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.
Kielder Forest, Northumberland
More than 100 miles of cycling routes radiate 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 practice 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.
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 Skills Loop at Sherwood Pines is also a great place for younger riders to practice and develop their skills, with 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 practice their skills.
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. Basic off-road skills are needed for both of these trails.
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 practice and increase their confidence.
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
The Colliers trail is a fully sign-posted, circular route heading off from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. The 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 up and down hill sections.
