Traveller Ralf Potts wrote,:
“Walk until your day becomes interesting’. Walking with children, your have to make the interesting. If you need inspiration, near and far, have a “recce” below.
Above, the River Hamble, Burseldon, Hampshire. (Above)
https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/rhcp
This blog is spring-board blog for everyone to add their favourites. If you would prefer to start with the whole of England/Wales/Scotland and narrow it down, try Walking in England, Scotland and Wales: Resource or Rescue. Websites, articles, apps, etc.
Above, the Clarendon Way, from Salisbury to Clarendon Palace, the remains of a Medieval Palace. A January walk from urban through history.
Priory Bay, Isle of Wight.
Old Sarum, overlooking Salisbury, on a wintery day just before Christmas, see the sweater. My Birthday walk!
ENGLAND
https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/wallington-hall-dragon-trail
Seeing the countryside by bike is a wonderful way to travel. You can cover remarkable distances and you’re always exposed to the elements, your views are always 360 degrees.
Miles Kendal in blog LandsEnd to John O’Groats
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Albert Einstein,
Readers tip for UK family friendly cycling off road. (The Guardian 28.4.22)
CYCLING IN THE UK
https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-guide/cycling-road-children
Bike radar.
360 information on children and cycling
https://www.bikeradar.com/features/routes-and-rides/beginners-guide-to-cycling-with-kids/
Canal and River Trust
“We look after and bring life to 2,000 miles of waterways”
and
“Life is better by water.”
The locator finds a canal near you. http://www.canalandrivertrust.org.uk
I receive regular updates on Twitter @canalandrivertrust, news which ranges through inspiring, informative and engaging stories.
One of my favourite routes is along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bathampton (just outside Bath) to Bradford Upon Avon, although you can bicycle it can become busy with walkers, so best to walk it.
Sustrans
This is a charity promoting walking and cycling.
SUSTRANS began in Bristol in 1974 and has become a nationwide campaigner for cycling. Their first project was Bristol Bath Railway Path created by Bristol Bath Sustrans which has become one of the most well used cycle paths in the country.
Have a look at the Sustrans map and see what suits (mossying down canal routes or tearing up the cycle parks).
Sustrans produces maps and books such as Sustrans Circular Day Rides, South.I was rather charmed by reading through the Circular Day Rides South, several ‘warm’ spots .
The books includes information on:
- what kind of bike to buy,
- preparing for the ride,
- what to wear,
- pannier bags,
Places to stay specially for bicyclists ,such as Beds4cyclists however, it is not extensive, http://www.beds4cyclists.com/accommodation-in/england/1/3/
It is not as extensive as you might hope. Ten places to stay in Cumbria and Cornwall, but most other counties only one or two.
So best heading to your usual be it:
AirBandB, https://www.airbnb.co.uk/
Booking Com. https://www.booking.com/
Travelodge, information on staying and cycling offer three cycling routes.
Cycling Friendly breaks with Travelodge.
https://www.travelodge.co.uk/blog/short-breaks/cycling-breaks/
Premier Inn, information on staying and cycling offer six routes in England .
https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/short-breaks/cycling-trails.html
Although not extensive Best Western offers cycling options in popular cycling locations;
https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/bike-friendly-hotels
Special Cycles
Does a town you want to explore have an Anniversary or Celebration or is it particularly good Christmas or Halloween or Easter events.
In and out of the my research and conversations with walkers and cyclists, these are some of the ‘best” I have come across, or be recommended .
I think to bring good energy we’ll start with a dragon.
Northumberland
Dragon cycle, Wallington Estate, Northumberland.
Broom House Farm via Dragons teeth, Dragon Brow and Tail
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington/wallington-dragon-cycle-trail
https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/wallington-hall-dragon-trail
Northumberland National Park is considered the quietest, as in the least populated park in the UK. The Pennine Cycleway passes through and takes in the Eden Valley and North Pennines.
Routes in Northumberland.
Two lighthouses and a ferry crossing. Souter to St Marys on the coastal path.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/souter-to-st-marys
Kielder Water,
A huge man-made lake. Amongst other sculptures and exhibits is the Silvas Capitalis. (Forest Head), a giant timber head.
Traffic free through the dunes of South Beach in Blyth to Tynemouth.
Leeds
There is a city wide campaign to encourage folks to walk, ride or bus around the city.
“Walk it Ride it”.
