A family cycle trail adventure is a great way to spend quality time with your family, combining active leisure with the exploration of new places. The UK offers numerous routes suitable for families with children of different ages. In this guide, we’ll look at the most popular family cycle trails, explain how to get there, where to rent bikes, and why it’s worth getting cycling travel insurance.
How to Get to and Rent Bikes for Your Family Cycle Trail Adventure
The most popular family cycling trails in the UK are easily accessible for both locals and international visitors. If you’re arriving by plane, you can take a train or bus from major airports (such as London, Manchester, or Edinburgh) to towns near the chosen family cycle trails.
There are bike rental points near most routes, where you can get bikes for adults and children, as well as child seats or trailers. Some places also offer e-bikes or delivery of bikes directly to your hotel.
The average cost of renting a standard bike for a family cycle trail is about £20–25 per day. Children’s bikes and seats are slightly cheaper — from £10–15, while e-bikes start at £30–35 per day.
To make sure everything’s ready, it’s best to book bikes in advance online, especially in summer and on weekends.
Popular Family Cycle Trails in the UK
Here is a selection of family cycle trails that are perfect for family trips in the UK:
|
Route Name |
Region |
Length |
Features |
|
Camel Trail |
Cornwall |
29 km |
Former railway, flat route, many cafes, and bike rentals — a classic family cycle trail. |
|
Tarka Trail |
Devon |
52 km |
The route along rivers and scenic landscapes is suitable for all age groups — a beautiful family cycle trail. |
|
Forest of Dean Trail |
Gloucestershire |
15 km |
Forest route, suitable for families with young children, picnic areas available. |
|
Monsal Trail |
Peak District |
13 km |
Route through tunnels and bridges, flat route, suitable for all age groups — an enjoyable family cycle trail. |
|
Loch Leven Trail |
Scotland |
21 km |
The circular trail around the lake and scenic views. Ideal for all age groups. |
Interesting fact: The Camel family cycle trail follows a former railway line once used to transport shale and fish from the port town of Padstow. Today, it is one of the UK’s most popular family cycle trails — attracting over 400,000 visitors every year!
One-Day Family Cycle Trips for Beginners
If you are just starting to ride a bike or want to try a one-day trip without too much effort, it’s better to choose easy family cycle trails with flat or nearly flat surfaces. Such routes allow you to enjoy nature, relax, and avoid getting tired.
Here are some tips for beginners:
- Choose routes up to 15–20 km — this is a comfortable distance for most beginners, especially with children.
- Check if there are bike rentals near the start of the route — many rental points offer bikes of different sizes, including children’s bikes.
- Book your bike online in advance — this saves time and ensures the right bike is available for you.
- Plan stops for rest and snacks — choose family cycle trails with cafes, parks, or picnic areas.
- Wear comfortable clothes and bring water — this will make your trip more enjoyable.
Our Recommendation: The Bristol & Bath Railway Path
This family cycle trail is perfect for those who want to try cycling for the first time. It’s easy and very scenic.
- Length: about 21 km (one way).
- Difficulty level: very easy, mostly flat and paved.
- Features: This is a former railway line connecting two beautiful cities — Bristol and Bath. The route goes through parks, villages, and green areas, making the ride very pleasant and safe.
- Infrastructure: there are many cafes, bike rentals, and lovely spots to rest along the way.
- How to get there: easy to reach by train or bus from major cities. You can start in Bristol and ride to Bath, then return by public transport.
Why It’s Important to Get Cycling Travel Insurance
Now, about insurance. If you are traveling to the UK as a tourist from another country, you will likely buy travel insurance anyway. However, regular travel insurance usually does not cover your special injuries or other issues related specifically to cycle family trips.
Special cycle travel insurance helps avoid extra costs and provides peace of mind. The policy can cover:
- Medical expenses in case of cycling injuries.
- Damage to or loss of bicycles (whether your own or rented).
- Evacuation in case of emergencies.
It’s important to note that buying family insurance for cycle trails is very convenient. It is arranged with one policy — you simply add all travelers to the list, and the coverage applies to each person.
Conclusion
A family cycle trail adventure in the UK is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together while enjoying nature and active recreation. Choose routes that suit your needs, plan your trip, and don’t forget about cycle travel insurance for your safety and peace of mind. Over 120 million people worldwide love family cycle trail adventures — be one of them!