Silverbank : a short riverside ride
Short and sweet, this ride takes you on a four-mile circuit along the banks of the River Dee and around the picturesque grounds of Crathes Castle. During the summer, the castle grounds are a hive of activity with plenty going on for families to enjoy.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, but must be supervised at road crossings.
Hills
There are slight hills within the castle grounds and after leaving the Deeside Way on the Optional Extension.
Refreshments/Facilities
Milton of Crathes has a tearoom, restaurant, shops and an art gallery. Crathes Castle has a tearoom, a shop and, in the summer, some other attractions. The castle grounds are extensive and there are a number of pleasant walks.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Old Hartley : a coastal route with a beautiful view
This ten-mile route is packed full of great things to see as you cycle down the dramatic North East Coast. Highlights include: St Mary’s Lighthouse, Seaton Sluice, the wind turbines at Blyth’s historic harbour and Seaton Delaval Hall.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, ideal for children older than ten with supervision at crossings.
Hills
No notably large hills.
Refreshments/Facilities
Cafes and pubs along the route including a fish and chip shop, and three public toilets.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Dockray Meadow : enjoy the beauty of Cumbria
This route takes riders through the lovely villages and countryside of Cumbria, with excellent views across the mountains of Western Lakeland visible throughout.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
No, only if used to cycling on roads. In Rowrah, a footpath runs adjacent to the main road which children might use if they lack confidence.
Hills
Some hills, though none overly tough.
Refreshments/Facilities
There are shops in Asby, Rowrah and Arlecdon. There are two pubs along the route.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Thirsk Racecourse : enjoy the serene beauty of the North York Moors
This route takes you along the edge of North York Moors National Park, offering some truly incredible views of the landscape. The ride is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon in one of the country’s most impressive natural areas.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
This ride is of medium difficulty and not suitable for young children.
Hills
Mostly flat, with one steady climb into Upsall.
Refreshments/Facilities
Stop off for a traditional pub lunch at The Dog & Gun in Knayton.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Knaresborough : ride through the green countryside of Yorkshire
A moderate eight-mile ride through Yorkshire’s stunning countryside, this route takes you through the lovely village of Knaresborough, with its rowing boats and cafes, on to the impressive viaduct and the greenery of Scriven.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
No, Only sections two and three are suitable for children under 10. There is parking at Conningham Hall to allow young children to cycle sections two and three.
Hills
There are some short and moderate inclines along the route
Refreshments/Facilities
The Guy Fawkes Arms pub in Scotton is a great place to stop for lunch, but there are also many pubs and cafes along Knaresborough’s waterfront.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
York Rowntree Park : a scenic ride with an educational twist.
Part bike ride, part space odyssey, this route combines scenic exercise with a little lesson about outer space. Ideal for families, this fun ride takes you past a scale model of the solar system as you tackle part of the Trans Pennine Trail.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes. It’s a safe route with lots to learn about the solar system.
Hills
One slight incline as you leave the river path, but nothing major.
Refreshments/Facilities
There are shops and pubs all along the route at Bishopthorpe, Naburn and Riccall.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Southport : a long distance ride through pretty countryside
A real ride for the day trippers, this route stretches along a number of quiet country lanes making it ideal for leisurely cyclists. Highlights include: wind turbines in Liverpool Bay, Aughton Church, Halsall Church and Rivington Pike.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
At 22.5 miles, this ride is too long for children.
Hills
Very flat ride.
Refreshments/Facilities
The Scotch Piper pub - the oldest pub in Lancashire - is the perfect halfway watering hole.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Coed-y-Llwyn : a scenic route around Lynn Trawsfyndd Lake
This scenic, eight-mile circuit takes in the serene waters of Lynn Trawsfyndd and the quaint village of the same name. Stop off at the viewpoint for incredible views of the lake.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, but care must be taken.
Hills
Undulating with steady rises to the Power Station and Village.
Refreshments/Facilities
Fisherman’s cabin beside lake with picnic site nearby. Shelter and viewpoint by lakeside. Pub, cafés, toilets, shops and Llys Endowain Heritage Centre in Trawsfyndd Village.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
The Sandringham Estate : take a ride through Norfolk’s peaceful countryside
This 15.5-mile ride through Norfolk’s fine countryside takes you past Sandringham House, Bircham Windmill and Snettisham Park, while also offering fine views of the Wash near Dersingham.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, suitable with supervision.
Hills
One slight long hill near the beginning.
Refreshments/Facilities
Refreshments at Bircham Windmill (six miles from the start) and Snettisham Park Farm (10.5 miles).
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
St David's Lleithyr Meadow : an idyllic coastal ride along stunning Welsh shores
The best way to appreciate Pembrokeshire's stunning coast is to ride along it, and this route allows you to do just that. As well as the natural surrounding beauty of the area, this ride leads you past the Druids Circle, a must-see for fans of rural history.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, fine for younger cyclists.
Hills
A steep decent down to the Cathedral and a short, sharp climb up the other side.
Refreshments/Facilities
The Druids Circle is the ideal place to stop for a picnic
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Pembrey Country Park : admire Wales’ fine scenic charms
Enjoy this long ride through the fine countryside and urban areas of Wales. Pembrey Country Park and the Millennium Coastal Park offer great places to stop and admire the rugged coastal views you’ll find on this route.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, but you may need to shorten the 14-mile route if you think it will be too much.
