The best cycling routes around Ashby-De-La-Zouch

There are over 50 touring cycling routes available around Ashby-de-la-Zouch, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The terrain around Ashby-de-la-Zouch is diverse, featuring routes through the National Forest with woodlands and open spaces. The Ashby Canal provides accessible, generally flat towpaths, ideal for leisurely rides. You'll also find areas like Calke Abbey with dedicated cycling paths and some routes with moderate climbs, offering a varied experience.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families and beginners. For example, the Willesley Wood – Hicks Lodge Trail loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch is an easy 11.8-mile path winding through woodlands. The Ashby Canal towpaths are also generally flat and excellent for leisurely rides.

The area is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore sites like Ashby de la Zouch Castle, a ruined 15th-century castle. Natural features include the expansive National Forest, the Ashby Canal, and the Deer Park at Calke Abbey with its ancient oak trees. Moira Furnace and Canal is another historical site with accessible paths.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Willesley Wood – Hicks Lodge Trail loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch and the Shell Brook Trail – Willesley Wood loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch. These provide convenient options for exploring the local landscape.

Parking is generally available in and around Ashby-de-la-Zouch, often near trailheads or town centers. Specific parking details can vary by route, so it's advisable to check the individual route descriptions on komoot for the most accurate information before you set out.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery as the National Forest changes colors. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder weather and potentially wet or muddy paths, especially on unpaved sections.

Yes, the area offers various spots for breaks. Along the Ashby Canal, you might find visitor centers. Towns and villages along routes often have pubs and cafes. Conkers, an award-winning visitor attraction within the National Forest, also provides facilities and activities.

The touring cycling routes around Ashby-de-la-Zouch are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic beauty of the National Forest, and the accessibility of the canal paths.

Yes, Ashby-de-la-Zouch is nestled in the heart of the National Forest, offering numerous trails and reforested areas perfect for scenic cycling. Many routes, such as the Jaguar Lount Woods – Staunton Harold Straight Road loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, take you directly through these woodlands.

Absolutely. The Ashby Canal is a significant feature of the area, providing accessible and generally flat towpaths that are excellent for touring cyclists. You can enjoy leisurely rides alongside the canal, often finding visitor centers and museums along the way, such as at Moira Furnace and Canal.

The routes around Ashby-de-la-Zouch cater to various abilities. There are 16 easy routes, 31 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes. This means you can find everything from gentle canal-side rides to more challenging routes with moderate climbs, such as the Ivanhoe Way to Thornton Reservoir from Ashby-de-la-Zouch.