If you’re looking for a family day out this summer that is active, affordable, and packed with scenery, coastal cycle routes are hard to beat. With the sea on one side and open skies above, these rides offer more than just exercise. It’s a great a way to explore the seaside that is as fun for kids as it is for grown-ups, and a lovely opportunity to immerse yourself in nature – en route you might get a glimpse of dolphins cresting the waves or pause to watch marine birds diving for their catch.
Here, cycling charity Sustrans have rounded up 20 of the best coastal cycle routes for families, from along the golden sands of Norfolk to near the quiet, hidden bays of Scotland. These routes are chosen for their gentle terrain, safe paths, and unbeatable views. Some hug the shoreline; others wind through salt marshes or past old harbours. All of them offer a chance to slow down, soak up the sea air, and turn a simple bike ride into a family adventure…
Exe Estuary Trail, Devon
National Cycle Network Route 2
Start Dawlish Warren
Finish Exmouth
Distance 22.5 miles/36.1km
This beautiful ride along both sides of Devon’s Exe Estuary is known as one of the best routes in the country for birding by bike. Linking the seaside resort of Dawlish Warren to the long sandy beaches of Exmouth, the mostly flat route passes the waterside villages of Topsham and Exton. There’s the option to catch the Starcross to Exmouth Ferry to turn the ride into a loop or return by train.
Camel Trail, Cornwall
National Cycle Network Routes 3 & 32
Start Padstow
Finish Wenford Bridge
Distance 17.3 miles/27.8km
This largely traffic-free route connecting Padstow to Wenford Bridge, via Wadebridge and Bodmin, follows an old railway line. The mostly flat terrain makes it ideal for families. Leaving the picturesque fishing town of Padstow , the trail passes through the wooded countryside of the upper Camel Valley. The route runs through both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. Look out for otters, bats, dormice, kingfishers, little egrets, marsh orchids and marsh marigolds.
South Coast Promenades, Sussex
National Cycle Network Route 2
Start Worthing
Finish Brighton
Distance 12.9 miles/20.7km
Perfect for families, this route is almost entirely flat, with a train station at each end if little legs are too tired to cycle back. Starting at Marine Parade, east of Worthing Pier , follow the route past Widewater Lagoon in Lancing, a haven for birds. From Shoreham, follow minor roads to Hove Lagoon and then the traffic-free promenade on to Brighton.
Blackpool to Fleetwood, Lancashire
National Cycle Network Route 62
Start Blackpool
Finish Fleetwood
Distance 9.1 miles/14.7km
From Blackpool, head out along the traffic-free promenade to quieter stretches of the Fylde Coast . Passing Cleveleys, an ideal stopping point from which you can see the Isle of Man on a clear day, the route continues to the Victorian seaside town of Fleetwood with its distinctive pastel beach huts. Fleetwood has no train station, but it is home to beaches, a stately pavilion, playgrounds and gardens.
Wells and Holkham circuit, Norfolk
National Cycle Network Route 1
Start & finish Holkham
Distance 7 miles/11.5km
A popular day out with families and nature lovers alike, this circular route uses part of NCN Route 1 and the Norfolk Coast Cycleway. Heading out on Beach Road, you soon join the Norfolk Coast Path, with stunning views of Holkham Bay, before travelling inland on a private road through the Holkham Estate. Look out for the 18th-century Holkham Hall and Holkham National Nature Reserve. Join the road to take you back to the bustling town of Wells-next-the-Sea through beautiful Norfolk countryside.
Frinton-on-Sea to Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
National Cycle Network Route 150
Start Frinton-on-Sea
Finish Clacton-on-Sea
Distance 6.5 miles/10.5km
With stunning sea views, this flat, wide and mostly traffic-free route is perfect for young and novice cyclists. Starting at Frinton Golf Club , the path takes you down The Esplanade, continuing along the coast to the long sandy beaches of Clacton-on-Sea. The route passes the 19th-century pier (reputed to be the world’s largest), which has rides, amusements and refreshments. The route continues via Marine Parade to the beaches of Jaywick.