Hills
Several small hills on or near the route, which provide good views of the Burry Inlet estuary area.
Refreshments/Facilities
There are plenty of places to stop for food along the route including Pembrey Country Park and Burry Port Town.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Tredegar House Country Park : a gentle riverside ride through charming Welsh countryside
A steady ride that sticks largely to National Cycling Network paths, this route takes you past the impressive Newport Transporter Bridge. It offers pleasant riverside views and sees you finish at the Fourteen Locks Canal and visitor centre.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, 10+ years old. Care should be taken at all times and children should be constantly supervised.
Hills
Just one hilly section.
Refreshments/Facilities
There are plenty of cafes and shops along the route.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Baltic Wharf : take a riverside ride along the Avon Gorge.
This quiet, riverside ride is a scenic treat for cyclists with young families. Starting off beside the picturesque Ham Green Lake, this easy 10-mile route passes a nature reserve and the lush forest of Leigh Woods, all while hugging the banks of the Avon Gorge.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, but care must be taken, especially in areas where the river banks are exposed and steep.
Hills
The lack of climbs makes this route very pleasant and accessible for all levels of cyclist.
Refreshments/Facilities
Have a picnic at Ham Green Lake or wait for the pubs and shops and Pil.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Hurn Lane : take in history as you pedal
This long, easy ride combines scenic beauty with history to create the ideal family route. Enjoy coastal views and the impressive Brent Knoll Fort as you cycle.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes.
Hills
No hills, flat route.
Refreshments/Facilities
There are plenty of small shops dotted along the route.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Minehead : seaside, history and scenic views all in one
An easy ride, blessed with natural views and historic buildings, this route is ideal for those who love stunning scenery. Don’t miss a stop at Dunster Castle. Enjoy the views along Minehead seafront and quay and of Exmoor in the distance as you cycle.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, but take extra care along the A39 section of the route.
Hills
Uphill start, flat middle with a slight incline towards the end before a downhill finish.
Refreshments/Facilities
Dunster and Minehead have plenty of places to stop for a refreshment break.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Cadeside : local countryside and canals
Pass picturesque country scenes and a quaint church on this route that takes cyclists along part of the Grand Western Canal. Look out for a plaque dedicated to the 1971 World Ploughing Championship and Cothay Manor and gardens.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
No, but older children will be fine if supervised at all times.
Hills
Mainly gentle hills, with one steep descent.
Refreshments/Facilities
Refreshment options are available in Burlescombe and Holcombe Regus, although opening times vary.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Merrose Farm : tackle a tough Cornish challenge
A really challenging ride, this 14.5-mile route will see you tackle the challenges of the Cornish coast. The seaside stretches at Portholland and Portloe are particularly beautiful while the Church at Caerhays, Caerhays Castle and Gardens are all worth a look.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
This route is not suitable for young children, but older, experienced children could tackle it with constant supervision from an adult.
Hills
A number of steep hills throughout.
Refreshments/Facilities
Plenty of pubs and shops along the way at Veryan, Portloe and Mevagissey as well as beaches for picnicking at Pendower, Portholland, Gorran Haven.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
New Forest Centenary : from the forest down to the quay
At 15-miles in distance, this steady ride is ideal for a bit of sightseeing in the beautiful New Forest. Once you arrive at Christchurch Harbour, you can explore the nearby quay and beaches with ease.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Not suitable for young children.
Hills
Very flat route.
Refreshments/Facilities
Stop for a break at either Avon Beach or Mudeford Quay.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Littlehampton : a day out at the beach
This steady route takes you down through the village of Littlehampton all the way to Climping Beach. At four miles each way, it’s ideal for a day out at the seaside, providing the perfect rest stop in the middle.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
No, not suitable for young inexperienced cyclists.
Hills
No hills.
Refreshments/Facilities
Plenty of places to eat along the way including pubs the Arun View and the Black Horse. Alternatively, pack a picnic for the beach.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Rowan Park : enjoy nature at its finest
Spot birds and other wildlife as you cycle through the nature reserve until you reach the picturesque setting of Pagham Harbour. This route involves some cycling on roads and through residential areas, but is well worth it for the views later on it the ride.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes, the route to Pagham Harbour is only suitable for experienced young riders.
Hills
Mainly flat.
Refreshments/Facilities
The village of Nyetimber is the place to grab a bite, as there are three pubs, which all serve food.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Bladon Chains : a scenic ride along Oxford’s canal.
A steady ride along scenic waterways, this route is ideal for experienced and casual cyclists alike.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
No, not young children, but older children with experience of cycling.
Hills
A mostly flat route.
Refreshments/Facilities
There are shops and refreshments on Kidlington High Street and The Plough Inn at Wolvercote Green serves food.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site
Brighton : an easy ride into an incredible city.
This leisurely ride along Brighton’s seafront allows you to take in the vibrant culture of one of Britain’s most exciting cities.
Traffic
Suitability for young children
Yes.
Hills
Mainly flat, with just a ramp down to the seaside.
Refreshments/Facilities
There are many shops, cafés and attractions in and around Brighton.
Key
Picnic
Church
Pub
Site