The best traffic-free bike rides around The Outwoods

There are over 200 no traffic touring cycling routes around The Outwoods, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find routes ranging from easy, short loops to more challenging, longer tours.

The Charnwood Forest area, including routes around The Outwoods, features varied terrain. You can expect undulating, hilly, and rocky sections characteristic of its ancient Precambrian geology. While some routes are paved, others may include unpaved surfaces, offering a diverse cycling experience.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. For a shorter, gentle ride, consider the Café at the Top of Beacon Hill – Lower Beacon Hill Cafe loop from Woodhouse, which is rated as easy and offers a pleasant experience. The wider Charnwood Forest also has initiatives like the Charnwood Forest Trails aiming to create safe off-road routes.

The routes often connect to significant natural features and landmarks. You can expect to see ancient woodlands, distinctive Pre-Cambrian rocky outcrops, and vibrant displays of bluebells and wood anemones in spring. Many routes also offer views of reservoirs like Swithland Reservoir and connect to areas like Beacon Hill.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 150 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil ambiance of the ancient woodlands, the diverse landscapes, and the network of quiet roads and paths that make for excellent touring cycling.

Yes, many of the touring routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Swithland Reservoir – Swithland Reservoir loop from Quorn & Woodhouse, which offers a scenic circular ride.

The Outwoods itself provides visitor amenities including a car park, making it a convenient starting point for many routes. Other trailheads in the surrounding Charnwood Forest area also offer parking facilities, often near villages or other natural attractions.

The Charnwood Forest area is increasingly integrated with public transport options. Some routes connect to National Cycle Network routes, including parts of Route 5 and Route 6, which can be accessed via public transport. It's advisable to check local bus and train services for their bike carriage policies.

Yes, the region offers several spots for refreshments. The Outwoods itself has a cafe. Additionally, routes often pass through or near villages and attractions where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Café at the Top of Beacon Hill – Lower Beacon Hill Cafe loop from Quorn & Woodhouse specifically highlights a cafe as part of its name.

Spring is particularly beautiful, with vibrant displays of bluebells and wood anemones in the ancient woodlands. Summer offers longer daylight hours and generally good weather. Autumn brings stunning foliage. While cycling is possible year-round, winter conditions may include colder temperatures and potentially muddy sections on unpaved paths.

Absolutely. For a more extensive ride, consider the The Labyrinth – Cropston Reservoir loop from Nanpantan, which covers over 30 km with moderate elevation gain. Another option is the Barrow Bridge – Butt Lane loop from Woodhouse, offering nearly 40 km of moderate touring.