Souter to St Mary’s, Tyne & Wear
National Cycle Network Route 1
Start Souter Lighthouse, Lizard Point
Finish St Mary’s Lighthouse, St Mary’s Island
Distance 10.3 miles/16.6km
This scenic path linking the lighthouses of Souter and St Mary’s includes a crossing on the Shields Ferry at the River Tyne Estuary, making it a winner with families. Consisting of traffic-free paths and quiet roads, the route incorporates the newly completed Tynemouth to Whitley Bay pedestrian, walk and cycle way with unspoilt coastal views. Although largely flat, there are steep hills on both approaches to the Tyne riverside. St Mary’s Island is accessible by a concrete causeway when the tide is out.
Chalk and Channel Way, Kent
National Cycle Network Route 2
Start Dover
Finish Folkstone
Distance 8.8 miles/14.2km
Starting at Ray Smith’s On the Crest of a Wave sculpture in Dover, follow NCN Route 2 along the promenade and though the docks to a series of segregated cycle paths next to the A20 to Aycliffe. Look out for the pedestrian crossing over the A20 opposite Dover South Services, which is signposted but easily missed. The route leads on to Samphire Hoe, with plenty of places to explore the National Trust clifftop open space along the way.
Lancaster to Silverdale, Lancashire
National Cycle Network Route 69/ The Bay Cycle Way, Network Route 700
Start Lancaster
Finish RSPB Leighton Moss, Silverdale
Distance 14.1 miles/22.7km
Cross the River Lune over the Millennium Bridge and follows the river’s north bank to join the path on the seafront at Morecambe Bay. The gently curved promenade offers magnificent views on a clear day and plenty of opportunity for birdwatching. The Bay Cycle Way, continues for miles along the stunning coastline. Bear in mind that there is a level crossing on the early stretch of this route, which may be inaccessible for some users.
Upwey to Weymouth, Dorset
National Cycle Network Route 26
Start Upwey
Finish Chesil Beach, Weymouth
Distance 6 miles/9.6km
A route rich with heritage and natural beauty. Ride alongside the woodland and wildflowers of Radipole Wood before joining Weymouth Way and reaching the huge lagoons of RSPB Radipole Lake . Then, head on to the Esplanade in Weymouth to soak up the sun, sea and sand at one of the original seaside resorts on the majestic Jurassic Coast. The route continues along the coast to Chesil Beach visitor centre between Weymouth and Portland.
Cleveland Coast, Teesside
National Cycle Network Route 1
Start Redcar
Finish Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Distance 5.6 miles/9km
From Redcar Central Station, this stunning short route takes you on to West Dyke Road and then the Coast Road before joining a path to the pretty village of Marske. Follow quiet lanes and off-road paths to Saltburn. There is plenty to see and do here, from sweeping beaches to the miniature railway, the Cliff Lift (said to be the oldest in Britain) to Saltburn Pier.
Kent Coastal Castles Ride, Kent
National Cycle Network Route 1
Start Deal
Finish St Margaret’s at Cliffe
Distance 5.9 miles/9.6km
Beginning at Deal train station before heading towards the seafront via Queen Street, this route is ideal for cyclists of all ages and abilities. There is plenty to see along the route, which passes Deal Castle , Walmer Strand (believed to be the landing place of Julius Caesar and the Roman fleet in 55BC), the old lifeboat station and Walmer Castle. It’s uphill to St Margaret’s at Cliffe, but you’ll be rewarded with glorious views and a charming village.
Rhos-on-Sea to Pensarn, North Wales
National Cycle Network Route 5
Start Rhos-on-Sea Finish Pensarn
Distance 7.3 miles/11.7km
A wonderful ride along the wide sea promenade, this route stretches from the seaside resort of Rhos-on-Sea to the golden sand and shingle beaches of Pensarn, taking you through the bustling seafront of Colwyn Bay. From the wooded hills between Llanddulas and Abergele, you can catch a glimpse of the atmospheric Gwrych Castle. This mostly traffic-free route is ideal for families but be aware of the coastal wind that can make cycling more challenging. There is the option to take the train one way.
