The best MTB trails around Breedon Cloud Wood

The area offers a mix of easy and moderate mountain bike trails. You'll find hard-surfaced segments of the national cycle network, like parts of the Cloud Trail, suitable for more relaxed rides, as well as varied landscapes with significant elevation gain for those seeking a moderate challenge. There are 26 easy routes and 16 moderate routes available.

Yes, there are family-friendly options. The Cloud Trail – Swarkestone Lock loop from North West Leicestershire is an easy, hard-surfaced trail that is part of the national cycle network, making it suitable for families. It's about 14.6 miles (23.4 km) long.

Breedon Cloud Wood itself is an ancient semi-natural woodland, rich in diverse flora, especially in spring with bluebells and wood anemones. You might also encounter various wildlife. Nearby Breedon Hill, topped by a parish church, offers amazing views of the East Midlands after a short, steep climb. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its biological and geological importance.

While there are no trails classified as 'difficult' in the immediate Breedon Cloud Wood area, several moderate routes offer a good challenge. For instance, the Robin Wood – Swarkestone Lock loop from Breedon on the Hill is a 26.6-mile (42.8 km) path with significant elevation gain, suitable for riders with good fitness and skills. Another option is the Shepshed Pump Track – Grace Dieu Trail loop from Griffydam, which covers 22.4 miles (36.0 km) with varied terrain.

The mountain bike trails around Breedon Cloud Wood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Users often praise the varied terrain, the beauty of the ancient woodlands, and the well-maintained sections of the national cycle network.

Yes, many of the routes in the area are designed as loops. Examples include the Cloud Trail – Swarkestone Lock loop and the Robin Wood – Swarkestone Lock loop, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

While specific parking areas are not detailed for every trail, the region is generally accessible. For routes like those starting from Breedon on the Hill or North West Leicestershire, you can typically find local parking options in or near the villages, though it's always advisable to check local signage for restrictions.

The villages surrounding Breedon Cloud Wood, such as Breedon on the Hill and Tonge, offer local amenities including pubs and cafes where you can stop for refreshments before or after your ride. It's a good idea to check opening times in advance.

Spring is particularly beautiful due to the rich ground flora, with wood anemones, bluebells, and primroses carpeting the woodland floor. Summer offers pleasant riding conditions with the aroma of marjoram and wild basil. However, as the area features clay soil, trails can become muddy after heavy rain, especially in autumn and winter. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Yes, within the wider National Forest area, you can find additional mountain biking opportunities. Hicks Lodge, for example, offers further trails including a 7km Shell Brook Trail with moderate graded singletrack and technical features. You can explore a route like the Shell Brook Trail – Hicks Lodge Trail Centre loop from North West Leicestershire for a different experience.

Many trails in the area are suitable for dogs, especially those on public rights of way. However, as Breedon Cloud Wood is an ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, ideally on a lead, to protect the delicate flora and fauna, especially during nesting seasons or when livestock might be present in adjacent fields. Always follow local signage and the Countryside Code.