Vacation time approaches! Discover the top 10 breathtaking family mountain bike excursions, as recommended by Forestry England.
Ready to get the kiddos off the couch and into the great outdoors? Here's a list of rockin' mountain bike trails perfect for families across the UK!
Behold the best biking spots for your mini-shredders:
1. Spicers Trail, Haldon Forest, Exeter
Kick-start your adventure in the lovely Haldon Forest. Spicers Trail gives an excellent start to mountain biking, a blue graded trail that'll take you on a 2.3 miles (3.7km) magical journey with gentle gradients and narrow sections.
2. Borderline Cycle Trail, Kielder, Northumberland
Next stop: Kielder Forest! This place just got a cycling makeover, but we suggest sticking to the tamer Borderline trail. With a 7 miles (11km) route along a flat disused railway line, it's suitable for families and adaptive cycles too.
3. The Robin Hood Adventure Trail, Sherwood Pines Forest, Nottingham
Calling all bigger kids and thrill-seekers! The Robin Hood Adventure Trail in Sherwood Pines Forest is your blue graded prize. The 7 miles (11.2km) course lays out natural terrain, flowing corners, banked berms, and uneven surfaces – perfect for handling skill builders!
4. Jubilee Blue Trail, Dalby Forest, Yorkshire
Up next, we've got our personal favorite trail in Dalby Forest – the Jubilee Blue Trail! Running for 6 miles (11km) through the Low Dalby valley, this trail takes you through singletrack, berms, and breathtaking forest views.
5. Squirrel Chaser, Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
Welcome to the North East and Hamsterley Forest, located next to Danny Hart's Descend Bike Park. Although Squirrel Chaser isn't quite as wild, it's a fantastic blue graded trail with smooth and gentle terrain! This 5.25 miles (8.4km) loop will ease your little ones into mountain biking with swooping singletrack and charming stream views.
6. Pedal and Play, Hicks Lodge, Leicestershire
It's time to help your children develop their cycling skills on this green graded trail! The Pedal and Play trail stretches for 1.25 miles (2km) and offers three challenging sections – the Hub Challenge, the Pedal Challenge, and the Mirror Challenge, all designed to help your little ones learn new skills and race their friends.
7. Family Cycling Trail, Alice Holt, Surrey
Step into the enchanting Alice Holt Forest and experience the 3 miles (4.8km) blue graded Family Cycling Trail! Be prepared for a steep, long downhill section at the start, but afterwards, gather for a picnic at the meadow midway through the ride!
8. Family Cycle Trail, Fineshade, Northampton
Gear up for the Family Cycle Trail in Fineshade Woods, which is the easiest route around the area! Although there are blue sections alongside the trail for a bit of a challenge, the family-friendly route spans 5 miles (8km) and starts and ends on the main car park near the visitor center.
9. Old Bob's Trail, Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Gloucestershire
Don't miss out on the latest addition to the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre – Old Bob's Trail! This green graded route is an absolute gem, stretching for 1.2 miles (2km), with smooth, flat trails, gentle climbs, rollers, berms, and space to take a breather.
10. Pedal and Play, High Lodge, East Anglia
New in 2025, the Pedal and Play trail at High Lodge in East Anglia offers kid-friendly green graded loops and optional blue sections for the more advanced. Plus, it boasts a dedicated play area equipped with bike-themed equipment and inclusive elements!
Get the crew together and enjoy making memories on two wheels as you embark on this summer's mountain biking adventures! For the most current trail details, be sure to visit the Forestry England website, or give your local parks a call for specific family needs recommendations.
- To ensure safety while enjoying the outdoor living, remember to put on helmets before starting any mountain bike trail adventure.
- After an exciting day of mountain biking, enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle by discussing the features of the bikes and sharing stories of the trails over a sports-themed dinner.
- As part of an active lifestyle, complement your love for mountain biking with a hobby such as gardening that also encourages participants to appreciate the outdoors.