The Aire Valley Towpath.
the Sustrans route
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/aire-valley-towpath
From the Sustrans Aire Valley Towpath route.
Looking for a day that takes in beautiful countryside, rich industrial history, stunning scenery, galleries, shops, museums, the longest canal in the country and even a world heritage site? Then it’s the Aire Valley Towpath for you!
A parents website for children in Leeds.
https://southleeds.mumbler.co.uk/5-child-friendly-bike-rides-across-leeds/
North Yorks Moor
Chester Railway Path 7 miles
Chester to the Wharf at Connah’s Quay
Yorkshire
Ellerburn Trail, Dalby Forest, Yorkshire 1.7 or 2.6
Cinder track from Scarborough to Whitby
Nutbrook Trail, Shipley country Park Derbyshire
Lake District
Winderemere Bike Boat Brockhole Visitors Center, between Winderemere to Ambleside. Across the lake to BarK Barn where you disembark and work your ways through the lanes to Wray Castle.
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick
In the Lake District and want to visit a stone circle with dramatic views. For walkers it is 30 minutes from Keswick with a picnic spot once you have made it to the top.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castlerigg-stone-circle/
Peak District. Walking, Cycling, “Flat and traffic free”.
Fiona P’s favourite suggestion is the Tissington Trail. The family of four – two boys (8 and 6) loved it so much in the summer holidays, they went again in the October half term.
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/tissington-trail
For those who love splendour at Christmas, it is near Chatsworth House, a particularly magical walk.
https://www.chatsworth.org/news-media/news-blogs-press-releases/experience-christmas-at-chatsworth/
Buckinghamshire
Phoenix Trial, Buckingham.
National cycle network.
7 mile ride, with views of Chiltern Hill. From Princes Risborough to Thame.
London – North, South, East, West.
If you wish to visit parks in London the best place to start is:
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks
for example one of my favourites….
Richmond Park. Traffic free.https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park?
East London
Lee Valley, track, (Velopark) BMX, mountain biking and road cycling,
London – North, South, Central, East, West.
Another source is hhttps://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk, see example below e.g.
North London, Hampstead.
North London
- Trent Park https://www.goparks.london/park/trent-country-park/ Spring time is best for Trent Park. The daffodils are spectacular. I have a special soft spot for the Park as I studied at Middlesex University, the Trent Park site was a treat for students.
- Hampstead Heathhttps://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath. Easy to walk from the Hampstead tube (Northern line) via the streets of smart homes, whether following in the path of the poet Keats, or, just needing a large unmanicured green space in London, here it is.
- Highgate Wood https://www.haringey.gov.uk/sites/haringeygovuk/files/highgate_wood.pdf
- Primrose Hill – a great place to toboggan and one of my favourite views of London. Delis galore can provide a picnic, just have to walk it back up the hill.Londoners head over here, of course when it snows. I have had some pretty crazy tobogganing here.https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park/things-to-see-and-do/primrose-hill
An extended family having a picnic in Hadley Wood, North London.
South London
- Battersea Park
https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/batterseapark
Why not meet your friends at the Peace Pagoda and head for the swings
https://www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
or if it’s a special occasion the zoo.
Don’t forget Battersea Park has a great fireworks display.
https://londoncheapo.com/events/battersea-park-fireworks/
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/battersea-park-fireworks
- Telegraph Hill, Brockley
- Brockwell Park (Herne Hill)
- Greenwich Park
As a sailor I have a special place for the Royal Greenwich Observatory and the Maritime Museum. The park can become busy but there is space for everyone.
https://www.rmg.co.uk/plan-your-visit/visit-greenwich?
- Morden Hall,
East London
- Victoria Park, Hackney,https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces/victoria_park/victoria_park.aspx
- London Fields, Hackney
- Shoreditch Park
- Thames Barrier Park
This is the newest park in 50 years. It works hard to be family friendly. It is a strange mix of concrete and greenery but it’s an intriguing including the “Green Dock”, a 130 foot of sunken garden.
https://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/things-to-do/thames-barrier-park-p1397791
St Dunstans in the East, (Monument, the City)https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-gardens/find-a-garden/st-dunstan-in-the-east-church-garden
Or, by area, see the example below, e.g. Haringey, see below North London, Highgate Wood.
Evening Standard. (London’s Newspaper) Best Picnic Spots in London
https://www.standard.co.uk/escapist/travel/best-picnic-spots-in-london-
I included this as good place for time out if you are visiting the City of London with children and do not have the energy to walk across the river to Potters Field Park, the green space outside the Bridge Theatre beside City Hall and ‘towered’ over by Tower Bridge. https://pottersfields.co.uk
Central London
St James, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are all Royal Parks.
