Cycling is a wonderful activity for families to enjoy together while getting some all important exercise. Here in Essex, we are fortunate to have a wide variety of excellent cycling routes that are great for families and will hopefully help expend some of the kids’ excess energy. We suggest the following few:

Braintree

There are many pretty villages to explore as well as exploring the castle grounds at Castle Hedingham. However, for a safe, gentle ride, try the Flitch Way (15 miles) which runs from Dunmow through to Great Notley where you can stop at the railway cafe for some much needed refreshments, once recharged you can then set off to Great Notley Discovery Centre for a picnic and more fun adventures. This is a relatively flat route and ideal for all levels – although to do the full route will probably be too much for the younger rider. 

Chelmsford 

Chelmsford City have lots of routes available with maps available on their website. There are short, medium and long route options.

The shorter routes are great for younger children. Once you know your child/children are ready you can try longer rides. 

Each route takes you through some of Chelmsford’s prettiest scenery and better still, they avoid roads. 

I particularly like the Hylands route as you can make it a full day of exploring, playing the park and enjoying a picnic. Perfect for all ages. View a map here 

Colchester

There some wonderful picturesque routes including; Flatford Mill where you can take a leisurely ride along the lock or for advanced riders, why not try the Painters Trail (69 miles), you can ride through the scenic villages where some of the most famous landscape artists; John Constable, Sir Alfred Munnings and Thomas Gainsborough got their inspiration. 

There’s also Colchester Sports Park (I am yet to visit) which looks amazing and has something for everyone. They offer bookings of adaptive bicycles for people with disabilities. As well as a dedicated ‘learn to ride’ track for young ones. There’s also a pump track to help build strength and skills. To find out more click here

Hadleigh Park

Cycle like the Olympians of 2012 as this is where the mountain biking took place. The trails have been improved and expanded since the games to accommodate all skill levels. Riding on the railways is free.

For the more advanced rider, try The Olympic Mountain Bike course which was created to put the world’s greatest athletes to the test and is built of crushed sandstone. Each lap comprises a climb that is almost 1.7 km long and includes a number of abrupt, tricky descents.

They have also labeled each path into levels:  blue is the easiest and black is the hardest.

Harlow

Harlow Town Park covers 164 acres and is a great place to visit in any season. There are attractive scenic landscapes, river walks and views, a paddling pool (open in the summer season), skateboard park, Pets’ Corner, Harlow Showground, café and an adventure playground. The outdoor bandstand provides public entertainment including jazz, pop and

rock concerts. You can also cycle the River Stort with  towpaths that provide a pleasant off-road leisure route just to the North of the Town. More adventurous cyclists can follow the towpath to Roydon Mill.

Maldon 

The Maldon District offers a mix of cycling routes for all ages and abilities, from circular tours to long distance routes. Most of the routes are on quiet country lanes or cycle paths which allow you to enjoy the Maldon District to the full.

Whether it’s to explore our historic maritime towns and traditional marshland villages, or visit the wild low-lying Dengie marshes, there’s always somewhere new to explore in the Maldon District. Why not try the BMX track to learn new skills, with it’s up and ramps. To find maps and info head online here

Tendring

This traffic-free route takes you down to The Esplanade and continues along the coast all the way to Jaywick.  With magnificent sea views, this route is perfect for young cyclists because the path is flat, wide and traffic-free.

Now you have some ideas on where to go, what are you waiting for? Dust of the bike and get cycling!