West Park Bike Track

The asphalt loop at West Park in Shildon is a proper throwback to simpler cycling pleasures. Built on what feels like reclaimed industrial land - fitting, given Shildon's railway heritage - it's a straightforward circuit designed for beginners and young riders who need confidence without exposure to traffic.

You're looking at maybe half an hour of cycling if you potter along, less if you're quick. The track itself is flat and wide enough that a wobbly seven-year-old won't cause a pile-up, which is rather the point. There's space to build up a bit of speed without the terror of kerbs or sudden corners.

Families will find this useful rather than thrilling. It's the sort of place you take a child learning to ride, not where you go for an adrenaline hit. The real draw is that it exists at all - purpose-built cycle tracks aren't thick on the ground in County Durham, and at least Shildon has something.

If you're staying at nearby Eden Grange Glamping, it's worth an hour's outing, particularly if rain's threatened and you need something contained. Clear of traffic, safe enough for confident kids to ride independently, and you won't feel like you've wasted the trip. Don't expect much else beyond the loop itself though - bring drinks and snacks, and perhaps combine it with a walk around the town's railway attractions if you've got time to kill.