The best traffic-free bike rides around Pickworth Great Wood

There are over 60 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes in the Pickworth Great Wood area. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 32 easy and 29 moderate options, ensuring a suitable ride for almost everyone.

The routes primarily feature quiet, mostly paved lanes. You'll experience undulating hilltop terrain, offering gentle challenges and scenic variety. Expect views across open pasture fields, arable land, and hedgerows, with the occasional glimpse of landmarks like the Woolfox golf club and the former RAF Woolfox airbase.

Yes, many of the routes are suitable for families due to their low traffic nature and easy difficulty. For a pleasant, shorter ride, consider the Bythams Community Shop & Cafe – Castle Bytham Road loop from Clipsham, which is just over 13 km and rated easy.

As you cycle, you might encounter historic sites such as Pickworth Church, which has connections to the poet John Clare, and the earthwork remains of a medieval village. A restored limekiln near Pickworth is also an interesting sight. While not directly on every route, the Clipsham Old Quarry is a significant geological site in the wider area.

For a well-regarded refreshment stop, "The Olive Branch" pub is a notable attraction in the area. You can incorporate it into a longer ride with the The Olive Branch – The Bull Climb loop from Clipsham, which is an easy 42 km route.

The no traffic road cycling routes in Pickworth Great Wood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.56 stars from over 120 ratings. Cyclists often praise the tranquility of the quiet lanes, the scenic views across the countryside, and the opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty away from busy roads.

Yes, for those looking for a longer ride, the Castle Bytham Road – Quiet Country Lane loop from Little Bytham Road offers an easy 44.7 km journey through the quiet lanes. Another excellent option is the Twin Lakes and Humpback Bridge – Empingham Village loop from Little Bytham Road, covering 43.3 km.

The routes wind through diverse natural landscapes. You'll pass through sections of Pickworth Great Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its deciduous woodland and rich ground flora including primroses and ramsons. Beyond the woodland, expect open pasture fields, old drove roads like "The Drift," and hedgerows filled with wildflowers, often accompanied by the sound of skylarks.

Absolutely. Most of the routes in this guide are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Bythams Community Shop & Cafe – Twin Lakes and Humpback Bridge loop from Clipsham is an easy 20 km circular route.

The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for enjoying the wildflowers and wildlife, such as woodland breeding birds and skylarks. The quiet lanes are generally well-maintained, making them accessible in most seasons, though always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, some routes incorporate local water features. The Bythams Community Shop & Cafe – Twin Lakes and Humpback Bridge loop from Clipsham is a great option that takes you past the Twin Lakes, offering scenic views during your ride.