Where to Ride: Central
For the cyclist, the heart of England is supplied by a rich network of traffic free trails, towpath treats and quiet roads to explore. Just a stone's throw from London, the counties of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire have long been prime escape destinations for the capital's cyclists.
Northamptonshire has some great riding on traffic free trails and quiet roads. The Great Central Cycle Ride enters Northamptonshire at Stanford upon Avon and passes through Crick, Daventry, Milthorpe and Syresham. There are also some great maps detailing cycle routes and rides around the towns of Northampton, Market Harborough, Wellingborough, Daventry and Kettering. For more information on riding in Northamptonshire go here.
Bedfordshire boasts the traffic free Sewell Greenway, which, with the Grand Union Canal, forms the bulk of the county's portion of National Cycle Route 6, while The University Way links Milton Keynes with Bedford itself. For more information go here.
In Oxfordshire, perhaps the best oven-ready family ride is The Phoenix Trail, a largely traffic free route in the Thame and Princes Risborough area. Berkshire has a host of traffic-free riding following the Severn and Thames rivers and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Buckinghamshire cyclists looking for ride ideas should check out Sustrans' National Route 6, a largely traffic free canalside gem near Milton Keynes.
More Ride Ideas
LEISURE: Letchworth Greenway: A circular family route on mainly gravel paths with some on-road sections following dedicated cycle paths on pavements. With Standalone Farm and its shire horses nearby, there's plenty to see and do.
LEISURE: Ebury Way, Rickmansworth: Cycle this beautiful green corridor away from the hustle and bustle of town life. A good quality path with easy access points along the way.
LEISURE: Nickey Line, Hemel Hempstead: Get away from it all on this green retreat in the middle of the town. A circular route on tarmac roads and cycle paths with an off road section along a disused railway. There are two steep climbs.
LEISURE: Alban Way, St Albans: This short and well-lit path is ideal for young children. The route has a smooth surface, suitable for all users, with lighting at the Hatfield end. It follows an old railway line.
LEISURE: Barton Hills: Off-road circular trail on chalk hills through fields and hillsides. Get some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and see an Iron Age Hill Fort at Sharpenhoe Clappers.
LEISURE: Dinton Pastures: Just a stone's throw from Reading, explore the idyllic 335 acre site by bike.
LEISURE: Kennet and Avon Canal, Berkshire: Enjoy canalside cycling through the beautiful Berkshire countryside on one of the country's most popular cycle routes.
LEISURE: Marston Vale Millennium Country Park: Explore the 250 hectares of woodland, wetland and grassland and watch the wetland birds from specially constructed hides.
LEISURE: The Lookout, Berkshire: A large woodland area criss-crossed with undemanding gravel trails. There are a few small hills to contend with, so the route is really accessible for the whole family.
LEISURE: Phoenix Trail, Oxfordshire: A traffic-free route consisting of tarmac and compacted limestone dust, with seating every 500m. The trail features specially commissioned trailside sculptures.
