Family Bike Packing
It all begins with an idea.
This is something I used to do 30 years ago, long before it was called bike packing and long before children!!
We all love riding bikes and enjoy a night away from home. Our first adventure was in July 2021, a days ride to Castleton, in the sun. The second trip was a little damp and cold! We cycled just over 60km around the Peaks in February 2022. We experienced every kind of weather - wind, rain, sleet, snow… Cold fingers and toes were the order of the the day but we all loved it! “Is THIS the last hill dad?” could be heard, frequently!
February 2023 - In sunshine!
Having survived the weather in 2022 we came back for more in 2023 and the weather was amazing.
After a busy few weeks it was great to be able to spend time with the family and catchup. As adults we know of the benefits of walking and cycling with friends, the same can be said for children. Pedalling along, chatting, laughing, planning the next meal, wondering about the next hill and all in the stunning Peak District National Park.
The route had been planned to be off-road as much as possible and to avoid ‘the big hills dad!’ A fine mix of The Monsal, Tissington and High Peaks Trails, with the odd climb where needed, like the stunning Long Dale out of Hartington. Well worth a ride if you’ve never done it.
Accommodation wise we used Hartington Youth Hostel (a family en-suite room) and a shipping container (a first but it was fantastic) at Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath.
A key ingredient to the success of the trip - food. A great opportunity to explore some of the cafes and pubs in The Peaks. Freddie apparently had the ‘best burger ever’ followed by ‘the best fish ever!’
Over three days we cycled just over 90km, climbed around 700m and descended down some awesome hills.
Get in touch if you’d like us to plan a route for you and your family.
To The Thames - not a Peak District in site! November 2023 and it was time for another trip. This time, a one day ride from just inside the M25 to the River Thames. Nearly all of it off-road! And flat! Or maybe even downhill.
A 30km route suitable for the whole family, get in touch if you fancy giving it a go.
February 2024 - and we’re back for more! Bike packing Manchester to Sheffield.
Having made it out of the house, the next challenge was fitting 4 bikes onto an already packed train to Manchester! We were popular!! Thankfully, we arrived in Manchester to glorious rain! Not sure we even noticed. Within minutes we were away from all the madness and started our ride home along the Ashton Canal.
As ever on these adventures, food is the key to success. Lunch was had at the Bridge View Cafe, serving great food but also warm radiators for our damp gloves.
Having spent most of the morning on the flat, we arrived in Stalybridge and had a rather big climb up and over to Glossop. One of us enjoyed the uphill more than the downhill! We arrived at the Travelodge ready for more food!
Day 2 started in the rain with a lovely hill but a big breakfast at the local cafe sorted us out. After the hill it was pleasant cycling along the Trans Pennine Trail running parallel to the Woodhead Pass. And yet again, the flat section led to a big hill, crossing over our version of the Continental Divide. Have made it to the top surely it was downhill all the way home?! It was, apart from the uphills!
Our evening was spent in Penistone, resting and eating.
Day 3 - the last leg… We continued along The Trans Pennine Trail, passing through Wharncliffe Woods before dropping down to the River Don and another stop for food before the last hill, a big one, home!
We’d done it! Just over 100km and 1200m of uphill fun! The biggest challenge, starting! Once we were on our way, all was good! A few comments regarding the hills but on the hole, a great 3 days, together, on bikes.
Guest edit from https:https://bike43.com//bike43.com/
Cycling with Kids in the UK: Expert Tips for Combining Adventure, Learning, and Safety
Cycling as a family isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a way to connect, explore, and create shared memories. During the pandemic, family cycling in the UK rose by 30% and remains higher than pre-2020 levels. Still, 69% of UK parents say they’d ride more often if safer routes were available, showing just how much potential there is to turn local rides into everyday adventures.
With UK children aged 5–10 now averaging just 2.5 hours of outdoor play a week, cycling offers a fun, simple way to boost time outside and spark curiosity. This guide is here to help you get rolling—with tips, ideas, and trails to make your next ride as joyful and stress-free as possible.
H2. Why bikes make the best family adventure vehicles
There’s something magical about setting off as a family with just two wheels and a sense of direction. Family longtail bikes aren’t just a mode of transport; they’re a launchpad for adventure, a vehicle for presence, and a simple way to reconnect with each other and the world around us.