Llandudno to Conwy, North Wales
National Cycle Network Route 5
Start Llandudno
Finish Conwy
Distance 1.7 miles/2.7km
This short route has one of the finest backdrops in the country, with the cliffs of Great Orme to the north and the peaks of Eryri to the south-west. From Llandudno, head out on the traffic-free path where, occasionally, sand blown across the track will make it slow-going. You should see the marina as you approach Conwy and Edward I’s splendid castle.
Swansea Bike Path, South Wales
National Cycle Network Route 4
Start Swansea Marina
Finish The Mumbles
Distance 5.8 miles/9.3km
Following the wide curving sweep of Swansea Bay, this route offers stunning views across to Mumbles Head and the start of the Gower Peninsula. There is plenty to do in the Victorian town of Mumbles, with its play parks, independent shops and cafés.
Mawddach Trail, Mid Wales
National Cycle Network Route 8
Start Dolgellau
Finish Barmouth
Distance 8.9 miles/14.3km
Starting in the heart of historic Dolgellau, this scenic, predominantly traffic-free route follows the old railway path along the beautiful Mawddach Estuary below the foothills of Cadair Idris. You will pass a toll bridge at Penmaenpool, the first of two interesting wooden bridges along the route. The second, at the mouth of the estuary, carries the railway line, pedestrians and cyclists into Barmouth. Look out for birdlife along the estuary route, which passes the Arthog Bog RSPB reserve in the Mawddach Valley.
The Brunel Trail, Pembroke, South West Wales
National Cycle Network Route 4
Start Neyland Marina
Finish Haverfordwest
Distance 7.7 miles/12.4km
Read Next: The heritage harbour town with coloured sea glass and a historic spa resort
This popular traffic-free trail links Neyland – once the western terminus of Brunel’s Great Western Railway – with the market town of Haverfordwest. Leaving the cheerful boats of Neyland Marina behind, enjoy the picturesque Cleddau Estuary and the woodlands of Westfield Pill Nature Reserve . Follow the old railway line through to the village of Johnstone and on to Haverfordwest with its castle ruins and a priory.
Belfast Docks to Loughshore Park, Belfast
National Cycle Network Route 93
Start Belfast Docks
Finish Loughshore Park
Distance 7.7 miles/12.4km
Starting in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, this mostly traffic-free route follows the County Antrim coast to Jordanstown Loughshore Park. Starting in Victoria Park, head across the Sam Thompson Bridge, past the famous Harland & Wolff shipbuilders with their distinctive yellow cranes. Continue over the Lagan Weir Bridge to the Big Fish, then follow the NCN signs through Sailortown and Hazelbank Park and on to Loughshore Park.
Broughty Ferry to Carnoustie, East Scotland
National Cycle Network Route 1
Start Broughty Ferry
Finish Carnoustie
Distance 8 miles/12.9km
This scenic ride takes you from Dundee’s historic seaside village Broughty Ferry along the coast to Carnoustie , famed for its championship golf course. From Broughty Ferry, join the new, fully accessible path along the Tay Estuary to Monifieth. Further upgrades to the paths make this a lovely safe route to Carnoustie.
Cullen to Buckie, Moray, Scotland
National Cycle Network Route 1
Start Cullen
Finish Buckie
Distance 7 miles/11.3km
With the possibility of spotting dolphins in the Moray Firth, this route is a firm family favourite. Starting in the popular fishing village of Cullen, head west and join the coastal railway path. Take in dramatic coastal views and picturesque villages, with the option to stop for fish and chips overlooking Bow Fiddle Rock, a unique rock formation off the coast of Portknockie, before continuing to the bustling seaside fishing town of Buckie.
Sustrans’s guidebook Traffic-Free Cycle Rides is out now, £15.99. For more visit sustrans.org.uk
