The best road cycling routes around Blackbrook Reservoir

The road cycling routes around Blackbrook Reservoir primarily feature paved surfaces, traversing the ancient Charnwood Forest. You can expect a varied terrain with rolling hills and valleys, offering both easily accessible paths and more challenging sections with elevation changes. The landscape includes oak-birch woodlands, heathland, and distinctive craggy geological formations.

Yes, the area offers routes suitable for various ability levels, including easier options perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the St. Andrew's Church, Kegworth – Butt Lane loop from Shepshed is an easy 19.4-mile (31.2 km) trail that leads through historic sites and varied landscapes, typically completed in about 1 hour 23 minutes.

Cyclists can encounter several points of historical and architectural interest. The striking blue brick One Barrow Viaduct crosses the southeastern part of the reservoir. You might also pass the ruins of Grace Dieu Priory on certain routes. A significant nearby attraction is Mount St. Bernard Abbey, a 19th-century monastery known for producing England's first Trappist beer.

There are over 190 road cycling routes available around Blackbrook Reservoir. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a good mix of easy and moderate trails to explore the region's unique landscapes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the picturesque landscapes of Charnwood Forest, and the variety of routes that connect to other reservoirs and historic sites.

Blackbrook Reservoir is situated within the ancient Charnwood Forest, an area known for its rolling hills and unique geological formations. The reservoir itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to a distinctive plant community, including rare flora like Thread Rush, and a population of native White-clawed Crayfish. The surrounding landscape also features oak-birch woodlands and heathland, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Road cycling routes around Blackbrook Reservoir vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter routes like the easy St. Andrew's Church, Kegworth – Butt Lane loop from Shepshed at 19.4 miles (31.2 km) taking about 1 hour 23 minutes, up to longer moderate routes such as the Gallery 119 – Coalville Wheelers Clubhouse loop from Bardon, which is 38.3 miles (61.6 km) and typically takes over 2.5 hours.

Yes, while there are many easy and moderate routes, the Charnwood Forest area does offer more challenging sections with elevation changes. Routes like the View of Bardon Hill – Beacon Hill Forest Path loop from Shepshed, a moderate 48.8-mile (78.6 km) route, feature over 650 meters of elevation gain, providing a good workout for experienced cyclists.

Many of the road cycling routes in the Blackbrook Reservoir area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the View of Bardon Hill – Coalville Wheelers Clubhouse loop from Bardon and the Cloud Trail – Breedon on the Hill Church loop from Shepshed, offering convenient circular journeys through the scenic landscape.

The routes often provide panoramic views of the ancient Charnwood Forest, especially from elevated sections. Keep an eye out for vistas around Bardon Hill, which is featured in routes like the View of Bardon Hill – Coalville Wheelers Clubhouse loop from Bardon, offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Absolutely. The network of road cycling routes around Blackbrook Reservoir is designed to connect to other beautiful reservoirs in the region. Many routes will take you past or near these water bodies, allowing for a varied and scenic cycling experience.