- St James, https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park
- Green Park
- Hyde Park – meet friends at the Albert Memorial and head into the park for a picnic.
- Kensington Gardens.
- Holland Park
Here are two links with different takes on Holland Park.
https://www.timeout.com/london/attractions/holland-park
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks/holland-park
West London
- Ravenscourt Park (near Hammersmith)https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/arts-and-parks/parks-and-open-spaces/ravenscourt-park Although an urban park with tubes rattling above and traffic around, this park has a charm and a ‘local’ feel with families from the surrounding homes.
- Barnes Pond, has a similar family centric feel. It is just across the river from Hammersmith, but entirely different. No tubes, and the separating created by the bridge, brings a village feel, peace in the city. https://www.barnesvillage.com/barnes-landmarks/barnes-pond.html Barnes attracts writers and artists, so. not surprisingly has a thriving Kids Literature Festival. https://www.barneskidslitfest.org
- Chiswick House.https://chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/?
For fans of the quirky and highly entertaining Giffords Circus which tours London, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire in the Spring and Summer, Chiswick House is one of the first stops. Where ever you see it, DO see it.
https://giffordscircus.com/location/chiswick-house-gardens/
- Richmond Park (Isabella Plantation)
- Kew Gardens
Articles on London Picnic Areas
https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/openspace/best-picnic-spots-in-london
https://www.timeout.com/london/attractions/best-picnic-spots-in-london
Birmingham
The Canal and River Trust maps shows canals encircling the city and spreading out through the Midlands.
Canalside in a busy hub of restaurants in Birmingham. “Stay kind slow Down” is the mantra for bicyclist on the towpath.
Rutland
Rutland Water, an inland reservoir and centre of water sports for the Midlands. Long ago, I had a peaceful and restorative walk (part way) around the reservoir, not the full 15 miles.
And for those who want to know more about the wildlife.
https://www.lrwt.org.uk/rutland-water
Stratford-Upon-Avon
The Stratford Greenway from Stratford-Upon-Avon (Seven Meadows) along the old Honybourne line to Longston Martin. The route crosses the Avon via the multispan Stannals Bridge, and then the Stour.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/stratford-greenway/
www.visitnorfolk.com/thingstodo/cycling
www.visitnorfolk.com/inspire/norfolk-coastalpath
Isle of Wight
Every year Joel, Lucy, Billie and Daisy go to the Isle of Wight in mid July.
We’re doing bits of the Squirrel Trail. The whole thing is a bit long, so we started with Cowes to Newport along the River Medina.
At the end of the week we did Newport to Sandown. It wasn’t too far, and it meant we had time for a splash (and a pub).
Daisy and Billie want to do Ventnor Botanical Garden to St Catherines Lighthouse. Joel has his eye on Niton on the Undercliff Road.
The Isle of Wight, see www.wightlink.com
https://redsquirreltrail.org.uk
Dorset
Sandbanks
In the Autumn and Winter one of our favourite rides is along the Bournemouth sea front to Sandbanks, looking over to the Isle of Wight.
https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/cycling-and-mountain-biking
If you want to go further you can head onto Henigstbury Head, more stunning views.
https://www.visit-dorset.com/listing/hengistbury-head-to-sandbanks/294356301/
Devon
Exe Estuary
Walking and cycling from Exmouth to Dawlish Warren to Exeter Quay.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/exe-estuary-trail/
Tarka Trail, North Devon.
32 traffic-free miles cycle trail. Brauton to Meeth in North Devon. Views of the River Taw and Torridge.
Granite way
11 miles traffic-free walking and cycling along a disused railway line. (Also part of the Coast to Coast)
https://visitdartmoor.co.uk/get-active/cycling-on-dartmoor/the-granite-way
Cornwall
Mineral Tramways 11 miles across Cornwall, and back again from one coast to another.
Camel Trail, Padstow, Cornwall.
