Flog your holiday
IF you have booked a holiday but can no longer go, you could sell it on a website billed as the ebay for travel. Transfertravel.com lets people buy and sell anything from flights, hotel rooms to full packages. The online marketplace verifies that all bookings are transferable and genuine. And under EU law package trips must be transferable, so there are bargains to be had. WITH the Tour de France wheels in motion, cycling charity Sustrans gives us the inside track on the best family-friendly routes across the UK.
Lovey Dovey
Following the route of the former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line, the Tissington Trail passes through the picturesque village of Tissington and the beautiful countryside of the Derbyshire Dales.
The route begins in the historic market town of Ashbourne, which was well established in Saxon times and listed in the Domesday Book. After Ashbourne you pass near Dovedale, a dramatic limestone ravine with stunning scenery. It is famous for its wildlife and sweet stepping stones across the River Dove. GO FOR IT: 13 miles, traffic-free with some easy gradients.
Twin tunnels
The iconic Two Tunnels route is a fantastic loop around Midford, Monkton Combe and beyond. From the centre of Bath, the ride heads off through the Devonshire tunnel and the Combe Down Tunnel, which is the UK’S longest cycle and walking tunnel at just over one mile.
It also crosses the spectacular Tucking Mill Viaduct and passes Dundas Aqueduct on the Kennet and Avon Canal, until the River Avon, and you can follow the towpath back into Bath.
A recommended start point is either Bath Spa station or Oldfield Park station, both a short ride from the trail. The route runs past the Wheelwright’s Arms in Monkton Combe if you want a pub lunch. GO FOR IT: 13 miles on a mix of former railway, minor road and towpath.
Wild horses
This route follows a section of railway line between Brockenhurst and Wimborne. You bike through a popular mix of woodland and heath, where clusters of wild ponies are never far.
The first mile is along Sway Road, passing the Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club on the right, over the rail bridge and on to Latchmoor House. From there, the route meets the old railway at Cater’s Cottage, once the crossing keeper’s home, and heads west towards the replacement bridges at Long Slade Bottom.
Here it leaves the railway and heads for Holmsley across the Forestry Commission campsite, formerly a makeshift airfield that played a role in the D-day landings. GO FOR IT: 11 miles, mostly traffic free.
Otter potter
One of the country’s longest traffic-free walking and cycling paths, the Tarka Trail has superb views across the mouth of the Taw Estuary and features wonderful sculptures and shelters. The trail is named after Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson, which was set here.
Wildlife habitats include estuary mud flats and salt marshes, oak woodland, ponds, streams, ditches and meadows.
From Braunton, the path follows the banks of the Taw, passing through Chivenor and crossing the tributary river Yeo. It then takes you up the Torridge Estuary, passing At 13 miles by 23 miles, the Isle of Wight is perfect for exploring by bike. Blessed with a mild climate and unspoiled countryside, it is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Starting in Cowes in the north and finishing at Sandown in the east, the ride includes two long sections of disused railway path.
The first starts to the West of Cowes and runs alongside the River Medina.
The second, to the South of Newport, runs through lovely countryside to the outskirts of