Get fit and see the countryside at the same time. The 10,000th mile of the National Cycle Network is due to be opened in September, which means thereare even more bike routes in the UK which are virtually traffic-free. Routes along canal paths, disused railway lines, riversides and parks take you from the city out into the countryside, keeping you safe and healthy.
John Grimshaw, the chief executive of the sustainable transport charity Sustrans, has selected the UK’s best cycling day trips.
THE CAMEL TRAIL, CORNWALL
Running between the towns of Bodmin and Padstow, the Camel Trail is one of Cornwall’s leading attractions and a traffic-free mecca for around 500,000 visitors each year. Cyclists on the trail can follow an old railway line, explore the managed woodland that adjoins part of the route, and ride along the banks of the River Camel before reaching Padstow’s harbour and cafés. The route is flat and easy, although other sections of the West Country Way to either side are more strenuous. Bikes can be hired if needed from shops in Bodmin, Padstow or nearby Wadebridge. There is lots to entertain children along the way, such as the steam railway at Bodmin and wildlife on the Camel Estuary, while adults will undoubtedly appreciate the wine tastings at the Camel Valley Vineyard (01208 77959).
Distance 17 miles (27km)
Time about 3 hours
Difficulty rating Easy. The link to the start of the trail from Bodmin Parkway is slightly more strenuous.
KIDWELLY TO LLANELLI, SOUTH WALES
This gentle section of the Celtic Trail is particularly suitable for young children, and the 36-mile round trip can be broken down into shorter chunks. Kidwelly’s impressive castle and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre (www.wwt.org.uk/visit/llanelli/) just outside Llanelli mean that there are family-friendly places to visit at either end, and the route also takes cyclists through the award-winning Millennium Coastal Park and Pembrey Forest. Pembrey is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with tracks around the visitors’ centre providing ready detours from your cycling, and is home to a dry ski slope and toboggan run, adventure playground and eight-mile beach. All of this plus beautiful views over the estuary to the Gower Peninsula ensure that cycling through South Wales is an action-packed and attractive prospect for a family day outdoors.
Distance 18 miles
Time about 3 hours
Difficulty rating Easy, though it can be windy.
TISSINGTON TRAIL, PEAK DISTRICT
The Tissington Trail is one of the most popular traffic-free routes in Britain, and takes you right into the heart of the Peak District National Park. Beginning on a railway path out of Ashbourne, this 13-mile day trip forms part of the 250-mile Pennine Cycleway Route 68 between Derby and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The Tissington Trail winds through beautiful Peak District landscapes, with stunning limestone scenery, and up a steady but manageable climb before reaching Parsley Hay, where the path joins the High Peak Trail and continues southeast towards Cromford. For those who have the energy the ride can be extended from here. Alternatively, you can stop for refreshments at the Parsley Hay Cycle Centre before embarking on the enjoyably downhill return leg back to Ashbourne.
Distance 13 miles
Time about 2½ hours
Difficulty rating Easy-to-moderate.
CRAB AND WINKLE WAY, KENT
Beginning in the World Heritage Site of Canterbury, this track takes you through fruit farms and woodland to the coastal town of Whitstable. It takes its name from the railway line that ran along the route between 1830 and 1952, and begins with a tour around Canterbury’s centre before climbing into the Kent countryside. The trail undulates mildly, and the newly-built path is gentle enough for a family outing. Keep your ears open for woodpeckers, warblers and nightingales in Clowes Wood, and watch out for the Whitstable Oyster Festival which starts this weekend.
Distance 7½ miles
Time about 1 hour
Difficulty rating Easy.
EDINBURGH TO FORTH BRIDGE, SCOTLAND
The highlight of this route is the ride over the Forth Bridge, hundreds of feet above the Firth of Forth and with fantastic views of the famous rail bridge to the east. The trip to the Firth from the Scottish capital begins at Haymarket station and takes you through some of the city’s quieter streets before venturing out through Dalmeny and Queensferry, where you can stop off at Deep Sea World (www.deepseaworld.com; 01383 411880). Some sections involve rolling hills and cycling on roads, so the full 22-mile round trip is perhaps not suitable for younger children. Cycle lanes on the Forth Bridge, however, mean that this exciting crossing is a treat for all ages.
Distance 11 miles
Time about 2 hours
Difficulty rating Easy-to-moderate: there’s traffic and hills.
SELBY TO BENINGBROUGH, NORTHERN ENGLAND
Glide along river banks, down railway paths and through quiet lanes on this peaceful trail, which runs from the market town of Selby through York to Beningbrough. As well as natural sights such as Rawcliffe Meadows and the River Ouse, this varied route is lined with a number of modern sculptures, including seats that resemble horse-drawn carriages and a metal globe depicting York Cathedral and the city’s walls. Those who prefer more traditional culture, meanwhile, can take in the historic architecture of Selby’s ancient abbey church or the National Trust-owned Beningbrough Hall (www.nationaltrust.org.uk and follow the links).
Distance 24 miles
Time about 4 hours
Difficulty rating Easy.
More information and online mapping of the routes can be obtained from Sustrans; www.sustrans.org.uk, or 0845 1130065. Cycling in The UK (Sustrans, £14.99) is available from Times Books First at £13.49(p&p is free). Phone 0870 1608080 or log on to www.timesonline.co.uk/booksfirstbuy
