Dust off your bike, pack the helmets (and maybe a picnic blanket) and head out to the forest with the family for a cycle ride amongst the trees.
Here are some of our favourite places across the country with cycle trails and routes suitable for younger cyclists. Whether you're looking for a short circular route or a pump track for learning new skills, we've got the place for you.
Top tips for a successful family bike ride
Before you hit our trails, take a look at our suggestions for getting the most out of your day.
- Choose routes that match your children's confidence and ability.
- Start with traffic-free, surfaced, and waymarked trails.
- Take breaks and pack snacks and water.
- Focus on fun and not distance.
Kielder Forest, Northumberland
More than 100 miles of cycling routes start from the trail hub at Kielder Forest.
The 7-mile Borderline trail follows a former railway line, making it relatively flat and easy to ride. The Lakeside Way trail is longer at 26 miles and takes in the beautiful scenery of the lake at Kielder Water.
Dalby Forest, Yorkshire
There are a number of gentle cycling routes at Dalby Forest. The Adderstone trail (8 miles) and the Ellerburn multi-user trail (2.5 miles) both offer easy rides through mixed terrain and are great choices for parents with young children.
The Dalby Forest cycle skills area is also a popular spot for cyclists young and old to practise their skills and gain confidence.
Hicks Lodge, Leicestershire
Hicks Lodge is a great day out for any budding cyclist, from complete beginners to the more confident rider. Situated in young woodland, the whole site has been designed with families in mind.
The Wood Farm trail is a circular 2.75-mile route suitable for novice and beginner mountain bikers, using specially built winding tracks. The new Pedal and Play trail is also a big hit with children of all ages.
Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
Sherwood Pines is one of the best regional venues for off-road cycling. The Maid Marion route is an easy 4-mile circular route complete with picnic benches - perfect for families with young children and those new to cycling.
The Pedal and Play trail, and the Skills Loop, are great places for younger riders to practise and develop their skills. The Loop includes a range of technical trail features and a mini loop to explore.
High Lodge, Suffolk
High Lodge (part of Thetford Forest) has a number of great cycle routes. The Shepherd trail (3.5/5 miles) is ideal for beginners with its wide forest roads suitable for bikes with tagalongs, trailers and child seats.
High Lodge's pump track is also a fun place for children (and grown-ups!) to practise their skills, alongside a Pedal and Play trail too.
Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent
The Family cycle trail (5.5 miles) is a great route that allows visitors to enjoy the impressive trees, flowers and wildlife that call Bedgebury Pinetum home.
If you have little ones and would prefer a shorter ride with the same benefits, the Short family cycle trail (2.8 miles) is the one for you. These trails are best suited to those with some basic off-road experience.
Haldon Forest Park, Devon
The Discovery trail (1.5 miles) is an all-ability trail with fun features for children and regular resting points. Haldon Forest Park also has both a pump loop and a skills area, giving cyclists of all ages space to practise and build their confidence.
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
The Colliers trail is a fully signposted, circular route heading off from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. This 9-mile trail follows the route of an old railway and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Keep an eye out for station names and mine remnants along the way! Need a shorter route? The Hicksters Way loop (5 miles) also starts from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre.
Alice Holt Forest, Surrey
The Family cycle trail (3 miles) is a fantastic way to explore the habitats of the forest. With a robust surface suitable for all bikes including those with trailers, be prepared for the uphill and downhill sections.
Often visit with your family? Become a member!
Becoming a Forestry England member helps you make the most of days out like these, while also giving something back to the forests you love. You’ll enjoy free parking at hundreds of sites, plus exclusive discounts and offers that make family adventures even better value.
Every membership also supports the care of our forests, from maintaining the cycle trails above and play areas you pass, to protecting wildlife and welcoming future generations. It’s a simple way to save money, spend more time outdoors, and help us grow the future together.
