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I'm planning on taking my 8yo son on a lad n dad night with a day of cycling.
Cannock Chase looks good but the nearby campsite had a minimum stay of 2 nights.
Springslade Lodge looks a little unusual but does allow a single night.
Or how about the Lakes, any good sites within a stones throw of trail centres?
Cheers
cracking one by Whinlatter [ the farm one not the other one] and the blue route is an enjoyable ride
Took my kids about that age
Grizedale is good, if your kid likes climbing... We love it, but our (at the time) 8 year old found it chuffing hard work, and quite limited once the easier loop was done. Lots else to do though. 🙂
Hence the Cannock possibility, maybe a bit flatter!
Whinlatter blue would be good, but check its open. Almost all of the blue was shut up until Easter due to tree felling, and only the first 2 sections were open a week after when we visited.
Initially we weren't happy, but it did mean we spent a enjoyable few hours 'sessioning' the first 2 sections which was actually great for building the confidence of my little riding buddies (9 & 11 yr olds) and probably more fun that just riding the whole circuit.
Good luck, have fun!
Again, if your 8yo enjoys gurning his way up climbs following a trail of haribos, There is a good fairly untechnical circuit of Claife Heights which he could do near Grizedale. Excellent views as you descent by the tarns into Sawrey.
In Grizedale itself, the first section of TNF trail is pretty straightforward and interesting climbing, Fire road climbs after that lead up the BW that goes out to Parkamoor, which again is not very tech all the way to where it meets up with the Nibthwaite track, turning left back across onto the Grizedale fire road network to return. That route would give you plenty of interest and great views over Coniston.
Campsites in Hawkshead, Low Wray etc.
Glentress? Camping on site and he'd love berm baby berm. And so would you.
FOD must have loads of camping nearby, would be great for the kids I guess.
The campsite at Satterthwaite is great and not too far from Grizedale.
Hicks Lodge trail and Beehive camping?
Is Nant-yr-Arian too far out of your way? Woodlands campsite at Devils Bridge just up the road is ace.
Cannock Follow the Diversion is ok for an 8 yr old. The monkey trail would probably involve too much climbing.
The CSMA site at Whitemead in the Forest of Dean would be a good choice. The Trail Centre is an easy 2 mile ride away along safe forest roads. Plus you get to relax in the swimming pool and Jacuzzi after your ride.