Traffic Free Bike Trails By County

Looking for a safe, scenic place to cycle without worrying about cars? This guide pulls together the UK’s best traffic-free cycle routes, broken down county by county across England, Wales, and Scotland.

  • Over 150 trails included
  • Focus on rail trails, canal paths, coastal rides, and forest greenways
  • Each listing shows:
    • Trail name
    • Location
    • Length
    • Estimated % traffic-free
  • Ideal for families, beginners, leisure cyclists, or anyone avoiding road traffic

If you’re looking to explore the UK by bike without the stress of traffic, this comprehensive guide to traffic-free trails is a great place to start. From coastal paths in Wales to canal towpaths in Scotland and woodland greenways across England, there’s something here for every family.

Many of these trails are also suitable for walking, wheelchair users, or even running buggies, making them perfect for inclusive outdoor adventures.

All the routes are, most importantly, family-friendly, and you can travel as much or as little of the route as you like.

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We need your help!

Have you cycled any of the trails listed — either solo or with your family? Got photos, tips, or feedback? We're just one family doing our best to explore the UK, but we know there's a huge community of cyclists out there who can help.

If you'd like to contribute a route review for our website, we’d love to hear from you.

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England

Bedfordshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Luton–Dunstable Sewell GreenwayLuton to Dunstable13.2 miles (21 km)~79%
Note: Follows a former railway (Sewell Greenway) and paths along chalk grasslands. Connects Luton and Dunstable with mostly off-road trail .

Berkshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Kennet & Avon Canal PathReading to Bath (via Newbury, Devizes)~85 miles (137 km)~95%
Note: Long towpath route along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Largely off-road aside from short on-road detours in towns (e.g., Newbury) .

Buckinghamshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Phoenix TrailThame to Princes Risborough7.5 miles (12 km)~98%
Note: Rail-trail with a smooth surface, part of NCN Route Phoenix Trail. Only a short minor-road section near Princes Risborough .

Cambridgeshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Cambridge–St Ives Busway PathCambridge to St Ives16 miles (26 km)100% (traffic-free guided busway path)
Note: Follows the guided busway corridor. Completely segregated from traffic; popular for cycling and walking.

Cheshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Chester Millennium GreenwayChester (Sealand to Mickle Trafford)7.4 miles (12 km)100%
Middlewood WayMacclesfield to Marple11 miles (18 km)100%
Note: Both are former railway lines converted to multi-use trails. The Chester Greenway follows the old railway through Chester, and the Middlewood Way runs along the former Macclesfield–Marple line, fully off-road.

Cornwall

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Camel TrailPadstow – Wadebridge – Bodmin – Wenfordbridge17–18 miles (27–29 km)~100%
Clay Trails (St Austell–Eden Project)St Austell to Eden Project (via Clay Country)~11.9 miles (19 km)~95%
St Austell–Mevagissey TrailSt Austell to Mevagissey (Pentewan Trail)~6 miles (10 km)~80%
Note: The Camel Trail is one of Britain’s most popular rail-trails, nearly completely traffic-free over its entire length. The Clay Trails around St Austell (including routes to the Eden Project) run on dedicated paths through former china clay pits. The Pentewan Valley segment from St Austell toward Mevagissey is mostly off-road, with brief on-road sections near the start.

County Durham

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Derwent WalkConsett to Swalwell (Gateshead)12 miles (19 km)100%
Waskerley WayStanhope to Consett9 miles (14 km)100%
Lanchester Valley PathConsett to Durham (Broompark)12 miles (19 km)100%
Note: These three rail-trails form part of the renowned C2C route. They are entirely off-road along disused railway lines through County Durham’s countryside.

Cumbria

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Whitehaven–Workington Railway PathWhitehaven to Workington12 miles (19 km)100%
Whitehaven–Rowrah Cycle TrailWhitehaven to Rowrah (C2C start)11 miles (18 km)~95%
Note: These former railway paths provide scenic, flat rides along the Solway Coast and into West Cumbria. They form the western end of long-distance routes (C2C and Reivers), and are virtually entirely motor-traffic-free.

Derbyshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Monsal TrailWye Dale to Bakewell8.5 miles (13.5 km)100%
Tissington TrailAshbourne to Parsley Hay13 miles (21 km)100%
High Peak TrailCromford to Dowlow (near Buxton)17.5 miles (28 km)100%
Longdendale TrailHadfield to Woodhead8 miles (13 km)100%
Note: All are former railway lines through the Peak District. They feature tunnels (e.g., Monsal Trail’s lit tunnels) and viaducts, and are entirely off-road recreational trails.

Devon

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Tarka TrailBraunton to Meeth (via Barnstaple)30–32 miles (48–51 km)~100%
Granite WayOkehampton to Lydford9 miles (14 km)100%
Drake’s TrailPlymouth to Tavistock (NCN27)20 miles (32 km)~90%
Exe Estuary TrailExmouth to Dawlish (via Exeter)13 miles (21 km)~80%
Dart Valley TrailTotnes to Dartmouth area6.3 miles (10 km)~60%
Note: Devon boasts some of the UK’s longest continuous traffic-free paths. The Tarka Trail is almost entirely traffic-free (former railway). The Granite Way follows an old railway along Dartmoor’s edge. Drake’s Trail (including the Plym Valley Trail) is largely off-road through wooded valleys and tunnels. The Exe Estuary Trail uses dedicated paths alongside the estuary. (Dart Valley includes some on-road segments but is a scenic mostly off-road route along the Dart.)

Dorset

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Rodwell TrailWeymouth to Portland3.5 miles (5.6 km)100%
Castleman TrailwayRingwood to Poole16.5 miles (26.5 km)~80%
Note: Rodwell Trail follows a disused railway. Castleman Trailway is more mixed, with surfaced paths and some quiet lanes.

East Riding of Yorkshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Yorkshire Wolds Way (NCN 1 segments)Hessle to Beverley10 miles (16 km)~85%
Hornsea Rail Trail (Trans Pennine Trail East)Hull to Hornsea15 miles (24 km)100%
Note: The Hornsea Rail Trail is fully off-road and ideal for families, while the Wolds Way overlaps with NCN routes offering a mix of quiet lanes and traffic-free paths.

East Sussex

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Cuckoo TrailPolegate to Heathfield11 miles (18 km)100%
Forest WayEast Grinstead to Groombridge10 miles (16 km)100%
Note: Both are well-surfaced former railways and part of the National Cycle Network.

Essex

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Flitch WayBraintree to Bishops Stortford15 miles (24 km)~90%
Hadleigh Park TrailsHadleigh6 miles (9.5 km)100%
Note: Flitch Way is a rail-trail with some road crossings. Hadleigh Park, used for the 2012 Olympics, has family-friendly loops as well as MTB routes.

Gloucestershire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Gloucester Sharpness Canal PathGloucester to Sharpness16 miles (25 km)100%
Forest of Dean Family TrailColeford loop9 miles (14.5 km)100%
Note: The canal path is flat and fully separated from traffic. Forest of Dean trail is a crushed limestone loop ideal for all abilities.

Greater London

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Regents Canal PathLittle Venice to Limehouse8.6 miles (14 km)~90%
Wandle TrailCroydon to Wandsworth12.5 miles (20 km)~80%
Note: Both are urban trails with segments through parks and alongside waterways.

Greater Manchester

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Fallowfield Loop (NCN 6)Chorlton to Gorton8 miles (13 km)100%
Bridgewater Canal PathManchester to Sale7 miles (11 km)~90%
Note: Fallowfield Loop is a key urban greenway. Bridgewater Canal has varied surfacing but is mostly off-road.

Hampshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Meon Valley TrailWickham to West Meon10 miles (16 km)100%
New Forest off-road loopsBrockenhurst areaVarious~85%
Note: Meon Valley is a surfaced rail-trail. New Forest has extensive family-friendly off-road trails through forest and heath.

Herefordshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Great Western WayHereford to Holmer2.5 miles (4 km)100%
Wye Valley GreenwaySymonds Yat to Tintern5 miles (8 km)100%
Note: Wye Valley Greenway includes a long tunnel and heritage railway views. Great Western Way is a short urban green corridor.

Hertfordshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Cole Green WayWelwyn Garden City to Hertford6 miles (9.5 km)100%
Alban WayHatfield to St Albans6.3 miles (10 km)100%
Note: Two of Hertfordshire’s most popular rail trails, both surfaced and family-friendly.

Kent

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Crab & Winkle Way (NCN 1)Canterbury to Whitstable7.5 miles (12 km)~90%
Great Stour WayCanterbury to Chartham3 miles (4.8 km)100%
Note: Crab & Winkle combines woodland and coastal views. Great Stour Way is flat, surfaced, and follows the riverbank.

Lancashire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Guild WheelPreston circular21 miles (34 km)~95%
Lancaster Canal PathLancaster to Carnforth7 miles (11 km)~90%
Note: The Guild Wheel is a popular all-abilities loop with river and woodland paths. The canal path is scenic and well-used by families.

Leicestershire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Great Central WayLeicester9 miles (14.5 km)~95%
Watermead Country Park TrailsLeicester3–4 miles (4.8–6.4 km)100%
Note: Great Central Way follows an old railway line through the city. Watermead offers family loops among lakes and meadows.

Lincolnshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Water Rail Way (NCN 1)Lincoln to Boston33 miles (53 km)~90%
Spa TrailWoodhall Spa to Horncastle3 miles (4.8 km)100%
Note: Water Rail Way follows the River Witham on wide, surfaced paths. Spa Trail is a scenic off-road path linking to other woodland trails.

Merseyside

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Liverpool Loop Line (NCN 62)Halewood to Aintree10 miles (16 km)100%
Wirral WayWest Kirby to Hooton12 miles (19 km)100%
Note: Both are popular, fully off-road trails along disused railways. Ideal for families, with well-maintained surfaces.

Norfolk

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Marriott’s Way (NCN 1)Norwich to Aylsham26 miles (42 km)~95%
Bure Valley PathWroxham to Aylsham9 miles (14 km)~90%
Note: Marriott’s Way is mostly off-road along an old railway with wildlife interest. Bure Valley Path follows a heritage railway with good signage.

North Yorkshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Cinder TrackScarborough to Whitby21 miles (34 km)~90%
Solar System Greenway (NCN 65)York to Selby10 miles (16 km)100%
Note: Cinder Track is a coastal rail-trail with some gravel stretches. The Solar System Greenway is fully surfaced and features planet-themed waypoints.

Northamptonshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Brackley to Buckingham PathBrackley to Buckingham border4 miles (6.5 km)100%
East Midlands Cycle Route (NCN 6 & 50 segments)Northampton areaVariable~85%
Note: Some sections of NCN 6 are traffic-free greenways or riverside paths. The Brackley route is quiet and flat.

Northumberland

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Coast & Castles (NCN 1 segments)Berwick-upon-Tweed to Alnmouth35 miles (56 km)~70%
Wansbeck Riverside TrailAshington area4 miles (6.5 km)100%
Note: Coast & Castles includes shared-use paths and coastal roads with some busier stretches. Wansbeck is fully traffic-free through riverside parkland.

Nottinghamshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Teversal Trail / Five Pits Trail NetworkMansfield to Teversal area10+ miles (16+ km)~95%
Trent Valley Way (cycle segments)Newark areaVariable~75%
Note: Teversal and Five Pits network combines former railways and forest paths. Some parts of Trent Valley Way are shared roads, others are riverbank paths.Location (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free

Oxfordshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Phoenix Trail (extended)Thame to Princes Risborough7.5 miles (12 km)~98%
Oxford Canal TowpathOxford to Kidlington5 miles (8 km)~90%
Note: Phoenix Trail is fully surfaced and traffic-free. Oxford Canal Path is popular but can be narrow in places.

Rutland

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Rutland Water Cycle PathCircular route near Oakham23 miles (37 km)~85%
Oakham to Melton GreenwayOakham to Melton Mowbray10 miles (16 km)~70%
Note: Rutland Water includes lakeside paths, a dam crossing and nature reserves. The Oakham-Melton route mixes traffic-free and quiet roads.Location (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free

Shropshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Silkin WayTelford to Ironbridge14 miles (22.5 km)~90%
Montgomery Canal TowpathLlanymynech to Welshpool9 miles (14.5 km)~85%
Note: Silkin Way is a mix of greenways and park paths, very family-friendly. Montgomery Canal includes scenic rural stretches suitable for hybrid bikes.

