Want to have fun and get fit with all the family?
It's as easy as riding a bike, literally. Whether you are going solo or duo or 
bringing the kids along, cycling is a great way to see some of the UK's top beauty spots and get a fantastic aerobic workout without it feeling as if you are exercising. You can set your own pace, stop for a healthy picnic lunch and finish the day happily exhausted and exhilarated and unlike the stationary bikes at the gym, you get the benefits of fresh air, beautiful views and actually getting somewhere.
If you are bringing the kids, it's a good idea to get them on a cycle safety training scheme first. Check with your local council. Most of the routes we are going to suggest are off main roads, but you might need to do some road cycling to get there. A good formation, for a family, is to have a parent in front, kids in the middle and a parent behind. You need to have a general idea of everyone's level of fitness. For a family ride, it's best to keep the distance under 15 miles.
Best family cycle routes:
(1) The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. This is a good, scenic route for novices. The designated family cycle route is flat with a steady cycling surface. A circular route of about 11 miles where the ride takes you through the dense forest. It's peaceful, lush and just long enough to tire everyone out pleasantly. You can see the old Severn and Wye railway line and go past former stations There are also traces of former coal mines at Foxes Bridge and Lightmoor. MAP: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&z=15&ll=51.807965%2C-2.568502&q=51.807965%2C-2.568502%20%28Family+Cycle+Trail%20-%20GL16%207EH%29
(2) The Phoenix Trail, from Buckinghamshire to Oxfordshire. This is a short, easy but very pretty eight mile cycle between Prices Risborough and Thame. Fantastic views of the Chilterns, this route is very family friendly for those with younger children who might be less confident on long cycles. Big with walkers as well as cyclists, there are many birds of prey larking about, particularly red kites. With artworks and seating every 500 metres. it's a lovely, gentle introduction to cycling. MAP: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/leaflets/Phoenix_Trail_2007.pdf
(3) Tissington Trail, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Flat woodlands on a converted railway track, this cycle is slightly more ambitious at 13 miles, but the route is dotted with pretty villages along the way to stop for refreshments or just a wander around. It starts at Ashbourne and goes to Parsley Hay. You are likely to pass horse riders, ramblers and nature lovers. Full of wild flowers in spring and summer and plenty of wildlife. There is only one steep incline at Mapelton, but it's mostly a flat ride. A nice stopping point is Dovedale, famous for it's stepping stones Tissington itself is also a beautiful village. MAP: http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/hptisstrails.pdf
Best for more experienced cyclists:
(1) Viking Coastal Trail, Kent. Starts round the Isle of Thanet and takes in the beautiful, unspoiled seaside towns of Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs. Some steep sections but largely flat, you get the lovely coastal breezes but also very pretty countryside. At 29 miles, it's a good start for someone who has ridden a 20 miler and wants to move up to the next endurance level. There are so many places to stop that you don't feel as if there's no going back. Do treat yourself to an ice cream at one of the lovely old fashioned ice cream parlours .MAP: http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/viking/trail_map.asp
(2) Pendle, Lancashire: This one is not so much about distance, although it is a respectable 32 miles, but it's very hilly and best suited for very fit, experienced cyclists. It's a proper workout, but one with lovely views. Lots of moorland and a real feeling of wilderness, particularly on a windy day. Officially called The Grand Tour of Pendle, you start from Colne Railway Station follow the sign posted cycle path. A little while in is a very steep climb up Lenches Road for about half a mile, but see it as a challenge and think of what it's doing for your thigh muscles. It's advisable to do this route in two days. MAP: http://mario.lancashire.gov.uk/
(3) Isle of Wight. The route is basically just around the whole island, a fairly flat but long ride at 62 miles. Lots of villages to stop at, but you will feel invigorated by the ocean air. That's the long version. There are shorter routes with some tougher off road cycling and great, level former railway lines. Lots of different starting points to hire bikes and there is usually a cycling festival in the autumn, full of events and competitions. MAP: www.iwight.com
If you would like to know more about the benefits of cycling in the UK visit http://www.sustrans.org.uk/. Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity.
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