Family cycling adventures don’t have to be big, expensive or far from home — sometimes the best ones start right on your doorstep. For Ian and his daughter Iona, weekends are all about getting on their bikes, exploring new places and making memories along the way. From traffic‑free National Cycle Network routes to train‑linked adventures across the UK, their story shows just how easy it can be to get started and make cycling part of family life.
Ian and his daughter Iona cycle somewhere every weekend together and along the way inspire families to try the same. Credit: Ian O'Donnell.
In part one, Ian and Iona from 'A Little Adventure' took us on their journey — from local rides around the UK to cycling all the way from London to Paris.
They showed that family adventures don’t need to be far, complicated or expensive but that you can get started with just a bike and a sense of adventure.
Now in part two, Ian and Iona share their favourite routes on the National Cycle Network.
Plus why combining bikes with public transport makes family adventures even easier, more flexible and better for the planet.
Ian and Iona's favourite routes (and why families will love them)
"There’s one that’s right on our doorstep – the Kenilworth Greenway, in Warwickshire – and that’s where they both learnt to cycle", says Ian.
For their family, traffic‑free National Cycle Network routes made it easy for children to build confidence and enjoy riding from the very start.
Another favourite of Ian was Scotland's coast-to-coast from Inverkip to Dunbar, which he cycled with Ewan, his son.
"It was just a beautiful ride and just a great one for young people to do because you've got a really good infrastructure away from traffic", says Ian. "And it wasn't too hilly and we went through some beautiful scenery."
Ian is excited for Ewan's plans to cycle from top to bottom of Europe and to return to France with Iona.
But for now, the two of them will be out on their bikes, exploring the UK and inspiring other families to go on a little adventure.
By combining cycling with train travel, families can create adventures without relying on the car, making journeys both more sustainable and more accessible. Credit: Ian O'Donnell.
Planning sustainably — and why it matters
"I want to leave the planet in a better state for my children", says Ian, a belief that shapes how they plan their trips with public transport.
By combining cycling with train travel, families can create adventures without relying on the car, making journeys both more sustainable and more accessible.
Travelling this way not only reduces climate impact, but also encourages a slower, more mindful experience — noticing the landscape, stopping more often, and connecting with the places you pass through.
Over time, those habits of travelling lightly and responsibly spill into everyday life, showing that even small changes, like choosing the train and bike, can make a lasting difference.
Ian and Iona travel to all their cycling adventures on the National Cycle Network by train. Credit: Ian O'Donnell.
Planning your journey around the National Cycle Network by train is easy to do.
Instead of starting and ending at the same place, you can hop on a train, ride somewhere new, and make the journey feel like a real adventure from the very beginning.
It takes the pressure off planning big loops and opens up so many more route options — from coastal rides to countryside escapes — all without needing a car.
It also keeps things flexible and low-stress.
If the weather turns or little legs get tired, there’s often a train station not too far away to get you home — no need to push on when you don’t want to.
We've put together a blog on how to easily combine cycling and rail travel.
Top tips for planning train and bike travel
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Plan your cycle journey from A to B
Make the most of the National Cycle Network by turning your ride into a one‑way adventure instead of a loop.
- Choose a route on the Network that links between towns or cities
- Look for nearby train stations at the start and finish points
- Book your train to the starting location so you can cycle back (or vice versa)
- For extra fun, take one of our cycle maps and let the children find and follow the route
- Keep distance realistic for your family
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Book and travel with your bikes with ease
A little planning makes train and bike travel simple, flexible and stress‑free.
- Book tickets in advance, where possible, to secure bike spaces as they can be limited on some routes
- Check if your train requires a bike reservation. You can often call or chat to the train operator to find out and book your space
- Travel off‑peak where possible for more space and less pressure
- Allow extra time for getting on and off with bikes
- Choose routes with stations along the way in case plans change
From local greenways to longer, train‑linked adventures, Ian and Iona show that family cycling is simple, flexible and possible to do.
With traffic‑free routes and access by train, it’s never been easier to explore new places together at your own pace.
And Ian and Iona's final bit of advice to others?
“To give cycling a go – and to explore what is right on your doorstep.”