One of our most memorable and all-family-hit was the Camel Trail. We went in the middle of the afternoon on a sunny cloudy day, and it was comparatively empty. The children bicycled on ahead of us, then back to join us. We had an ice cream in Padstow and returned the bikes in Wadebridge. (5.5miles, 8.5.) Our ambition to continue on the Wadebridge to Bodmin (5.75 miles, 9.25 km) then, Bodmin to Wentfordbridge (6.25 miles/10.1km) were rained off.
www.sustrans.org.uk/cameltrail
As well as the Camel Trail, www.visitcornwall.com/10cycletrialsto recommends, for families
Others in North Wales
Suffolk
Most counties claim “vast skies”. As with Cornwall and Pembrokeshire, numerous artists have been drawn to the Suffolk coast for the light and inspiring beauty.
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of Britain’s finest landscapes. It extends from the Stour Estuary in the south to the eastern fringe of Ipswich and, in the north, to Kessingland.
It covers 403 square kilometres, including wildlife-rich wetlands, ancient heaths, windswept shingle beaches and historic towns and villages.
If you look up the www.Suffolkcoasts.co.uk. Under ‘Things to Do’ you will find walking and cycling Explorer Guides to guide you.
Also, ‘www.suffolkcoastsanheaths.org/thingstodo/walking is useful.
One of my favourite walks take you along the River Alade to Aldborough.
www.snapemaltings.co.uk/nautre/walks details the walks along the valley of the River Alde, from Snape to Aldeborough, the Sailors Path. Alternatively try Snape Warren to Iken.
Snape Maltings (Snape, Saxmunden) is the home of the Aldeburgh Festival held in June, where a wide variety of music is performed. A variety of shows and concerts continue throughout the year. If you are making this a weekend trip, see if there is a children’s show.
If you go in the winter Father Christmas sails into Snape on a historic Thames Barge.
The Mid Suffolk Light Railway might be the ‘treat’ to encourage the young onto a walk. Like so many steam railways (Watercress in Alton) they run the Santa Express in December.
NORFOLK
Since Suffolk and Norfolk are next door, and rivals, I shall include
Barton Broad Broadwalk at Barton Broad www.visitthebroads.co.uk
We shall come to sailing on the Broads, later.
Wales
Have a look through these links.
www.cardiff.gov.uk Walking and Cycling
www.swansea.gov.uk Countryside
www.conwy.gov.uk Coast and Countryside – walking
www.wrexham.gov.uk Leisure-Tourism/walks
The Coastal way along Cardigan Bay (Llyn to Pembrokeshire) a 7-day trip. www.visitwales.com./thecoastalroute/goyourownway.
This route claims you can “walk, or bike, or bus, or take the train (steam or standard), paddle sail or kitesurf.”
Snowdonia
Lon Las Ogwen 11 miles route
I have read several websites and this most popular ride for children of the many in North Wales.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/lon-las-ogwen
From the coast at Porth Penryn through the valley of Afon Cegin to Tregarth.
Snowdonia, North West Wales
823 square miles of mountainous terrain, including Mount Snowdon, lakes and remote villages. If the family need a rest from hiking the mountains, or, white water rafting or kayaking in the National White Water Centre, the narrow gauge railways can take the strain. Once used for slate, tourist favourites, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways offer spectacular journeys. Below are suggested walking routes up Snowdon, you could take the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
ROUTES UP SNOWDON (Gwyddfa Rhita)
There are several routes up Snowdon. Which ever one you take up, it is a hard walk for a family not used to hill walking. Some say although hard the Watkin Path is the most scenic and takes you past a waterfall, there is skree at the top which makes it tricky. Most recommend, the Pyg Track up, and the Miners Path, down. Another route is up the Snowdon Rangers Path and down Llanberis Path,
A gentler way to explore Snowdonia is on the Cwm Iowal walk (Gwynedd) taking you through a hollow carved by glaciers and the lake, Lyn Idwal.
Whilst in north Wales you might want to treat the family to a Zip wire experience or “Bounce Below” on underground trampolines at ZIP World. See more in Family Day Out.
A day off walking for castles? Conwy, Harlech, Caernarfon are the ‘top’ three with several others to discover. For something completely different … an Italianate style coastal village is found in Portmeirion. Perhaps the National Slate Museum or Llechwood Slate Caverns?
There are more ideas for places to picnic on beaches in Surfing.
SURFING: Places. Equipment. Ironing boards are surf boards who gave up their dreams….
www.visitmidwales.com
Local Government Websites.
www.swansea.gov.uk Countryside
www.conwy.gov.uk Coast and Countryside – walking
www.wrexham.gov.uk Leisure-Tourism/walks
I am keen to grow this site if you have any ideas or contributions to Walking and Cycling in England and Wales please go to the Contact.