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Traffic free rides - rides out for all the family

June 18, 2019

What can possibly be better than dragging the kids away from their various electronic devices and spending some time out in the open air together. So, why not take the family out for a drop of fresh air? To help with this we have put together our pick of the best traffic free rides - rides out for all the family.

Each of the rides is easy enough for riders of all ages and experience to complete with ease. They are also pretty much traffic free for their entirety. Should the ride be one of the longer distances then it can easily be cut into shorter sections.

North Yorkshire - Riccall to York

Distance: 10 miles

Start: Riccall

Finish: York Minster

National Cycle Network: Route 65

The historic Rowntree Park lies alongside the banks of the River Ouse in York City Centre.

Sustrans route number 65 is a gentle ride through the flat and fertile farmland of North Yorkshire. The route culminates in a lovely riverside ride through the picturesque Rowntree Park which runs along the banks of the River Ouse. The park was gifted to the people of York by renowned confectioners the Rowntree family in 1921. Take the time to explore the beautiful and historic city of York and visitsome of the many attractions that include the National Railway Museum, Jorvik Viking centre as well as much, much more.

South West - The Camel Trail

Distance: Up to 18 miles (variable)

Start: Wenford Bridge

Finish: Padstow via Bodmin

National Cycle Network: Route 32

The stunning Camel estuary forms an epic backdrop for this ride.

The Camel trail wends it's way mostly along the long disused London and South West railway line and is one of the most popular recreational routes in the UK. The full route is 18 miles long and passes through the wooded upper reaches of the Camel Valley and alongside the picturesque Camel Estuary. The surface is mainly gravel and is mainly traffic free for most of it's length.

The route also offers excellent opportunities to see Otters, Bats, Dormice, and many types of birds and wild marsh flowers. Should the full 18 miles be a little too imposing shorter routes can be completed; Padstow to Wadebridge is 5.5 miles, Wadebridge to Bodmin is 5.75 miles and Bodmin to Wenfordbridge is 6.25 miles.

Lancashire - Lune Valley Trail

Distance: 5 miles

Start: Lancaster Millennium Bridge

Finish: Bull Beck Picnic Site

National Cycle Network: Routes 69 and 90

Sustrans route 69 and 90 takes in the spectacular Crook O'Lune, as seen from the historic bridge of the same name.

Alongside the lake district, the Lune Valley held a very special place in the heart of the poet William Wordsworth. One of the reasons for his affinity with this spectacular route is the Crook O'Lune, a dramatic kink in the course of the Lune river. It also served as inspiration for the artist J M W Turner and features in his paintings. If the valley itself is not spectacular enough by itself, you also have sensational views of the Lake District to the North, plus the Yorkshire Dales and Ingleborough to the East.

North East - Consett & Sunderland Railway

Distance: Up to 26 miles (variable)

Start: Lydgett's Junction, Consett

Finish: Roker Beach, Sunderland

National Cycle Network: Route 7

The trail travels along tarmac and good quality gravel so suits a variety of bikes.

The route takes you along the line of Britains first commercial railway, the Stanhope and Tyne railway which finally closed in 1985. The route to Roker Beach passes Sunderland FC's Stadium Of Light along the riverside, through the marina and follows an art trail to the beach at Roker. Along the way there is plenty to take in as well as enjoying the scenery and fresh air. Beamish Open Air Museum brings history to life and here you can visit the colliery, 19th century manor house, Edwardian town and railway station.

For the bird watchers amongst you, there is also the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust Centre at Washington. With many birds in residence and depending upon the time of year migratory birds resting here the reserve is always a mecca for and aspiring ornithologists.

If the complete ride is a little length then simply ride one of these sections instead;

  • Consett to Beamish 10.5 miles
  • Beamish to Washington 7.5 miles
  • Washington to Sunderland 8 miles

South East - Cuckoo Trail, East Sussex

Distance: 11 miles

Start: School Lane, Polegate

Finish: High Street, Heathfield

National Cycle Network: Route 21

The Cuckoo Trail follows a historic railway line through the quaint villages of east Sussex

The route follows the line of the Old Cuckoo Railway and climbs gently through the Cuckmere Valley. The railway and trail are so named after the old Sussex tradition of releasing a Cuckoo at the Heathfield fair. It travels through a terrain of broadleaf woodland, arable farmland and open grassland and takes in some lovely little villages along the way.

There are also dramatic sculptures hewn from Oak trees which were felled by the great storm of 1987. These were carved by the artist and sculptor Steve Geliot, there are also metal sculptures by the local artist Hamish Black. Close by Hailsham, is the historic Michelham Priory, set within 7 acres of beautiful gardens and surrounded by the longest water filled moat in England, which dates back to 1299. Here you can learn about the history of the Priory from it's Augustinian roots right the way through to it being a refuge for WWII evacuees.

Northern Ireland - Comber Greenway

Distance: 7 miles

Start: Dee Street, East Belfast

Finish: Comber

National Cycle Network: Route 99

The route is well tarmacked all the way so is suited to all types of bike.

Opened in November 2008 the Comber Greenway is a popular choice with walkers and cyclist alike, this tranquil traffic free route wends its way along the old Belfast to Comber railway line. It features views of Belfast's past and present history, which includes amongst others, Stormont, Scrabo Tower, the Harland & Wolff shipyards and the Belfast Hills.

Scotland - Aviemore to Boat of Garten

Distance: 6 miles

Start: Just North of Aviemore railway station

Finish: Boat of Garten

National Cycle Network: Route 7

Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer majesty and beauty of this fantastically beautiful ride.

A popular choice for bird watchers and steam train enthusiasts alike, this easy to ride route takes the same scenic route as the Strathspey Steam Railway. The trail crosses heather covered grassland and affords spectacular views of the Cairngorms. There is also ample opportunity to view the local wildlife including amongst others, Red Squirrels, Ospreys and Tree Pipits.

As the path stays within close proximity to the steam railway you can expect to see and hear the odd tantalising glimpse of these steam locomotives puffing down the track. As an added bonus and attraction, you can even choose to take the steam train back to the start.

There are numerous visitor attractions along the way which include;

  • Aviemore Centre
  • Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre
  • The Strathspey Steam Railway
  • Loch Garten Osprey Centre

Wales - Mawddach Trail

Distance: 9 miles

Start: Main Car Pack, Dolgellau

Finish: Barmouth

National Cycle Network: National Route 8

The Mawddach Trail boasts some stunning and iconic views.

This gravel/tarmac trails is one of the most scenic in Wales and follows the old railway line between Barmouth and Ruabon which closed in 1965. To the North are hills rising to over 200ft and the trail crosses over 2 wooden bridges. You encounter the first which is a toll bridge at Penmaenpool and the 2nd is the combined pedestrian, cyclist and railway bridge into Barmouth. On the latter you look directly down beneath your feet to the sea below!

Along the route is the Mawddach Valley - Arthog Bog RSPB reserve which uses the old signal box as an observation centre. Refreshment may also be found in Penmaenpool at the George the Third Hotel and is especially popular with walkers and cyclists for coffees, lunches and teas.


Need a bike for those leisurely rides and commutes? Check out the hybrid range guide here.


Ribble Electric Bikes- What do they offer? Find out here.

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