Best Destinations for Traffic -Free Cycling Holidays in the UK

The Camel Trail in Cornwall
For some of the best car-free cycling in the South West of England, the Camel Trail could be the idea choice.  Covering almost 18 miles from Padstow to Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge, this route is mainly traffic free, with a small on road section through Wadebridge.
Covering river valleys, estuaries and woodlands, you can soak up some stunning naturally beautiful scenery when you bike it through the Camel Trail.

Forest of Dean Trails

The gorgeous Forest of Dean is one of England’s best areas for traffic-free cycling routes.  Popular tracks where you can enjoy safely cycling away from cars, include the Colliers Trail which is a 9 mile circular starting from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, and the 5 mile Wye Valley Greenway which runs from Chepstow to Tintern and takes in some stunning Wye Valley scenery.

For impressive forest trails and some riverside biking, the Forest of Dean is one of England’s very best areas.  Remember to stop off and enjoy breaks at charming local country inns, tea shops and cafes along the way.

The Monsal Trail in the Peak District

If you want to explore some of the best of the Peak District National Park by bike, the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire could be the perfect choice.

Covering almost 9 miles, and running from Blackwell Mill all the way to Bakewell, this long traffic free path takes cyclists through forest canopies, railway tunnels and past iconic Headstone Viaduct.

Bike hire is available along the trail, including electric bikes.  Do take good care when hiring electric bikes though as the trail is shared with walkers.

For rest and refreshment, there are a couple of cafes along the route, including Hassop Station Cafe at Bakewell and the Refreshment room which is housed in an old station building, along the route.

For stress-free traffic free cycling in the north of England, the Monsal trail is hard to beat.  Good car parks are dotted along the route.  

Traffic Free Trails in the New Forest

Covering heathlands and beautiful expanses of ancient forest and woodlands, for keeping cool whilst biking along, the New Forest is hard to beat.  At one point in history, this area was a royal hunting ground, but nowadays the New Forest is home to wild ponies, various wildlife and is popular for short breaks and longer stays.

The main traffic free route in the New Forest is the Hawkhill trail which is completely traffic free, and is a loop that takes you through the national park, from Roundhill campsite, through Denny Wood, and finishes by Beaulieu Heath.  For a bike ride under a canopy of trees, and unspoilt countryside, the Hawkhill trail is a great choice.

There are also other cycling trails like the Old Railway (Castleman’s Corkscrew) which covers around 9 miles distance along a former train track, between Brockenhurst and Burley; however this route is mostly but not 100% traffic free.

Once completed, there are lots of charming tea shops and cafes where you can relax and rest after a fun and vigorous bike ride.

Cycle by Loch Katrine

The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is a gorgeous area to explore by bike.  One of the best trails for cyclists who want to enjoy bike rides next to stunning scenery, away from cars, is Loch Katrine.

With an expansive 14 miles to explore between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar Pier at Loch Katrine, this cycle trail takes in some stunning national park scenery.  There is cycle hire available locally for those who prefer not to have to transport their bike on holiday.

If you fancy something a bit different, you can also take a cruise on the Steamship Sir Walter Scott from Trossachs pier for a different vantage point from the water.

Stay Free from Cars along the Caledonian Canal Towpath

Another great place for cycling away from cars in Scotland is along the Caledonian Canal towpath.  This towpath is part of the National Cycle Network Route 78, and is popular with families for bike rides.  Enjoy a leisurely ride following the canal.  If you want something more adventurous, mountain biking can be enjoyed along the Great Glen Way, and is mostly but not exclusively off road.

Cycling in this area you can take in stunning canalside and Highland scenery.  There are various canalside cafes and pubs along the way, where you can enjoy a much needed rest and local fare.  Remember to bring your bike lock to keep your bike safe on stop offs!

Marvel at the Millennium Coastal Path in Carmarthenshire

If you want to enjoy stunning coastal seascapes and bike along the coast, then the Millennium Coastal Path in Carmarthenshire could be ideal.  Marvel at bays, salt marshes, pretty harbours, golden sandy beaches and beautiful shores as you pedal along this traffic-free route.

Stop off at local coastal pubs and cafes, for rest and refreshment as you bike along this route.  With its coastal scenery and safety away from cars, this route is popular with both families and romantic couples.