Flitch Way, Essex suitable for a 5 year old ????

MarkMcp
MarkMcp Posts: 426
edited October 2009 in Road beginners
I've posted this in the family forum, but it seems that it might not be the best place.

Hi there,

My 5 year old son has well and truly been bitten by the cycling bug after enjoying a great time at the Central London SkyRide. As a Central Londoner (Hackney) I do most of my riding after popping on a train to Chingford, out in the leafy lanes of Essex. But I want to do a nice safe traffic free ride this Sunday with my boy. I have read about the Flitch Way and downloaded the leaflet, but there seems to be a bit when you have to go on the road through Great Dunmow. Is this safe/suitable for a 5 year old ?? I'm thinking of getting the train to Braintree and starting there. Good idea on a sunday or best taking the car ?? Is it well signposted and is there any good family places for lunch along the way ???

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers

Mark

Comments

  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Well I was born in Braintree and know the area well of course, Great Dunmow is fine but I'm not sure for a child of 5 have to say. The roads surrounding Dunmow are quite good for riding too, not sure of the Flitch way route. Hope this helps.
  • uncle zaskar
    uncle zaskar Posts: 61
    Hi there

    I live about 2 miles from the Flitch way, and it would be fine for a nipper, I started my kids over there at about 6 years old - being an old railway line its fairly flat, and as you say the 'no road traffic' aspect is nice.

    its mainly well surfaced with fine gravel, but a few sections can get muddy in the winter due to the horses - there are a couple of bits where you will have to carry a bike up steps to link sections together.

    just off the route you have also got Hatfield Forest which is National trust land, this has a great cafe and lake area where you can either park or get refreshments.

    My kids are now 9 and we still use the Flitch as its a great ride - the stortford to Dunmow section is about 7 - 8 miles long, its also great for a night-ride with good lights as you see loads of animals.

    hope that helps -

    Regards - U Z
  • uncle zaskar
    uncle zaskar Posts: 61
    Forgot to say - if you want to go all the way into Dunmow then you would have to use a section of fairly busy road.

    best bet would be to end the ride just where the Flitch crosses the A120 and double back to Hatfield Forest for a stop.

    Cheers - U Z

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