The UK's best family bike rides – and what you'll need to make the most of them

Cycling is a worthy option for keeping all the family entertained – it’s fun, free, good exercise, and a fantastic way to experience the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

And it’s easy to take the kids out to see different parts of the UK on the bikes, with a National Cycle Network of 14,000 traffic-free or quiet on-road miles up and down the country to be explored on two wheels.

Here are our four favourite bike rides in the country that the whole family will enjoy, with some helpful advice from Halfords to ensure all goes smoothly.

The Camel Trail, Cornwall

One of the most popular and entertaining routes in the country, the Camel Trail runs from Padstow to Poley’s Bridge, via Wadebridge and Bodmin.

The 17.3-mile (27.8 km), trail passes through the wooded countryside of the upper Camel Valley and alongside the charming Camel Estuary. 

The cycle trail was once a railway built so trains did not have to negotiate steep inclines or sharp turns. Car parks break up the route into 5-mile (8km), sections suitable for families.

To combat the terrain, the Carrera Sulcata bike from Halfords will have adults soaring over obstacles and the 21 gears will help you tackle any hills. It’s part of a range of bikes with 20 per cent off at Halfords.

Too busy to shop? You can reserve via Click and Collect, and your bike will be built for free so you’re ready to go.

South Coast Promenades – Worthing to Brighton

This route is largely traffic free and it takes you along the coast, where you can admire the beaches of Worthing and Brighton on one side, and the South Downs in the distance on the other.

The surfaces along the way are flat and comfortable for children, so they’ll enjoy riding alongside you taking in the coastal scenes.

If your kids are new to the saddle, Halfords will measure and fit your bikes to find the perfect size – and even fit stabilisers if needed.

The Apollo Cupcake bike (ages 3-5), makes a great first bike, or for older children, the Apollo Gridlok (ages 8-11), has front suspension for improved comfort and control. Alternatively, the Apollo Envy bike (ages 7-9), is as comfortable on roads as it is tracks. 

Need to dig out your old bikes from storage? Halfords’ team can carry out a Free Bike Check – and offer a range of services to ensure that your bike is in tip-top condition.

They will even conduct a free check on any bike bought at Halfords once you’ve had it for six weeks, to make sure all is well.

Three Parks Trail, South Wales

This easy, traffic-free ride takes in three of Wales’ most picturesque parks.

At Hengoed you’ll ride past the magnificent ‘Wheel of Drams’ artwork, an eight-metre high sculpture constructed from old coal carts, known as ‘drams’.

Worrying about how you’ll get your bikes to your cycling adventure? Halfords currently has 20 per cent off a range of cycle carriers – for example, this Thule bike rack. It’s currently ‘buy one get one half price’ at Halfords – including free fitting – along with a range of 20 per cent off cycle racks.

Halfords’ experts can fit your bike rack to your car’s roof bars for you, and if you don’t have roof bars fitted, you can find out which are right for your car here.

When taking the car on a road trip to Wales, a free Halfords Summer Car Check will ensure that you’re not making any surprise pit stops en route.

Book online or just pop into your local store and you’ll get a free car bulb and battery check, as well as checks on your wiper blades, engine oil level, air conditioning and any windscreen chips. They’ll even give you a free screenwash top-up.

Halfords’ in-store experts can fit almost anything including wiper blades, stereos, dash cams, sat navs, cycle racks, roofboxes and batteries. Pop in-store or go online to find out more about WeFit, Halfords’ fitting service.

Bristol to Bath Path, Bristol

This well-loved path features a variety of sculptures and a working steam engine at the old train station at Bitton that the kids will love.

On the way, stop off to enjoy a pub lunch at Saltford, and take in the picturesque views of the River Avon.

In Bath, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend the rest of your day, including the Roman baths, art galleries, shopping and botanical gardens.

Your children can even ride like (modern day) Romans in their own chariot powered by your legs, in the Halfords Double Bike Trailer (50lbs weight limit per child, not for use with a child under 12 months old).

If they want to be slightly closer to you, the Hamax Rear Child Bike Seat (suitable for children older than 9 months and up to 22kg), is the perfect solution. Both are currently half price in-store and online.

Want to be fully prepared? Check out Halfords’ Buyers’ Guides for information on what to purchase that suits you and why – there are also some helpful How To Guides.

Don’t forget to utilise our free six-week safety check for when you’re back and for more information on cycling, check out charity Sustrans.

Make sure you are Really Ready For Summer with Halfords. Visit www.halfords.com or go in-store for full details on all offers and services. 

Prices correct at time of publication. 20 per cent off a range of bikes ends June 4, 2018, 20 per cent off bike racks ends July 29, 2018.

This article was written in partnership with Halfords for express.co.uk.