Flat & family-friendly cycle routes in the Uk to visit this summer

Family Bike routesThere are many beautiful and flat cycling routes in the United Kingdom that are perfect for beginners and families. Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside and get some exercise at the same time. 

The National Cycle Network (NCN) is a great place to start when looking for cycling routes in the UK. The NCN is made up of over 14,000 miles of cycle paths, including many flat and easy routes. One great route for beginners is the Oxford to Cambridge cycle path. This route is mostly flat and takes you through some beautiful countryside.

Here are some of our favourite routes in the UK:

Oxford to Cambridge cycle path!

The Oxford to Cambridge cycle path is one of the most popular flat cycling routes in the UK. This route is perfect for those who want to enjoy a leisurely ride through some of the most picturesque landscapes in England.

Starting from Oxford, the route takes you through the picturesque Cotswold Hills before reaching Cambridge. This is a great route for both experienced cyclists and those who are new to cycling.

There are plenty of places to stop along the way, so you can take in the stunning scenery and maybe even have a picnic!

If you’re looking for a challenge, you can try cycling from Oxford to Cambridge in one day. The route is a total of 124 miles and could be a good achievement if completed. 

The Thames Path National Trail is a traffic-free route.

The Thames Path National Trail is a great option if you’re looking for a flat cycling route, as it follows the course of the river Thames. The trail starts in the heart of London and stretches all the way to the sea, passing through some greate British countryside along the way. If you’re keen to explore some of the best cycling routes in the UK, don’t miss out on this one!

If you’re looking to take it to the next level, why not try cycling from London to Oxford? The route takes in some pretty hilly terrain, but it’s definitely worth it for the stunning views. Alternatively, a flater route would be cycling from Richmond to Windsor. This section of the trail is much flatter and takes in some impressive views

The Three Parks Trail

The Three parks TrailThe Three parks Trail is a great cycling route for those who want to explore some of the best parks in the UK. The route starts at Regent’s Park, in central London, and goes through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens before finishing in Green Park.

The route is around 9 miles long and is mostly flat, making it perfect for families or beginners. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for snacks or lunch, and the scenery is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit.

If you’re looking for a fun day out with the family, or a scenic cycling route to explore, The Three Parks Trail is definitely worth checking out!

Afan Valley route

The Afan Valley cycling route is a long-distance cycle route in the United Kingdom. The route is mainly flat, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate cyclists.

The Afan Valley is located in South Wales and passes through some of the most scenic countryside in the UK. The route is well signposted and there are plenty of places to stop along the way to enjoy the views.

If you’re looking for a challenge, there are also some hillier sections that will test your fitness. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, the Afan Valley route is sure to offer an enjoyable ride for you and the family.

Lon Las Cefni

Lon Las Cefni is a long-distance cycle route in Wales. The route is approximately 150 miles (241 km) long and runs from Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, it follows the National Cycle Network Route 8 for most of its length.

The Lon Las Cefni cycle route passes through some of the most scenic and historic parts of Wales, including Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The route is mostly off-road, making it ideal for cyclists who want to avoid busy roads.

There are a few challenging sections, but overall the route is suitable for cyclists of all levels of experience.

Bristol to Bath Path

cycle routes in the UkBristol to Bath Path is a 14-mile cycle route connecting Bristol and Bath. The route is predominantly flat, making it a great option for casual cyclists and families looking for a nice day out.

The route starts in Bristol on Millennium Square, just south of the river Avon. From here, the path follows the river north, passing through the suburbs of Bedminster and Totterdown before crossing into Bath.

The route through Bath is particularly scenic, winding its way through Royal Victoria Park and past the University of Bath. The path finishes in the centre of Bath, near the Abbey Stadium.

Bristol to Bath Path is one of the most popular cycling routes in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. The path is well-maintained and easy to ride making it the perfect route for families and beginners.

Nutbrook Trail

Another one of the UK’s most popular cycling routes, is the Nutbrook Trail.. The route is located in Derbyshire, England and it is about 10 miles long.

The route starts from Belper and goes through some really scenic areas before ending in Derby. Nutbrook Trail is for those who want to enjoy a leisurely ride through some beautiful countryside.

The route is also suitable for beginner cyclists as it is mostly flat. If you are looking for a challenge, there are some hills towards the end of the route.

Overall, Nutbrook Trail is a perfect location for a day out on your bike. You can either cycle the whole route or just do part of it, there’s also a few  pubs and cafes along the way where you can stop for a break.

Dalby Forest

Dalby ForestDalby Forest cycle route is a great way to explore the forest, and it’s also perfect for cyclists who are looking for a flat cycling route. The cycle route is around 8 miles long, and it’s a great way to see some of the best parts of the forest.

The route starts and ends at the visitor centre, so it’s easy to find. The route takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the forest, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. There are a few hills along the way, but nothing that will present too much of a challenge for you and your family.

Overall, Dalby Forest cycle route is a great way to explore this picturesque part of Yorkshire, and it’s perfect for cyclists of all abilities.

So what are you waiting for? Get on your bike and explore Dalby Forest!

Some of the benefits of cycling with the family

The benefits you will get from cycling as a family are that you will become fitter and healthier, You will spend more time together as a family and you can explore new places together, you will also save money as all these trails are free to ride.

Cycling is a great way to get some exercise, and it’s also a way to spend some time together as a family. If you’re looking for a way to explore new places, then cycling is a could be for you. 

Some FAQs we get asked about cycling as a family

  1. What are some good flat cycling routes in the UK?

There are plenty of great flat cycling routes in the UK, whether you’re looking for an easy family ride or something a little more challenging. The National Cycle Network has over 12,000 miles of signed routes to explore, so there’s bound to be something that’s perfect for you.

  1. What are some good cycling routes in the UK for families?

Again, there are loads of great options when it comes to family-friendly cycling routes in the UK. If you’re looking for something relatively easy, then the circular route around Windermere is a great choice. For something a little more challenging, the South Downs Way is a stunning routes that takes you through the rolling hills of southern England.

  1. Can I cycle in the UK if I’m not a British citizen?

Yes, you can! There are no restrictions on who can cycle in the UK, so long as you obey the rules of the road.

  1. What do I need to know about cycling in the UK?

The main thing to remember is that you must cycle on the left-hand side of the road. This can take some getting used to if you’re used to cycling on the right-hand side, but it’s really not that difficult once you get used to it. Other than that, just make sure you have a good map and plan your route before setting off.

  1. What is the law regarding cycling in the UK?

In the UK, there is no law that states you must wear a helmet when cycling. However, it is strongly recommended that you do so, especially if you’re going to be cycling on busy roads.

  1. Is there anything else I need to know about cycling in the UK?

Just enjoy yourself! Cycling is a great way to see the sights of the UK and to get some exercise at the same time. There are plenty of resources available online to help you plan your route, so make use of them and have fun!