Cycling transforms everyday moments into shared experiences. It creates space for spontaneous conversations, silly songs, and unplanned discoveries, whether you're coasting through a local park or pedalling along a forest trail. Studies show that families who ride together are 50% more likely to raise lifelong cyclists, and it’s easy to see why: biking becomes more than just a habit. It becomes a ritual.
The physical benefits are a bonus. Cycling encourages strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health for all ages, but perhaps even more importantly, it boosts mental wellbeing. That fresh-air “cycling high” fuels both energy and calm, helping kids and parents alike to reset from the pressures of daily life.
Adventure doesn’t have to be extreme to be meaningful. A gentle ride through local woods can feel just as thrilling to a five-year-old as a mountain pass might to an adult. And while kids love the thrill of motion, parents often find joy in the rhythm: the slow unwinding of a long day, the breath between school and dinner, the laughter echoing across a quiet lane.
Whether it’s a morning loop or a weekend exploration, bikes give families the gift of shared time and in that, the freedom to be truly present.
H2. How to prep your crew (without the chaos)
A smooth family cycling trip starts with thoughtful preparation—long before the helmets are buckled. The aim is a setup that meets your family's needs while keeping things simple, safe, and stress-free.
Start with the right bike for your crew. Whether you’re riding with toddlers, tweens, or both, the configuration matters. Rear-mounted seats and trailers work well for the youngest, while tag-alongs and tandem bars keep older children involved without overwhelming them. For carrying multiple children and gear, longtail or modular bikes are now the top choice for 71% of UK family cyclists—and for good reason. Their stability, low centre of gravity, and adaptable design turn them into a reliable partner on any kind of route.
Clothing is another deal-breaker. A survey showed that 63% of British families felt underprepared on their first cycling trip due to poor packing or inappropriate gear. Layering is key. Think breathable base layers, rainproof shells, and thermal accessories like gloves and buffs. Always include a dry change of clothes in a waterproof bag—it’s your best friend after a surprise rainstorm or muddy trail break.
When it comes to packing, weight balance is everything. Smart loading can improve your ride comfort drastically. Waterproof panniers, when packed correctly, can reduce perceived fatigue by up to 30%. Store heavier items low and centred, and reserve easy-access bags for snacks, wipes, and other essentials. A quick pre-trip test ride with your full load is always worth the time.
One UK-based family who travelled through Nantes swears by their chromoly-framed longtail for urban and trail rides alike. Another parent, after months of using a similar setup for daily school runs, highlighted how the bike’s stability and comfort allowed them to clock over 20 km per day with two young passengers—without skipping a beat. With adjustable accessories and child-friendly features, their bike became more than transport—it became their mobile basecamp.
With a smart setup and realistic expectations, you’re not just avoiding chaos. You’re laying the foundation for fun, freedom, and future adventures.
H2. Safety without stress: the essential checklist
Good planning doesn’t stop at bags and bikes. When it comes to family cycling, safety is the invisible thread that holds the whole ride together. From the youngest passenger to the most seasoned adult, everyone needs to feel secure to fully enjoy the journey.
Start with visibility. High-vis vests, reflective stickers, and bright clothing can significantly improve safety, even in broad daylight. Always switch on front and rear lights—regardless of the time of day—to help drivers see you sooner and pass more cautiously. These small steps can increase your visibility by up to eight times.
Helmets are another essential. While only required by law for children under 12 in the UK, they remain one of the most effective ways to prevent injury. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by 69% in child cyclists. And yet, only 37% of UK adults wear helmets regularly when cycling with children, missing a vital opportunity to model safe habits. When parents lead by example, helmets stop feeling like a rule and start becoming part of the routine.
Bike setup matters too. Check that child seats include five-point harnesses, side protection, and footrests. For family ebikes carrying passengers or heavy loads, make regular checks on tire pressure, brakes, and weight balance. Extras like mirrors, bells, and flag poles add another layer of reassurance. A sleepy or squirming child mid-ride can easily affect your balance, so secure seating is non-negotiable.
One parent shared how their toddlers often drift off during rides, and how minor tweaks—like using slightly reclining child seats or headrests—helped keep naps comfortable and safe without compromising ride stability..
Finally, know your limits. Stick to manageable routes, especially when starting out, and don’t be afraid to change plans if the weather turns or energy dips. As families who take part in outdoor programmes like those run by Beyond The 4 Walls often discover, learning how to assess and manage safe risks builds long-term confidence—for both kids and parents.
