As the Easter half-term break approaches and temperatures become less chilly it’s time to get on your bike and explore family-safe trails – the perfect way to get outdoors and active
It’s time to get in that shed and dig out the hikes and helmets – that’s right, it’s cycling time.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle ride through picturesque countryside, a scenic coastal path, or anything in between this Easter, bike riding is a fantastic way to stay active and explore the outdoors – and it’s even better as a family.
Many of us have fond memories of riding bikes when we were younger, and we want our children to experience the same joy. And even if you don’t have your own bikes, they’re easy to hire before rolling on to a number of the family-friendly mountain bike trails across the UK.
New research from Outdoor Toys has analysed trail data to find the number of mountain bike trails in each UK county and calculated the percentage of family-friendly routes to determine which area in the UK offers the best biking trails for all ages making your only decision easy – which one do you fancy?
Interestingly, it’s Scotland that takes the lead for the top three perfect spots to hit the trails. Aberdeenshire has the most mountain bike trails in the UK, with a total of 1001.
Falkirk has the most family-friendly bike trails, with almost 58% of all local mountain bike routes deemed suitable for all ages. The area has 292 mountain bike trails – of which 169 are family-friendly – the highest of any area in the ranking. Try the 2km Captain Hook track south of Falkirk and the Canada Trail, which are among the top easy-rated options. Both are close to playgrounds too, making them ideal for a full family day out.
East Dunbartonshire ranks second for the area with the most family-friendly bike trails, with over half of all 81 local routes suitable for everyone. The 360m Bridge to Lacey Hiking Trail in Lennox Forest is perfect for beginners and is close to Mugdock Country Park, which offers child-friendly activities. For a tougher challenge or with older kids, try the 17 Years in the Foundry trail, which features a climb and descent. Don’t forget that helmet!
West Lothian rounds up the top three with almost 47% of its 202 mountain bike trails deemed perfect for families. The most popular family-friendly trail is Guthrie’s Path, a 513m, easy-to-follow single track in Linlithgow, with nearby picnic tables to make your family day out even better.
Alex Price, product expert at Outdoor Toys comments: “Bike safety is important for any cyclist, but especially for children. Essential safety measures include inspecting the bike before use for any obvious dangers, ensuring your child is wearing bright clothing, and attaching reflectors to their bike in easily seen places.
“Getting your child out into nature benefits their physical, mental, and emotional development, and mountain biking is a great way to encourage outdoor play. If buying a bike isn’t an option, many hire firms offer bikes and gear for families for varying durations!”
To find your best bike option visit www.outdoortoys.com
