This route is available as a gpx download that is compatible with all major gps devices.
Download: Aire Valley Towpath.gpx
Wetherby Bike Trails have developed two pump tracks for families to enjoy. Devils Toe Track is for more confident riders and the Little Toe Pump Track is for under 10’s.
Parking: Old Station Car Park, Wetherby
Cost: Free
Less than an hour from Leeds, Sutton Bank National Park Centre has options for everyone in the family when it comes to cycling! Plus, entry is free, so you only need to pay for parking!
As well as a number of bike trails to choose from (including Cliff, a family friendly ‘green’ circular 3 mile trail), there’s a 2.5km flat and off-road family cycle trail, a small skills area and a pump track.
At the visitor centre, you can find a cafe, toilets, a play area and bike hire.
The Wetherby to Spofforth Bike Trail follows the three mile Harland Way. It’s a flat, traffic free route, so great for children. 
If you fancy getting out and about on your bike as a family this weekend take a look at our TOP PICKS of the local National Cycle Network Family Friendly routes around Leeds. There are several relatively flat routes which take in some beautiful scenery and are suitable for children of all abilities. We have also included a few ideas of places that are good to practice for those that are just getting going HERE.
Mumbler recommends:
“Anglers Country Park with room on the broom is flat and wide paths, good fun for kids”
Mobile Bicycle Repair Shop. Offering collection and repair service covering West Yorkshire. Leeds, Bradford, Keighley, Ilkley, Skipton, Otley and everywhere in between.
Tel: 07534 633319
Pay and Pedal sessions are open to all individuals who would like to have a go on the cycle circuit. No need to book, just turn up during the Pay and Pedal session times. Open to all abilities of cyclists who want to practice their cycling skills or just spend time on their bike in a safe cycling environment. Bikes can be hired
Timetable: Mon: 3pm – 6pm, Weds: 3pm – 7pm, Fri: 3pm – 5pm
Bodington Way, Leeds LS16 8NA
Very short circular route around the park on flat, tarmac paths. Grass either side makes this quite a safe spot for small children learning to ride their bike for first time.
Carr Rd, Calverley, Leeds LS28 5PY
Dalby Forest is always a fantastic day out with the family. Here’s some of our favourite things to do;
Circular route around the park on gravel and tarmac paths. Mostly flat, with minimal inclines. Suitable for young children learning to ride, as well as balance bikes, bikes with stabilisers and scooters.
Arthington Rd, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 8BQ
Short circular route around the park on tarmac path, with grass either side. Ideally suitable for small children learning to ride, including for balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers. There is also a small skatepark with ramps for more experienced children.
Hall Ln, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5JE
Mumbler recommended
“Harland Way between Spofforth and Wetherby. It’s along the line of the old railway. Lovely little park in Spofforth on your right as you arrive, castle is worth a run around & we had drink in the Castle pub which looked like it had good food so a full day out!”
Great circular loop around the Abbey grounds on tarmac paths. Ideal for children just starting to learn to ride a bike on their own as fairly flat with wide paths.
Abbey Rd, Leeds LS5 3EH.
A Mountain Bike & BMX Centre in the heart of Leeds. Includes trails for all abilities plus a bike shop and coffee shop all on site. Offers Mountain Bike and BMX coaching.
St Aidans RSPB reserveis managed by the RSPB for visitors and wildlife, on behalf of Leeds City Council.
Visit our new visitor centre with cafe, shop & toilet facilities. There are 12km of trails, plus the transpennine trail which passes the nature park on the southern side. The main trails take you amongst a variety of habitats including reedbed, wetland, meadows and woodland.
See website for directions and facilities – accessible from Woodlesford, Methley and Allerton Bywater. Suitable for bikes and pushchairs.
One for the younger riders – This route provides a wonderful opportunity to explore part of the longest canal in Britain.
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Route Details
Route Description
Beautiful countryside, rich industrial history, stunning scenery, galleries, shops, museums and the longest canal in the country.
The route has smooth surfaces along the length of the route with gentle gradients, you’ll find the route ideal if you want an easy day’s pedalling, or if you have small children or are a wheelchair user.
The Aire Valley Towpath route encompasses both vibrant urban areas and beautiful countryside, taking you on a peaceful journey through Leeds and out past Kirkstall Abbey, Bramley Fall, Rodley, Calverley Woods, Apperley Bridge, Buck Wood at Thackley, Shipley, Hirst Wood, Dowley Gap and the Three and Five Rise Locks at Bingley.
