Take a two wheeled adventure at an Essex Country Park

Nestled in the deep dark woods at Thorndon is Trailnet, a Community Interest Company (CIC) that’s committed to helping people of all ages and abilities to cycle for health, recreation and travel.

Trailnet offers bike hire so you can pedal around the park at your own pace or take part in one of their group rides that take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

They offer a choice of weekly rides (and bespoke rides if needed), varying in duration and difficulty. So no matter what your level, they have something for you.

Why not push the pedals around Thorndon this summer and enjoy the quiet pathways away off-road?

Not only is it home to the longest play trail in Essex (it’s 1.2km long) and Sky Ropes, Great Notley is also perfect for those cyclists seeking to boost their confidence.

Away from the roads and with flat, hard surfaces throughout the park, you and your children can pedal until your heart’s content before stopping for a refreshing drink or snack at the café.

If you fancy something more adventurous, then continue from the park onto the former railway line, the Flitch Way.

Passing through 15 miles of rural Essex, the Flitch Way is perfect for pushing the pedals for all ages as it offers easy and flat terrain, that’s straight and well-surfaced.

Ideal for both road and off-road cyclists, you and your family can ride at your own pace away from the traffic (although you may have to cross some minor roads).

There’s also a number of interesting sites along the way, including the former Rayne station (now the Booking Hall café) which offers sweet treats and savoury snacks to keep you fuelled.

Home to the former 2012 Olympic mountain bike track, Hadleigh is also a haven for those looking to start their two wheeled adventures.

With two pump tracks - that are about to be upgraded this summer thanks to funding – and plenty of trails throughout the park, it’s the ideal place to hone your off-road skills in a quiet traffic-free environment.

Need equipment or to hire a bike? Then Hadleigh Cycles can help. Situated on site, Hadleigh Cycles offers cycle hire, bike servicing and riding lessons (the lessons cater from beginners to advanced).

Whether you’re cycling for fun, fitness or adventure at Hadleigh, the team can help to get you or your younger one’s riding and experiencing the freedom that comes from cycling.

So, why not start cycling at Hadleigh this summer and begin a ‘life behind bars’?

With 45 acres of park to explore, Danbury is perfect pedalling for beginners and those with little legs.

Featuring hard packed and well surfaced paths throughout the park, you and your younger ones can cycle past historic lakes, through woodland havens and around wildflower meadows.

With flat traffic-free paths, you can ride a route that can be broken into a longer or shorter journey depending on you and your children’s fitness and abilities.

You might even see a variety of wildlife as you pedal along, such as squirrels, ducks and maybe a deer.

From grassland areas to meadows and lakes, cycling at Belhus Woods will take you on a trip through different and stunning surroundings.

With flat and well-maintained pathways, you and your family can take a two-wheeled adventure away from the hustle and bustle of the busy roads.

Not only is there a large car park* offering plenty of space to load and unload your bikes, but there’s also cycle racks at the café making it easy for you to grab a refreshing snack or drink before or after your ride.

*Please note that there is a height barrier to the entrance to the car park so if you have bikes on the top of your car you will need to come into the visitor centre and they’ll be happy to open it for you.