4.6
(134)
1,465
riders
244
rides
Touring cycling routes around Anslow traverse a landscape shaped by the replanted Needwood Forest, offering a mix of forested pathways, open grasslands, and arable fields. The area benefits from converted railway lines, such as the Mickleover Greenway, providing traffic-free paths with gentle gradients. Sections of the Trent & Mersey Canal also offer flat, picturesque towpath cycling. This combination of natural and historical routes creates varied terrain suitable for touring cyclists.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
5.0
(3)
14
riders
40.7km
02:27
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
19.0km
01:11
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
5
riders
15.1km
00:55
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
12.4km
00:44
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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a great cafe for cyclists excellent food and coffee
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Surface is gravel and at times quite rocky so only suitable for gravel or MTB.
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Reasons for Designation Bowl barrows, the most numerous form of round barrow, are funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic period to the Late Bronze Age, with most examples belonging to the period 2400-1500 BC. They were constructed as earthen or rubble mounds, sometimes ditched, which covered single or multiple burials. They occur either in isolation or grouped as cemeteries and often acted as a focus for burials in later periods. Despite limited antiquarian investigation the bowl barrow on Toot Hill survives well. This investigation located pottery dating to Prehistoric and Roman periods and confirmed this monument as a rare example in Staffordshire of a bowl barrow re-used in Roman times. Further evidence of interments and grave goods will exist within the mound and upon the old landsurface. The monument includes a bowl barrow located on a hill top on the north-east side of a plateau 150m north of Forest View. It survives as a flat-topped oval earthen mound up to 2.3m high with maximum dimensions of 27.5m by 23m. Limited antiquarian investigation of the barrow located pottery sherds identified as a collared urn and a Roman storage jar, and a number of flint flakes. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1008710?section=official-list-entry
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As of late 2023, the cafe has changed hands again and is now called "The Quirky Shed". https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quirky-Shed-Hilton/61551862658497/ Was previously the "Little Shed" and before that "Pink Pickle"
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Now (July 2023) taken over by "The Little Shed at Hilton". See https://www.thelittleshedhilton.co.uk/ Check opening hours before visiting - may be closed on Tuesdays?
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This Grade II listed Aqueduct (also called "Aqueduct 23") was built in c.1770 by Mr Brindley to carry the Trent and Mersey canal over the River Dove. It has 12 shallow arches, and there is a dated keystone in the first arch on the Staffordshire side of the river.
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Good quality cafe with a menu different to most. The food has a Turkish bent. Sitting available in a shed and outside in the garden. Very friendly staff and owner. Was previously Suzie's Shed. https://www.thepinkpickle.co.uk/
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There are over 250 touring cycling routes available around Anslow, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 1500 times, highlighting the area's popularity for cycling.
Touring cycling around Anslow offers a unique blend of landscapes, from the replanted areas of the New National Forest with its tranquil wooded paths and open grasslands, to traffic-free converted railway lines like the Mickleover Greenway (National Cycle Network Route 54), and picturesque canal towpaths along the Trent & Mersey Canal. This diversity provides scenic and varied terrain for cyclists.
Yes, Anslow offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. Over 120 routes are classified as easy, often utilizing flat canal towpaths or converted railway lines. A great example is the Marston Lane – Tutbury Castle Ruins loop from Pirelli Stadium, an easy 19.0 km path that offers views of historical sites and gentle rural scenery.
While many routes are easy, Anslow also features moderate options for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are over 100 moderate routes and 17 difficult routes. For a moderate ride, consider the Ford at Rolleston on Dove – Toot Hill Bowl Barrow loop from Stretton, a 40.5 km trail that explores open countryside and includes a ford crossing.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Anslow are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Church Farm Café – Ford at Rolleston on Dove loop from Stretton, a 15.3 km route through open countryside, and the Jinny Nature Trail – Hillfield Lane Bridge loop from Pirelli Stadium.
Cycling routes around Anslow often pass by interesting landmarks and natural features. You might encounter the historic Ferry Bridge, sections of the Trent & Mersey Canal, or the accessible Mickleover Greenway. Further afield, attractions like the National Memorial Arboretum and Tutbury Castle Ruins can be incorporated into longer tours.
Several notable attractions are within cycling distance of Anslow. These include the significant National Memorial Arboretum, the historic Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, and Calke Abbey. For a shorter ride, the Abbots Bromley Village Centre offers a charming stop.
The touring cycling routes in Anslow are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 129 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the tranquility of the replanted Needwood Forest areas, and the accessibility of traffic-free paths like the Mickleover Greenway and canal towpaths.
Yes, several routes incorporate historical sites. The Marston Lane – Tutbury Castle Ruins loop from Pirelli Stadium is an excellent choice, offering views of the historic Tutbury Castle Ruins. Another option is the Marston Lane – Tutbury Heritage Walk loop from Tutbury, which also explores the area's heritage.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Anslow, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. The replanted Needwood Forest areas are particularly beautiful during these seasons. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions on some paths.
Yes, some routes pass by or near cafes and villages where you can find refreshments. For instance, the Church Farm Café – Ford at Rolleston on Dove loop from Stretton explicitly mentions a cafe in its name, indicating a convenient stop. Exploring local villages like Abbots Bromley Village Centre can also provide opportunities for breaks.
While Anslow itself is a village, nearby larger towns like Burton upon Trent offer better public transport links. From there, you may be able to cycle to the starting points of various routes or use local bus services that accommodate bicycles, though this varies. Planning your route in advance to include public transport hubs is recommended.
Parking is generally available in and around the starting points of many routes, particularly in nearby towns or villages. For routes starting from specific locations like Pirelli Stadium, dedicated parking facilities may be available. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees before leaving your vehicle.


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