Devon has more traffic-free cycling than most counties can dream of. Former railway lines and estuary paths criss-cross the county, and because they follow old rail beds and riverside embankments, the gradients are gentle enough for a seven-year-old on a heavy bike and a grandparent on an electric one. Tarmac surfacing, regular benches and the knowledge that you will not meet a tractor make these routes the safest introduction to family cycling you will find in the South West.

Choosing a Trail That Suits Everyone

Be honest about your slowest rider. A route that feels easy to an adult can be a slog for small legs, and the classic mistake is overreaching on day one. As a rough guide, most families with children under eight manage around eight to ten miles in a half day once you build in stops.

Flat, wide and forgiving routes suit mixed abilities best. The Tarka Trail around Braunton and Instow is level, surfaced and runs beside the estuary, with plenty of places to bail out if energy runs low. The Exe Estuary Trail between Exmouth and Dawlish Warren is similar, and the train stations along the way mean you can ride one direction and return by rail. For something slightly wilder, the Granite Way between Okehampton and Lydford offers dramatic moorland views with a steady but manageable climb, while the Plym Valley Trail climbs gently through woodland on a former railway line.

Check two things before you commit: the surface (some trails become rough, muddy or gravelly in sections) and whether there is any on-road link. Even a short stretch of lane changes the nature of the ride entirely.

Before You Leave the Driveway

A ten-minute check prevents most of the misery that ruins family rides. Run through this list the evening before, not in the car park with impatient children circling.

• Tyres: squeeze both. They should feel firm as a ripe apple, not rock hard. Under-inflated tyres are the most common cause of children tiring quickly.
• Brakes: lift each wheel and spin it, then pull the levers. Pads should bite before the lever reaches the handlebar.
• Chain: a dab of lubricant, then wipe off the excess. A squeaky chain is a dry chain.
• Quick releases: check both wheels and the seat post clamp are tight.
• Child seats and trailers: tug the mountings firmly. Re-check them every single time, even after a five-minute stop.
• Sizing: a rider's feet should reach the ground on tiptoe with the saddle set correctly. Bikes bought "to grow into" are dangerous.

Helmets, Layers and Devon Weather

Fit beats price every time. A helmet should sit level on the head, not tipped back, with the front edge just above the eyebrows. The straps should form a V under each ear and you should be able to fit only two fingers between chin and strap. Replace any helmet that has taken a knock, and check the date sticker — most manufacturers advise replacing after five years.

Devon weather changes its mind quickly, especially near the moors and the coast. Dress everyone in layers and pack a lightweight waterproof per person, even if the forecast is bright. Gloves make a surprising difference for small hands on cool mornings, and long trousers protect against nettles on the narrower sections. Bright colours and a bell are worth far more than they cost.

Snacks, Stops and Keeping Spirits Up

Hungry children are unhappy cyclists, and the bonk arrives without warning. Pack more food than you think you need and eat little and often rather than saving it all for a pub lunch.

• Easy calories: flapjack, bananas, malt loaf, oatcakes, dried fruit and a few boiled sweets for the final mile.
• Water: a bottle each, plus a spare. Refill points are common on the popular trails but not guaranteed on the quieter ones.
• A planned treat stop: name the café, ice cream kiosk or picnic bench in advance. A known destination works wonders.
• Emergency kit: spare inner tube, tyre levers, a pump, a multi-tool, plasters, sun cream and a small first-aid pouch.

Aim to stop every forty-five minutes or so, whether or not anyone asks. Getting off the bike, running about and eating resets everyone's mood.

Trail Etiquette and Practical Logistics

Traffic-free does not mean consequence-free. These paths are shared with walkers, dog owners, horse riders and joggers. Teach children to ride in single file on the left when anyone approaches, to call out or ring a bell well in advance, and to slow right down before passing. Dogs can be unpredictable, so give them a wide berth and never assume the owner has seen you.

Start early. Trails are quietest before ten in the morning and busiest in the middle of a sunny weekend afternoon. Parking fills fast at popular trailheads, so arrive with a plan B or use a station car park instead. Many Devon trails connect to railway stations, which opens up one-way rides and removes the pressure of a return leg.

Finally, set a turnaround time rather than a turnaround point. Children ride out on fresh legs and come back on tired ones, so the return will always take longer than you expect. Turning back while everyone is still enjoying themselves is the surest way to make sure they want to come again next weekend.