The best road cycling routes around Nottingham

Nottingham offers a diverse range of landscapes for road cycling. You'll find extensive waterways like the River Trent and various canals, historical woodlands such as Sherwood Forest, and numerous country parks. The region also features undulating farmlands and quiet rural lanes, providing a mix of flat, traffic-free sections and more challenging, hilly terrain.

Yes, Nottingham has several easy routes. The region's waterways, including the River Trent and canals, offer mostly well-paved surfaces with minimal traffic, ideal for leisure rides. Country parks like Clumber Park and Colwick Country Park also provide accessible cycling routes with easy gradients. For example, the Limestone Pizza & Grille loop from Lower Oxford Township is an easy 19.8-mile trail.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, Nottingham offers routes that explore varied terrain and countryside. The Lincoln University loop from Lower Oxford Township is a popular moderate 19.9-mile path with varied terrain. Another option is the Hickory Hill Covered Bridge loop from Oxford, a 25.1-mile trail. Routes like the Trent Valley & Newark Castle loop and the Nottingham to Belvoir Castle loop also provide moderate road cycling experiences.

While many routes in Nottingham feature gentle undulations, for more significant climbs and varied terrain, the Peak District National Park is accessible from Nottingham. Within the immediate area, routes like the White Rock Covered Bridge loop from White Rock Forge Covered Bridge offer over 400 meters of elevation gain over 25.8 kilometers, providing a good workout.

Many of Nottingham's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Nottingham Lake loop from Rising Sun, the Trent Valley & Newark Castle loop, and the Nottingham Canal – Trent Lock loop, which are all circular. The

Road cycling routes in Nottingham often pass by significant natural features and historical landmarks. You can cycle along the River Trent, through parts of Sherwood Forest, and explore various country parks like Clumber Park or Holme Pierrepont. Routes may also take you past attractions such as Wollaton Hall, Highfields Lake, University Park, or even to historic sites like Belvoir Castle.

There are over 5 road cycling routes around Nottingham available on komoot, catering to various difficulty levels. These include easy leisure rides and more challenging moderate routes, allowing you to explore the region's diverse landscapes.

Yes, Nottingham is connected to the National Cycle Network (NCN) routes, such as NCN 6, 64, and 15. These routes can facilitate longer journeys, often incorporating traffic-free sections and connecting to broader networks, allowing for extended road cycling adventures beyond the immediate Nottingham area.

The best time for road cycling in Nottingham is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant riding conditions. The natural landscapes, from woodlands to farmlands, are also at their most vibrant.

Many road cycling routes in Nottingham pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Whatton Lane – Velo Verde Cafe loop specifically highlights a cafe stop. Exploring routes that traverse rural areas will often lead you to charming local establishments perfect for a refreshment break.

Sherwood Forest offers various cycling opportunities, including well-managed bridleways suitable for cyclists and sections of Sustrans Route 6. For more detailed information on cycling within this historic woodland, you can visit visitsherwood.co.uk or sherwoodforestvisitor.com.