Make safety a shared ritual. Pre-ride checks, signal practice, and snack packing become more than chores—they set the tone for the whole journey. And once safety is second nature, the ride becomes what it’s meant to be: calm, confident, and full of joy.
H2. Planning for success: small loops, big impact
The best family bike rides aren’t always the longest—they’re the ones that match your children’s pace, spark their curiosity, and leave everyone wanting to do it again. For kids aged 6–10, the average comfortable distance is just 3–5 miles, with breaks every 20–30 minutes making all the difference between fatigue and fun.
Start with modest goals. A one- to two-hour ride with built-in stops—think playgrounds, picnic spots, or even a muddy puddle—is often more rewarding than a full day’s trek. The rhythm matters more than the route. Shifting the focus from “how far” to “what can we notice” opens up space for storytelling, scavenger hunts, or even a tradition like the Sunday snack stop.
Let kids take part in the planning. Whether it’s choosing a snack, deciding which sticker goes in the ride log, or picking a café for the halfway break, these little decisions boost engagement. In fact, children who help plan the route are 60% more likely to stay focused and enthusiastic throughout the outing.
And remember—families who ride together at least once a week report a 45% increase in shared outdoor bonding. These mini-adventures, close to home and full of flexible stops, don’t just build stamina. They build connection.
This blend of structure and spontaneity is what Beyond The 4 Walls might call a micro-adventure—short, simple, and full of meaning. Next up, we’ll explore a few UK trails designed to turn these moments into lasting memories.
H2. 6 UK trails made for families (and the stories they’ll help you tell)
The UK is packed with trails where pedals lead to stories, not just destinations. In 2023 alone, more than 12 million family rides were logged on the National Cycle Network, a sign that families across the country are embracing cycling as their go-to outdoor adventure. It’s no surprise—six in ten UK parents say they choose cycling routes based on nature access and traffic-free paths, and the country’s landscapes deliver exactly that.
These six handpicked routes are more than scenic escapes. They’re playgrounds for the imagination—made even more enjoyable with stable, comfortable setups. Riders have praised the smooth handling of longtail bikes, noting how even fully loaded, the ride felt surprisingly light and balanced—something both kids and parents appreciated on varied terrain.
Notably, during school holidays, family visits to trails like the Camel Trail and Mawddach Trail spike by over a third, making them go-to favourites for parents looking to combine ease, exploration, and enrichment.
Camel Trail, Cornwall
A family classic, this flat, riverside route winds through the Camel Valley from Padstow to Bodmin. Its wide paths and estuary views make it perfect for riders of all ages, while ice cream stops and wildlife sightings add the kind of magic kids remember.Mawddach Trail, North Wales
Following a disused railway line along the Mawddach Estuary, this trail offers big skies, mountain views, and quiet beauty. With picnic spots, historic bridges, and zero traffic, it’s a peaceful yet captivating ride.Loch Ard Sculpture Trail, Scotland
Set in the Trossachs forest, this ride blends art, nature, and imagination. Hidden sculptures, sound posts, and lush scenery make it a sensory adventure that slows everyone down—in the best way.Three Parks Trail, South Wales
Linking three expansive parks, this trail feels like cycling through a storybook. With installations like the towering “Wheel of Drams,” kids can pause, play, and explore while soaking in local culture.Bristol to Bath Railway Path, England
An urban-to-rural gem, this route mixes industrial heritage with leafy paths and river views. With steam trains, sculptures, and city stops at either end, it’s a full-day ride packed with variety.Lôn Las Cefni, Anglesey, North Wales
Perfect for wildlife lovers, this coastal trail offers smooth paths through wetlands and forests. From otters and red squirrels to sea breezes and quiet boardwalks, it’s a gentle ride with plenty to observe.
Each of these trails offers more than just a ride. They invite families to explore, wonder, and weave their own tales into the landscapes. Whether you’re planning a weekend loop or a half-day escape, these routes prove that the UK is made for two wheels and wide-eyed adventurers.
Conclusion
A bike ride may seem like a small thing—but for a child, it can be the start of a lifelong love for movement, nature, and adventure. And for parents, it’s a reminder that the best memories often come not from distant destinations, but from slow miles shared side by side. With thoughtful planning and the right mindset, cycling with kids becomes not just an activity, but a rhythm that brings families closer to the outdoors—and to each other.
So pack a snack, check those tires, and don’t worry too much about the finish line. The real reward is in the ride itself, and the stories you’ll create together along the way.