The best MTB trails around City of Leicester

There are nearly 80 mountain bike trails around the City of Leicester, offering a diverse range of experiences. You'll find a good mix of routes, with 37 easy trails perfect for a relaxed ride and 42 moderate trails for those seeking more of a challenge.

Yes, the City of Leicester offers several easy mountain bike trails. For a gentle ride through urban green spaces and along river paths, consider the View of the Waterway – Path Beside the Pond loop from De Montfort University, which is about 17.5 km. Another accessible option is the Great Central Way – Path Beside the Pond loop from Oadby and Wigston, covering around 20.1 km.

For family-friendly mountain biking, consider areas like Watermead Country Park, which offers a network of paths suitable for cycling. Snibston Colliery Park also features a 4km blue-grade mountain bike trail with jumps and bumps, plus skills areas and a pump track, making it great for families with varying skill levels. The easy routes along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal are also excellent for leisurely family rides.

The region is known for its scenic routes. Bradgate Park offers picturesque trails amidst rugged beauty, ancient oak trees, and rocky outcrops. The Bradgate Park Visitor Centre – John Merrick's Lake loop from Leicester is a moderate 55.9 km trail exploring these varied landscapes. For a different scenic experience, the trails around Watermead Country Park provide views of lakes and woodlands.

Yes, Leicester and its vicinity have dedicated facilities. Snibston Colliery Park features a 4km mountain bike trail with jumps and bumps, as well as skills areas and a pump track. Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre, located within the National Forest, also provides a purpose-built network of trails catering to all skill levels. While not in Leicester itself, the wider Charnwood Forest area includes the Charnwood Forest Downhill Mountain Bike Park for thrill-seekers.

The terrain around Leicester is quite diverse. You'll encounter rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and river valleys. Trails can range from smooth riverside paths to more technical forest trails with varied elevation changes. Areas like Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill Country Park offer challenging ascents and descents, while routes along the River Soar provide flatter, easier rides.

The mountain bike trails in City of Leicester are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. Many riders praise the varied terrain and the beautiful natural landscapes, particularly the opportunities to explore ancient woodlands and scenic river paths.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in the City of Leicester are designed as loops. For example, the Bradgate Park – The Labyrinth loop from Leicester is a moderate 46.7 km circular path. Another option is the Stone Bridge in Abbey Park – Thornton Reservoir loop from Wanlip, which is a moderate 46.3 km ride.

Yes, several trails pass by interesting landmarks. You might encounter the historic Stone Bridge in Abbey Park, or the industrial heritage of Friars Mill. Aylestone Meadows also features a unique Wildlife Mural. For a different kind of attraction, the National Space Centre is also nearby.

Mountain biking in Leicester is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is great for longer days, though some trails might be busier. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, especially those on firmer ground or purpose-built tracks like those at Snibston Colliery Park, though conditions can be muddy in natural areas after rain.

While specific routes with designated pub stops aren't listed, many trails pass through or near charming villages and towns in the Leicestershire countryside. Exploring routes that venture into areas like Market Bosworth or Melton Mowbray, or even those closer to the city center, will likely provide opportunities to find local pubs for a refreshing stop and a meal.

Leicester has a good public transport network, and some trails are accessible from urban areas. Routes like the View of the Waterway – Path Beside the Pond loop from De Montfort University start close to the city center, making them reachable by public transport. For trails further afield, you might need to combine public transport with a shorter ride to the trailhead.