

FAQ

What is the easiest family cycle trail in the UK?

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path is one of the easiest. It is almost entirely flat and 99.7% asphalt. The Mawddach Trail and the Monsal Trail are also flat and traffic-free.

Where can I hire a bike trailer in the UK?

Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge on the Camel Trail hires trailers alongside kids' bikes and tandems. Kit varies between hire centres, so always ask about trailers, tag-alongs and child seats when you book.

Is the Monsal Trail suitable for children?

Yes. It is 100% traffic-free and kids love the tunnels. Bring lights if you ride in the late afternoon in winter, as the tunnel lights switch off around 4:30 pm.

Do children have to wear a helmet when cycling in the UK?

It is not a legal requirement. However, the Highway Code says cyclists should wear a helmet that meets current regulations, fits well and is securely fastened. I definitely recommend it for kids.

Can you cycle in the New Forest with kids?

Yes, it is one of the best places for it. There are more than 100 miles of waymarked routes, much of it traffic-free. Just give the ponies and cattle plenty of space.

Which family cycle trail is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!