Traffic-Free Cycling Routes

Discover Traffic-Free Cycle Trails Near You

We’ve created a county-by-county guide to the best family-friendly cycling routes in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a weekend ride or planning a holiday, it’s a great place to start.

Each listing includes the trail name, location, distance, and how much of it is traffic-free.

Browse Trails by County

Read our reviews of (mostly) Traffic-free cycling routes in and around our local area. A fantastic (usually free) way for families to enjoy the beautiful countryside and scenery while in safety away from other road users. Featuring the Trans Pennine Trail, The Tissington Trail & the Monsal Trail.

Leeds Urban Bike Park

Leeds Urban Bike Park Cycling Review For Families

Route at a glance Total distanceFlexible loops: Green trail ~1.4 mi; family loop ~3.6 mi; full network ~7 mi DifficultyAll grades on site — stick to Green/Blue with kids Top things to see Hub: pump track, BMX track, café & bike shop Flowy woodland singletrack & skills areas (observe signage) Easy link into Middleton Park … Read more

Wonders of Wakefield (WoW) – 21‑Mile Circular Route Review

I’ve ridden almost every section of the Wonders of Wakefield loop in isolation over the years, but this was my first time stitching the whole thing together in one go. I rode it with my mate Chris (who contributes to Family Cycling), and it reminded me why the WoW is such a brilliant showcase of … Read more
Anglers Country Park

Anglers Country Park cycling for families

Route at a glance Total distance~2 miles / ~3.2 km loop DifficultyEasy (flat, traffic-free once parked) Top things to see Room on the Broom adventure trail Bird hides & lakeside wildlife Play park by the visitor centre Wide paths perfect for little legs Anglers Country Park is an award-winning Green Flag destination where you can … Read more
The Tissington Trail

The Tissington Trail Review for Families

Route at a glance Total distance 13 miles / ~21 km Difficulty Easy (gentle railway gradient) Top things to see Historic Tissington village & Tissington Hall Parsley Hay Visitor Centre & junction with High Peak Trail Ashbourne tunnel and old station sites Wide White Peak views along the former railway If you’re looking for a … Read more
Denby Dale to Skelmanthorpe Route Review

Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Denby Dale to Skelmanthorpe Route Review

Route at a glance Total distance~3 miles / ~4.8 km out & back (1.5 mi each way) DifficultyIntermediate (uneven surface, short inclines) Top things to see Countryside views with Emley Moor Mast Field & woodland cuttings Village cafés at either end Quiet, off-road link between communities As a Wakefield-based user of the Trans Pennine Trail, … Read more
Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park Route Review

Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park Route Review

Route at a glance Total distance~10 miles / ~16 km round trip DifficultyBeginner–Intermediate (mostly stable; a few narrow bits) Top things to see Walton Colliery Nature Park Waterton Park & Barnsley Canal Anglers Country Park hub & café Plenty of off-road TPT sections I am fortunate to live close to the Trans Pennine Trail. I … Read more
Calder Hebble Navigation Cycle Review

Cycling the Calder & Hebble Navigation: Wakefield to Dewsbury Route Review

Route at a glance Total distance~6.5 miles / ~10.5 km (one way) DifficultyBeginner–Intermediate (flat towpath; narrow in places) Top things to see Figure of Three Locks & canal heritage Narrowboats, bridges & riverside wildlife Navigation Inn start/finish option Blacker Hall Farm detour for café The Calder & Hebble Navigation towpath is a route I’ve taken … Read more
Trans Pennine Trail Chapelthorpe to Royston

Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Chapelthorpe to Royston Route Review

Route at a glance Total distance~8 miles / ~13 km out & back (4 mi each way) DifficultyBeginner–Intermediate (mostly flat, wide) Top things to see Barnsley Canal stretch & rail-bed cuttings Woodland sections near Chapelthorpe Newmillerdam detour for cafés & toilets Open, family-friendly trail feel The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is a popular multi-user trail … Read more
The Monsal Trail Cycling For Families

The Monsal Trail cycling for families

Route at a glance Total distance~8.5 miles / ~13.7 km DifficultyEasy (wide path, well-lit tunnels) Top things to see Headstone Viaduct & Monsal Dale Four re-opened rail tunnels Old stations (Hassop, Monsal Head, Millers Dale) Riverside limestone scenery The Monsal Trail is located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England. This … Read more
Trans Pennine Trail Cycling To Hornsea Beach

Skirlaugh to Hornsea Cycling for families (Trans Pennine Trail)

Route at a glance Total distance~16 miles / ~26 km round trip (≈8 mi each way) DifficultyBeginner (mostly flat tarmac/gravel) Top things to see Old railway platforms & houses Wildflower-lined rural trail Hornsea beach & seafront treats Bike parking at Hornsea Hub Skirlaugh is a village and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, … Read more
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Traffic-free cycling routes & reviews across the UK.

Traffic-free cycling refers to cycling on routes that are completely separate from motor vehicle traffic. These routes provide a safer and more enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages and abilities, making them especially popular for families, beginners, and those looking for a stress-free ride.

We love traffic-free cycling routes both as adults and for our children as they are safe, enjoyable places to cycle. Our favourites include the wonderful Monsal Trail and multiple Trans Pennine Trail routes across the North of England.