The best traffic-free bike rides in North West Leicestershire

North West Leicestershire offers over 170 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. These routes range from easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging trails, ensuring options for all skill levels.

The routes in North West Leicestershire primarily traverse the regenerated landscapes of the National Forest, featuring rolling English countryside, ancient woodlands, and former railway lines converted into scenic paths. You'll find a mix of well-maintained gravel paths, compacted earth, and some paved sections, often around tranquil lakes and waterways like the Ashby Canal.

Yes, North West Leicestershire is excellent for family cycling. The Hicks Lodge Trail – Willesley Wood loop from Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe is an easy, traffic-free option, perfect for families. Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycling Centre itself offers graded, traffic-free trails and bike hire, making it an ideal starting point for all ages.

You can explore a variety of interesting sights. Consider routes that pass by the historic Moira Furnace and Canal, the impressive Ashby de la Zouch Castle, or the serene Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park. The region also features beautiful woodlands like the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland.

Yes, many of the traffic-free routes in North West Leicestershire are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Willesley Wood – Hicks Lodge Trail loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, which offers an easy, scenic ride.

Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for touring cycling in North West Leicestershire, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter can be enjoyed on well-maintained paths, though some trails might be muddier after rain. The regenerated National Forest landscape is enjoyable year-round.

Many popular starting points for traffic-free routes, such as Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycling Centre and areas around Ashby-de-la-Zouch, offer dedicated parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for parking information relevant to your chosen starting point.

While some routes may be accessible via local bus services to towns like Ashby-de-la-Zouch or Coalville, direct public transport links to trailheads can be limited. Planning your journey in advance and checking local transport schedules is recommended. The region integrates with the National Cycle Network, which can sometimes connect to public transport hubs.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in North West Leicestershire, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful forest scenery, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable rides for all abilities.

For those seeking a longer, more challenging ride, the Ivanhoe Way to Thornton Reservoir from Ashby-de-la-Zouch offers a difficult, nearly 61.5 km route with significant elevation gain, providing a rewarding experience away from traffic.

Yes, the region features several waterways that offer scenic, traffic-free cycling. The Cloud Trail – Trent & Mersey Canal Towpath loop from North West Leicestershire is a great example, allowing you to cycle alongside the canal, enjoying the tranquil environment and industrial heritage.