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The reality of air pollution

Traffic fumes contain nitrogen dioxide.

These small particles, chemicals and gases are released into the air and can have a harmful impact on the environment and our health if they are breathed in.

The health impacts of exposure to air pollution are long-term, as microscopic particles worsen respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Get close to nature on the Network

As custodians of the National Cycle Network, we look after over 5,220 miles of traffic-free routes, with many others being low-traffic.

Many of our routes are in beautiful settings, crossing National Parks and nature reserves around the UK. 

Meaning there are lots of paths to discover to get closer to nature, the environment and to explore biodiversity.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of our top traffic-free and low-traffic routes across the UK for everyone to explore.

These routes are great not only for people who cycle, but for walkers and wheelers too.

High Peak Trail

With dramatic views of the stunning Derbyshire Dales countryside, the High Peak Trail follows old railway lines and is fully traffic-free, suitable for walkers and cyclists alike. And it’s rich in wildlife - there’s an abundance of wildflowers all around from late spring to summer.

Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is the perfect day ride.

Making use of disused railway tracks, The Tarka Trail takes you into the beautiful North Devon countryside.

It’s one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths and is ideal for families or people who have less experience when it comes to cycling.

Barnsley to Old Moor RSPB Reserve

A former colliery and coking works, where you can spot kingfishers, lapwings and bitterns, and at dusk, you can listen out for the shrill calls of little owls.

This route follows old railway lines from Barnsley and is mostly traffic-free.

Roker Beach to Beamish

Beginning on the seafront at Roker in Sunderland, this route travels inland to the pretty village of Beamish.

Sights along the way include the mouth of the River Wear, , Wearmouth Bridge, and .

Liverpool Loop Line

The Liverpool Loop Line is perfect for families and for people with less experience in cycling as it’s flat, easy and almost entirely traffic-free.

This wonderful green corridor is managed like a linear woodland park, running through rocky cuttings and high on embankments with wide views across the city.

Birmingham to Wolverhampton

Take time to enjoy the slower pace of life along this green corridor through the city.

Keep your eyes open, as there have been sightings of otters on Birmingham's canal network, and this route is shared with many plants, mammals, birds and insects.

Forest Way

The Forest Way takes you through the heart of the East Sussex countryside where you might spot dragonflies, newts, swallows, badger tracks, deer or foxes.

This 10-mile route is flat and traffic-free, with seats and picnic benches along the entire route, making it the perfect day out for families.

University Way

Starting in the centre of Bedford, this route takes you along the elegant Ouse embankment and through quiet villages and gentle countryside to Sandy, .

Along the way, you'll pass , a 16th-century dovecote at Willington, and a Danish Camp which was believed to have been used as a boatyard by the Vikings.

London Docklands and Lea Valley

This 20-mile route runs from the heart of historical maritime London, through places shaped by industry, war, commerce and water, to the countryside beyond the M25.

Look out for kingfishers and other water birds along the Lea navigation towpath and explore the .

Afan Valley

This route travels between Port Talbot and the gorgeous Afan Forest.

The area is a haven for all sorts of wonderful wildlife and has world-class mountain bike trails.

At the you can rent mountain bikes, visit the mining museum, or simply relax at the cafe and soak up the panoramic forest views.

Belfast to Lisburn, Lagan Towpath

Following the River Lagan towpath south-west from Belfast to Lisburn, the Lagan towpath is ideal for families and beginners.

This traffic-free route has plenty to explore including the and the

Route 196, south of Edinburgh

A mostly traffic-free route along leafy railway paths and quiet roads, Route 196 connects the market town of Haddington in East Lothian to Penicuik in Midlothian.

Winding past the and , the route also links to Route 1 south of Edinburgh.