Somerset

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Strawberry LineYatton to Cheddar10 miles (16 km)~95%
Two Tunnels GreenwayBath to Midford5 miles (8 km)100%
Note: The Strawberry Line is a scenic railway path with tunnels and orchards. Two Tunnels includes the longest cycling tunnel in the UK and is fully surfaced.

South Yorkshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Trans Pennine Trail (Sheffield to Doncaster)Sheffield to Doncaster17 miles (27 km)~90%
Five Weirs Walk & Upper Don TrailSheffield City8 miles (13 km)~95%
Note: These urban greenways connect parks and riversides. The Five Weirs/Don corridor is heavily used for commuting and leisure.

Staffordshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Manifold TrackWaterhouses to Hulme End9 miles (14.5 km)100%
Trent & Mersey Canal TowpathStoke-on-Trent sectionVariable~85%
Note: The Manifold Way is a well-surfaced limestone trail ideal for families. The canal towpath varies but includes long traffic-free stretches.

Suffolk

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Southwold to Halesworth (NCN 1)Suffolk coast inland10 miles (16 km)~85%
Lakenheath Fen TrailsLakenheath RSPB5 miles (8 km)100%
Note: Routes often combine old railway paths and riverside trails. Lakenheath area is scenic and well-suited to hybrid bikes.

Surrey

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Downs LinkGuildford to Shoreham-by-Sea37 miles (60 km)~85%
Wey Navigation TowpathGuildford to Weybridge15 miles (24 km)~90%
Note: The Downs Link connects the North and South Downs via old railway lines. Wey Navigation offers flat, peaceful canal-side cycling.

Tyne and Wear

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
C2C Route (Sunderland start)Sunderland to Consett26 miles (42 km)~85%
Waggonways NetworkNorth Shields areaVariable~90%
Note: Tyne and Wear’s cycle network links old colliery routes and riverside paths. C2C beginning is a mix of tarmac and firm gravel.

Warwickshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Stratford GreenwayStratford-upon-Avon to Long Marston5 miles (8 km)100%
Kenilworth GreenwayKenilworth to Burton Green3 miles (4.8 km)100%
Note: Both are fully surfaced rail trails, ideal for family outings and short leisure rides.

West Midlands

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Rea Valley Route (NCN 5)Birmingham City5 miles (8 km)~90%
Harborne WalkwayHarborne to Summerfield Park2 miles (3.2 km)100%
Note: These urban routes provide green corridors through Birmingham. The Rea Valley follows a river path with new surfacing and signage.

West Sussex

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Centurion WayChichester to West Dean6 miles (9.5 km)100%
Worth Way (NCN 21)Crawley to East Grinstead7 miles (11.2 km)~95%
Note: Centurion Way is a disused railway path with public art and wide tracks. Worth Way connects to the Forest Way in East Sussex, making a longer traffic-free corridor.

West Yorkshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Calder Valley GreenwayDewsbury to Huddersfield10 miles (16 km)~90%
Spen Valley Greenway (NCN 66)Dewsbury to Bradford8 miles (13 km)100%
Note: These are some of Yorkshire’s best urban trails. The Spen Valley Greenway is fully off-road and includes public art and gentle gradients.

Wiltshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Two Tunnels GreenwayBath to Midford (extends into Wiltshire)5 miles (8 km)100%
Kennet & Avon Canal TowpathBradford-on-Avon to Devizes13 miles (21 km)~85%
Note: The Towpath is flat and scenic, though narrow in places. The Two Tunnels is shared with Somerset but offers one of the most exciting off-road rides in the region.

Wales

Conwy

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Conwy Valley TrailConwy to Llanrwst14 miles (22.5 km)~85%
North Wales Coastal Route (NCN 5)Prestatyn to Bangor34 miles (55 km)~80%
Note: Coastal route is part tarmac promenade, part road. The valley route mixes shared paths and minor lanes.

Carmarthenshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Millennium Coastal PathLlanelli to Pembrey13 miles (21 km)100%
Note: Hugely scenic seafront path with full separation from traffic, suitable for families.

Cardiff

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Taff TrailCardiff to Brecon55 miles (89 km)~80%
Note: Mix of canal towpaths, railway paths, and forest roads. Sections through Cardiff and Merthyr are traffic-free.

Gwynedd

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Lon Las MenaiCaernarfon to Bangor6 miles (10 km)100%
Lon EifionCaernarfon to Bryncir12.5 miles (20 km)~95%
Note: These scenic rail-trails feature wide surfaces, making them great for families. Lon Eifion is particularly popular among touring cyclists as well.

Pembrokeshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Brunel TrailNeyland to Johnston5 miles (8 km)100%
Haverfordwest to Broad Haven (NCN 4 segments)Inland to coast7 miles (11 km)~75%
Note: Brunel Trail follows an old railway with open views. NCN 4 sections vary with some quiet lane usage.

Wrexham

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Llangollen Canal PathChirk to Llangollen7 miles (11.2 km)~80%
Note: Includes narrow aqueduct paths and some uneven towpath sections — best for confident riders.

Scotland

Edinburgh

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Innocent Railway PathCity centre to Duddingston5 miles (8 km)100%
Water of Leith PathBalerno to Leith12.25 miles (19.7 km)~95%
Note: Well-surfaced, popular trails with connections to the wider NCN 1 route.

Glasgow

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Forth & Clyde Canal PathGlasgow to Falkirk22 miles (35 km)100%
Kelvin Walkway / Clyde WalkwayGlasgow centre outwardsVariable~90%
Note: Canal paths are flat and wide, ideal for leisure rides. Inner-city walkways are green and popular with commuters.

Highland

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Great Glen Way (cycle version)Fort William to Inverness79 miles (127 km)~75%
Note: A mix of gravel paths, forest roads, and some on-road sections. Offers epic landscapes and lochside riding.

Aberdeenshire

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Formartine and Buchan WayDyce to Fraserburgh40 miles (64 km)~95%
Note: This former railway path is largely gravel and goes through beautiful open countryside.

Fife

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Largo to Leven Rail TrailLower Largo to Leven5 miles (8 km)100%
Fife Coastal Path (NCN 76)Kirkcaldy to Dunfermline sectionsVariable~80%
Note: The rail trail is excellent for families. The coastal path varies by section, with stretches fully separated from traffic.

Scottish Borders

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Tweed Valley Railway PathPeebles to Innerleithen7 miles (11.2 km)~95%
Tweedbank to Melrose LinkTweedbank station to town1.5 miles (2.5 km)100%
Note: Both routes are flat and ideal for families. Surfaces are gravel or tarmac with minimal elevation change.

Dumfries and Galloway

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Mabie Forest TrailsNear DumfriesVariable~90%
Dalbeattie Forest Red Route (family section)Dalbeattie6 miles (9.6 km)~80%
Note: Forest trails offer a mix of wider family paths and optional MTB loops. Surfaces are compacted gravel.

Perth and Kinross

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Loch Leven Heritage TrailKinross loop13 miles (21 km)100%
Note: Fully traffic-free circular route around the loch with wide gravel paths and birdwatching hides.

Stirling

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
NCN 765 RouteStirling to Doune6 miles (9.5 km)~95%
Note: Off-road tarmac path through rural areas with minimal road crossing.

Moray

Trail NameLocation (Towns)LengthEst. % Traffic-Free
Speyside Way (cycle version)Buckie to Aviemore65 miles (105 km)~75%
Note: Mixed terrain including quiet forest paths, riverside sections, and minor roads.

Cyclist Icon
We need your help!

Have you cycled any of the trails listed — either solo or with your family? Got photos, tips, or feedback? We're just one family doing our best to explore the UK, but we know there's a huge community of cyclists out there who can help.

If you'd like to contribute a route review for our website, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Ryan

Sources and References

Here is a list of original sources used to verify length, surface quality, and traffic-free classification of each trail:

All distances and % traffic-free ratings are approximate and based on the best available public information.