The best road cycling routes around Ab Kettleby

There are over 240 road cycling routes available around Ab Kettleby, catering to various fitness levels. This includes 83 easy routes, 161 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options.

The terrain around Ab Kettleby is characterized by an undulating landscape, featuring elevated plateaux, narrow valleys, and a distinct scarp slope. This provides a mix of gentle gradients and more challenging inclines, with most routes offering mostly well-paved surfaces.

Yes, there are many easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Hickling Basin – Nether Broughton Motte loop is a 40.2 km ride classified as easy, offering scenic views across the Wreake valley. Another easy option is The Bottesford Coffee Shop – The Tea Junction loop, which covers 38.8 km.

While most routes are easy to moderate, the undulating landscape does offer some climbs. For instance, the Steep Hill on Wood Hill – The Old Wharf loop, though generally easy, includes an initial 11% gradient on Wood Hill leading into Old Dalby. There are also 4 difficult routes available for those seeking a greater challenge.

You can explore several interesting points while cycling. Consider stopping at Hickling Basin along the Grantham Canal, or visit Racehub Lake, which is a hub for cyclists. The charming Ashby Folville Village, with its 1,000-year-old Grade I-listed church, also makes for a delightful stop. The village of Ab Kettleby itself features the 13th-century St James Church and traditional pubs like The Sugar Loaf Inn.

Yes, the area is well-equipped with places to refuel. Racehub Lake hosts a fantastic bike shop and cafe, offering coffee, shakes, and cakes. Hickling Basin also has a tea room and a pub. Additionally, many routes pass through villages with traditional pubs, such as The Sugar Loaf Inn in Ab Kettleby or the countryside pub in Ashby Folville Village.

For experienced cyclists looking for a moderate challenge, the Belvoir Castle loop from Long Clawson is an excellent choice. This 42.4 km route requires good fitness and offers an engaging ride through the landscape. Another moderate option is the Whatton Lane – The Tea Junction loop, which is 54.5 km long.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Ab Kettleby are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Hickling Basin – Nether Broughton Motte loop and The Bottesford Coffee Shop – The Tea Junction loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which offers both gentle and challenging sections, and the mostly well-paved surfaces. The scenic views across the Wreake valley and the charming villages with amenities like cafes and pubs are also frequently highlighted.

The Leicestershire Wolds, including Ab Kettleby, are enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and lush landscapes. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While routes generally have well-paved surfaces, it's always advisable to check local weather conditions, especially during winter, as conditions can vary.

Many of the easy-grade routes are suitable for families, especially those with some cycling experience. The relatively low elevation gain on routes like The Bottesford Coffee Shop – The Tea Junction loop makes them accessible. Always consider the distance and specific terrain to ensure it matches your family's ability.