Route gpx download
This route is available as a gpx download that is compatible with all major gps devices.
Download: Aire Valley Towpath.gpx
One for the younger riders – This delightful traffic-free route travels from the small town of Garforth just outside Leeds through lovely countryside, passing a nature reserve and an RSPB site, along a river and canal ending at Woodlesford station.
Route Details
Route Description
Exit Garforth station and follow the White Rose [WYCC] signs until you pick up signs to National Route 697 and The Linesway and join this lovely Greenway. You will be rewarded with the beautiful Townclose Hills Nature Reserve (or Billy Wood as it’s known locally) on the edge of Kippax. From the grassland plateau, there are beautiful near-panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continue along the route to Allerton Bywater, turn right at Owl Wood Cottage towards Woodend and continue until you pick up signs to National Route 67, part of the Transpennine Trail. For a short detour at Woodend to visit RSPB St Aidans on the banks of the River Aire. The reserve is home to thousands of birds, brown hares, roe deer and insects- the perfect spot for a picnic! Cross the River Aire and follow the river, join the canal and follow it to Woddlesford passing the Locks! You can then get a train home from Woodlesford Station or return home on your bike!
Map
Download the free map here
This route connects Bilton, North Harrogate, and Knaresborough with Ripley on a fantastic 4 mile converted railway line. There are currently unsigned on-road connections between Ripley and the Way of the Roses cycle route to the North and the stunning Yorkshire Dales to the west.
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The former railway line, known as the Nidderdale Greenway, this route crosses the Grade 2 listed, seven-arch Nidd Gorge Viaduct and a new safe crossing of the A61 near Ripley. The Greenway also links into the existing cycle network which takes you to Knaresborough, Starbeck and Harrogate.
From Knaresborough, Starbeck and Harrogate the route provides a wonderful gateway to various fantastic National Trust sites to the North. Brimham Rocks, the spectacular Fountains Abbey and Studley Park are all within a 15-mile cycle ride.
Map
Download the free map here
Mumbler recommended
“The riverside walk and abbey road in knaresborough. It’s a road but access only so very quiet.”
The Wykebeck Way bike ride is a well-signed route that uses quiet roads, cycle tracks and parkland paths through the Wyke Beck Valley.
Route Details
Route Description
This route connects two of Leeds’ finest attractions, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam. Cycle quiet roads, cycle tracks and parkland paths. Take in the wildlife at Roundhay Park, explore lakes, woodland, formal gardens, playgrounds, sports pitches, a golf course, a lakeside café and Tropical World – home to iguanas, monkeys and fruit bats! From there the route winds through the ancient woodland of Wykebeck woods and the meadows of Killingbeck Fields. Keep an eye out for Red Kites overhead. Enjoy the green spaces of Primrose Valley Park and Halton Moor, cross the golf course to arrive at one of England’s great historic estates – Temple Newsam.
There are plenty of cafes and shops for a pit stop en route!
This is a fantastic 21 mile route around Wakefield’s highlights- there are some beautiful paths, easy to follow signs with great sections that you can break up. There are also some great kids rides around the attractions themselves, for example;
See the WoW route here- https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/Documents/sports-leisure/cycling-walking/Wakefield%20WoW%20Cycle%20Map.pdf
Mumbler recommended:
“York solar cycle is fab! Sustran is a charity that manages cycle paths and lots are on disused train routes (nice and flat)”
https://www.york.ac.uk/solar/
One for the more experienced child cyclist – This dramatic ride takes you east from the bustling market town of Skipton with its impressive Castle and regular outdoor market, along quiet lanes through beautiful countryside, ending at the magnificent ruins of Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales. Please note that there are some hills on the route.
Start at Skipton Station, turn right, follow the main street to the top of the town, follow the route and enter the village of Embsay and pass its historic steam railway. Follow signs to Bolton Abbey along quiet country lanes with scenic views all the way. Take a pit stop at one of the local tourist attractions including Billy Bobs (Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream Farm), Hesketh Farm Park, and, of course, Bolton Abbey Estate itself with magnificent ruins, stunning natural setting, river walks, stepping stones, cafes and picnic spots and the Abbey and the River Wharfe Valley passing through the famous Strid Gorge. Retrace the route back to Skipton or return using the Steam Railway! Cycle along the bridleway opposite the Devonshire Arms leading to Bolton Abbey Station. Part of the route can then be covered by train to Embsay Station and by bike from Embsay to Skipton. Bikes are welcome on the train.
Map
Download the free map here
