By Parkdean Resorts on 22/09/2016
For some holiday-makers there’s nothing better than going out for a day of cycling. Not only is it great for your health, but the whole family can take part and you get to take in some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery. Below are some of our favourite cycling routes - all of the routes are virtually traffic-free and are safe for your family.
Scarborough to Hayburn Wyke (Yorkshire Coast)
Length: 14 Miles
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Nearest Holiday Park:Cayton Bay
Family Friendly? The route itself is relaxing and simple, but 14 miles may be too far for children. You can still enjoy the scenery and lovely villages toward the beginning of the route instead of following the whole journey!
Description: This cycle route follows National Route 1 out of Scarborough (the route is signposted). You’ll follow a delightful greenway that sits by the coast and passes by some of the coastal villages of the region, providing plenty of opportunity for rest and refreshment. If you continue to follow the route you’ll eventually reach Hayburn Wyke, which boasts an 18th Century inn and a secluded cove with its own beachside waterfall.
Rhos on Sea to Prestatyn (North Wales Coast)
Length: 16.3 Miles
Estimated Time: 3 - 3 ½ Hours
Nearest Holiday Park:Ty Mawr
Family Friendly? A flat seaside trail that passes by a number of family-friendly attractions, such as the SeaQuarium in Rhyl – a perfect route if you’re looking for a packed family day out.
Description: A lovely promenade ride east across the North Wales coast, with fantastic views across Liverpool Bay. The route begins in the seaside resort of Rhos-on-Sea, cycling east into Rhyl and Prestatyn. You should note that there is a tiny section of the route that requires road travel, as you cross the River Clwyd in Rhyl. You may also want to pack some wind resistant clothing as the coastal position can be vulnerable!
Grantown on Spey to Forres – The Dava Way (Northern Scotland)
Length: 24 Miles
Estimated Time: 6 Hours
Nearest Holiday Park:Nairn Lochloy
Family Friendly? This route can get a little rough and ready, and is probably to avoid for novices and younger children, if you have teenagers or are a cycling enthusiast though - you’ll love it.
Description: Taking in some of Scotland’s very best views as you fly through the woodlands and shires of Nairn and Inverness, this route is great for wildlife spotting. The route begins in Grantown-on-Spey, near the northern edge of the Cairngorms National Park and follows a gravel path that used to be a highland rail-way track all the way the Forres to the North. From Forres it’s just a short trip to the coastline and our Nairn Lochloy Park.
Red Squirrel Trail (Isle of Wight)
Length: 16 Miles (32 Mile round trip)
Estimated Time: 6+ Hours
Nearest Holiday Park: This island-crossing route begins in Cowes in the North which is close to our Thorness Bay Park. The trail ends in Sandown or Shanklin which are close by to our Lower Hyde and Landguard Parks.
Family Friendly? The route sits on National Cycle Network Route 23 and has great surfaces and easily followed directions. However, the full trail is an entire day of cycling, involves some steep hills and requires occasional road crossings. If you’re taking children or inexperienced cyclers, you’re better off trying to tackle small sections of the route to avoid roads - Shide to Sandown is perfect for this.
Description: The Red Squirrel Way is a north-south route on the Isle of Wight, traveling through miles of the Diamond Isles’ unspoilt scenery. Starting at Cowes in the North, the trail travels by Newport, down to the seaside resorts of the south of the island. Be sure to keep your eye open for Red Squirrels!
For more great cycling routes check out our beginner guide as well as www.sustrans.org.uk