The best cycling routes around Bardon

The touring cycling routes around Bardon feature a diverse landscape of rolling hills, open countryside, and woodland areas. You'll find a network of paths, including former railway lines and canal towpaths, offering varied terrain. Elevations are generally gentle, making most climbs manageable hills rather than challenging mountains.

Yes, Bardon offers a good selection of easy touring cycling routes. There are 77 easy routes available. A great option for beginners is the Coalville Park – Snibston Discovery Trail loop from Ellistown and Battleflat, which is 6.7 miles (10.8 km) long and offers a mix of parkland and discovery trail scenery.

Route durations vary depending on distance and your cycling pace. For example, the easy Coalville Park – Snibston Discovery Trail loop can be completed in under an hour, while a moderate route like the Congerstone Canal Bridge – Far Coton Hamlet loop from Coalville, at 23.7 miles (38.1 km), typically takes around 2 hours 23 minutes.

Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, the Whitwick Station and Path – Garendon Way loop from Ellistown and Battleflat is a moderate 24.9 miles (40.2 km) route with a total elevation gain of 375 meters. Overall, there are 144 moderate routes and 22 difficult routes available for more experienced touring cyclists.

Many of the easier routes are suitable for families. The Thornton Reservoir – Thornton Reservoir loop from Markfield is an easy 7.5 miles (12.1 km) route that offers pleasant scenery and is generally flat, making it a good choice for a family outing.

The region's rolling hills and varied paths are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also great, though some paths might be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions can be wet or muddy, especially on unpaved sections.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Bardon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Grace Dieu Priory Ruins – St Joseph’s Tea Rooms loop from Whitwick, which is 14.7 miles (23.6 km) long, and the Congerstone Canal Bridge – Far Coton Hamlet loop from Coalville.

Bardon's routes often blend natural scenery with historical points of interest. For example, the Grace Dieu Priory Ruins – St Joseph’s Tea Rooms loop from Whitwick takes you past historical sites like the Grace Dieu Priory Ruins, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

The touring cycling routes in Bardon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the mix of natural and historical scenery, and the well-maintained paths, especially the canal towpaths and former railway lines.

Given the mix of open countryside, woodlands, and canal towpaths, there are good opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for local birds, small mammals, and aquatic life, particularly along the more secluded sections of the routes.

While specific public transport links directly to trailheads can vary, many routes start or pass through towns and villages that have bus services. It's advisable to check local bus routes and timetables for the specific starting point of your chosen tour.

Yes, several routes pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, or shops for refreshments. For instance, the Grace Dieu Priory Ruins – St Joseph’s Tea Rooms loop from Whitwick specifically mentions St Joseph’s Tea Rooms as a pleasant stop.