The Marlborough Downs, Wiltshire
Despite not being many mountains in Wiltshire, there are plenty of ancient bridle ways weaving across the chalk hills, making it fantastic mountain bike territory. By starting and finishing at Coate Water Country Park near Swindon, you can choose from a 50km or 100 km route.
Bristol and Bath, Avon
Try two cities in one trail by taking a tour of the streets at either end and then setting off on this route along a disused railway. You can opt to explore the ancient splendour of Bath or the more diverse culture of Bristol, or perhaps choose both.
Bath to Bradford-on-Avon
Canals are often heaven for family cyclists and the Kennet and Avon is no exception, passing wonderful rolling landscapes punctuated with beautiful Georgian buildings typical of the region.
The eight mile trail can get busy and you should also pay attention to avoid the swans at Bathampton, for fear of Her Maj placing an arrest warrant on you.
Melksham, Wiltshire
This is a beautiful route that takes in the majestic Lacock Abbey. This protected village featured in two Harry Potter movies and the trail links the towns of Melksham and Chippenham. The route passes Britain’s first millennium bridge and the ancient Cherhill White Horse and Avebury stone circle.
The Tarka Trail, Devon
Aim to cover the stretch between Braunton and Meeth, using the old railways of North Devon. You pass through largely unspoilt countryside as it was described by Henry Williamson in his classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ first published in 1927. This is one of the best traffic free cycle routes in the UK, so well worth a day out.
Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
A circular route that you can start in Worth Matravers, with 4.5 miles off-road. You will head west to Kimmeridge taking in fantastic coastal views before heading north through the hills to Corfe where you will not only find a castle but a steam train too.
You can then head back across country via Langton Matravers to get some well earned refreshment at the Square & Compass in Worth.
