The best road cycling routes around Shepshed

There are over 20 road cycling routes around Shepshed listed on komoot. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 11 easy and 13 moderate options available for exploration.

The terrain around Shepshed offers a diverse experience, characterized by the green hills and picturesque scenery of Charnwood Forest. You'll find a mix of flat sections, modest hills, and agricultural fields, providing varied challenges for road cyclists. Routes often feature mostly paved surfaces, though some longer excursions might include unpaved segments.

Yes, Shepshed offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. An excellent option is the St. Andrew's Church, Kegworth – Butt Lane loop from Shepshed, an easy 19.4-mile path that provides a gentle ride through rural scenery.

Road cycling routes around Shepshed often pass by significant natural and historical landmarks. You can cycle through the ancient Charnwood Forest, known for its green hills, or past reservoirs like Blackbrook Reservoir. Routes may also lead you near attractions such as Bradgate Park, where you can observe wild deer, or offer views of Beacon Hill Summit, the second highest peak in Leicestershire.

For experienced riders seeking a longer challenge, Shepshed has several moderate routes. The Love & Piste Coffee Shop – Steep Hill on Wood Hill loop from Iveshead School is a 42.1-mile trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 44 minutes. Another option is the Barrow Bridge – Quiet Country Lane loop from Shepshed, a 37.4-mile route navigating quiet country lanes.

The road cycling routes around Shepshed are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, including the green hills of Charnwood Forest and the peaceful agricultural fields, which offer varied terrain for different ability levels.

Yes, the Garendon Trail, which is part of National Cycle Route 6, offers a traffic-free cycling and walking route. It connects Shepshed to Loughborough, providing a gentle and safe ride through the old Garendon Estate, suitable for all ages.

Many of the road cycling routes around Shepshed are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Cloud Trail – Breedon on the Hill Church loop from Shepshed is a moderate 35.5-mile route that offers a circular journey through the area.

Beyond Charnwood Forest, you might encounter Morley Quarry, a disused quarry now a nature reserve, significant for its 600-million-year-old Precambrian stone. Blackbrook Reservoir also contributes to the scenic countryside and can be incorporated into cycling routes, offering picturesque views.

For those looking for more significant elevation, routes exploring the Charnwood Forest area often include moderate gains. The View of Bardon Hill – Beacon Hill Forest Path loop from Shepshed, for instance, features over 650 meters of elevation gain across its 30-mile distance, providing a more strenuous workout.

Yes, routes in the Charnwood Forest area can lead to excellent viewpoints. Beacon Hill Summit, located within Charnwood Forest, offers tremendous views across the forest and the Soar Valley. You might also find routes that pass by Breedon on the Hill Church and Viewpoint.