The Best National Parks in the UK for Tricycle Riding

It's easy to get caught up in trips abroad and forget that some of the best landscapes in the world are right on our doorstep across the UK. From rolling dales to rugged coastlines, the UK's national parks offer plenty to see, and one of the best ways to see them is on a tricycle.

Whether you’re after family-friendly cycle routes, adventurous off-road trails, or challenging routes on your mountain tricycle, there’s a national park for you. Here's our guide to the top UK national parks for a day out on your trike.

The Best National Parks in England, Scotland and Wales for Tricycle Rides

Peak District National Park

The Godfather of national parks, the Peak District leads the way for cycling, thanks to its mix of flat family trails and rugged mountain routes. As well as the plentiful cycling routes, there’s even more to see and do, including cooling off with some wild swimming or treating yourself to an authentic Bakewell tart after a long day’s ride.

• Monsal Trail: This flat, wide former railway line is perfect for cyclists of all abilities. The route features easy gradients, smooth surfaces, and tunnels that make for a memorable ride and one that’s perfect to be explored via tricycle.
• White Peak Loop: This is a varied route that combines quiet bridleways and old railway lines. Sections of this loop are suitable for tricycles, but some of the narrower bridleways may be more challenging.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

God’s Country (sorry, we are biased!), the Yorkshire Dales is a cyclist’s paradise, offering everything from gentle countryside paths to some of the most exciting mountain bike routes in the country. In between taking on the Dales themselves, there are plenty of waterfalls and gorges like Malham Cove and Gordale Scar that are sure to impress anyone. One thing is for sure, there’s no shortage of cycle routes in Yorkshire.

• Settle to Carlisle Cycleway: This route works well for tricycles due to its wide paths and gentle gradients.
• Malham Tarn Loop: The road sections of this loop are fine but be prepared for some rocky or narrow stretches that may prove difficult. It's a beautiful route with stunning limestone scenery.

Cairngorms National Park

If you’re in Scotland and looking for mountain scenery and stunning views, you can’t get any better than the Cairngorms. As the biggest national park, there’s plenty to choose from, including more accessible routes suitable for adaptive bikes.

• Old Logging Way: This wide, well-maintained path links Aviemore with Glenmore Forest. It is perfect for families and those who might be newer to cycling, offering a safe and scenic ride with fantastic mountain views.

Lake District National Park

Inspiring some of our greatest writers, you can guarantee the Lake District is going to provide views like nowhere else. Besides the eponymous lakes, the region is tumbling waterfalls, timeless villages of whitewashed cottages, and great food. There are also some great cycle paths.

• Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail: This is a fantastic route for families. This restored former railway line runs for about five miles alongside the River Greta. With smooth, wide paths and gentle gradients, it's a pleasant ride through woodland scenery with views of Blencathra.

Pembrokeshire Coast/Arfordir Penfro National Park

A more unique national park, Pembrokeshire is almost entirely coastal, meaning your ride will rarely be far from coastal views. Towering cliffs, natural rock arches and offshore islands create a spectacular backdrop, where you can spot seals, seabirds and maybe even a dolphin.

·       Pantmaenog Forest Circular Trail: Offering a number of wide-open trails that are easy to navigate but may be a challenge to take on. There are both family-friendly offerings and more experienced mountain biking routes for the thrill seekers.

Whether you’re pedalling along a disused railway line in the Peak District, tackling climbs in the Dales, or soaking up sea air on the Pembrokeshire Coast, the UK’s national parks offer something for every kind of cyclist. What they all share is a mix of breathtaking scenery, well-maintained routes, and opportunities to explore at your own pace. Tricycles in particular open up these landscapes to more riders, making the joy of cycling accessible to all.

For more off-road cycle routes, check out the UK's best forests for cycling here. 

Feeling inspired but don’t own a tricycle yet? You’re in the right place! At Jorvik Tricycles, we offer test rides so you can try and tricycle before committing and taking it out to explore. Book a free one-to-one showroom test ride or book a home demonstration to start your adventure today.