Cycle Route 5 Colwyn Bay

The coastal stretch from Colwyn Bay heading east is one of those rare British cycle routes where you actually want to slow down instead of rush through. Route 5 runs along the North Wales coast, and the section through Colwyn Bay itself is flat enough for families on wobbly bikes but interesting enough that adults won't spend the whole time checking their watches.

You're riding right alongside the coast here, which means genuine sea views rather than the inland stuff. The route takes in stretches of the Conwy estuary nature reserve - proper quiet spots where you might spot herons if you time it right, though don't expect a wildlife spectacle. It's more about the rhythm of pedalling along a decent path with the sound of water nearby.

This works brilliantly if you're based at Plas Farm Caravan & Lodge Park, just four miles away near Llandudno. Pack a picnic, cycle in, and spend two or three hours puttering about. The route is manageable for kids aged seven upwards - nothing steep, and you can stop whenever you fancy. Older teenagers and serious cyclists will find it a bit leisurely, to be honest.

Going early in the day beats the school holidays when the car parks fill up. The stretch is free to use, naturally, and there's no time limit. Combine it with a visit to Llandudno itself if you need an afternoon backup plan.