The best traffic-free bike rides in the East Midlands

The East Midlands offers a vast network of routes suitable for gravel biking with minimal traffic. On komoot, you'll find over 400 routes, many of which are designed to keep you away from busy roads. The community rates these routes highly, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars, indicating a great experience for fellow riders.

For truly traffic-free experiences, the East Midlands offers several excellent locations. The Monsal and High Peak Trails in the Peak District are disused railway lines providing smooth, car-free paths through stunning limestone dales. Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire also boasts extensive gravel trails through enchanting woodlands and byways. For a more leisurely ride with beautiful waterside scenery, Rutland Water offers over 25 miles of gravel paths around the lake.

Absolutely! For families and beginners looking for easy, traffic-free gravel routes, areas like Rutland Water are ideal with their well-maintained, flat paths. The Monsal Trail, part of the Monsal and High Peak Trails gravel loop, is also excellent, offering a smooth, car-free surface through scenic tunnels and viaducts. Sherwood Forest provides options for gentler routes suitable for first-time gravel riders, winding through its historic woodlands.

The East Midlands offers a diverse range of terrain, even on its traffic-free routes. You can expect everything from the smooth, packed earth and fine gravel found in Sherwood Forest and around Rutland Water, to more rugged and challenging sections within the Peak District. Routes like the Ladybower Reservoir loop might include a mix of paved sections, bridleways, and occasional rougher terrain, providing a varied experience.

For longer, car-free gravel adventures, consider routes that link up multiple trails or explore extensive forest networks. The Monsal and High Peak Trails combined offer a significant distance through the Peak District. Additionally, the extensive network of trails within Sherwood Forest, such as the Sherwood Pines, Clumber Park & the Rother Valley loop, can provide epic rides largely free from traffic, connecting woodlands and parklands.

Yes, many of the best traffic-free gravel routes in the East Midlands are circular. The paths around Rutland Water form a perfect circular loop. In the Peak District, routes like the Ladybower Reservoir loop and the Mam Tor loop via Hope from Hathersage offer fantastic circular options, combining quiet lanes and bridleways with stunning scenery.

Many traffic-free gravel routes in the East Midlands pass by fascinating historical sites and natural beauty spots. For example, routes in the Peak District often offer views of impressive reservoirs like Ladybower. You might also encounter historical ruins such as Ruins of Bradgate House or grand estates like Newstead Abbey near Sherwood Forest. The Monsal Trail features historic railway tunnels and viaducts, providing unique architectural sights amidst nature.

Beyond the well-known Monsal and High Peak Trails, the Peak District offers quieter corners for gravel biking. Exploring the Goyt Valley or the White Peak area can reveal less-trafficked bridleways and quiet lanes that are perfect for gravel. Routes like the Shatton Moor & Ladybower Reservoir loop from Hathersage offer a more challenging yet rewarding experience away from the busiest spots, combining moorland views with reservoir paths.

Accessing car-free gravel routes via public transport is often possible, especially for trails that follow old railway lines or are near towns with train stations. For instance, the Monsal Trail has access points near Bakewell and Miller's Dale, which can be reached by bus services connecting from larger towns. For routes within the Peak District, some starting points like Bamford or Hathersage are accessible by train, allowing you to begin your ride directly from the station.

The East Midlands offers great gravel biking opportunities year-round, but spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions for quiet rides. During these seasons, the weather is generally milder, and the trails are less crowded than in peak summer. The changing foliage in areas like Sherwood Forest and the Peak District also adds to the scenic beauty. Winter rides can be beautiful, especially on hard-packed trails, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially muddier conditions on less-maintained paths.

Yes, many gravel routes in the East Midlands pass through charming villages and towns where you can find welcoming pubs. While specific traffic-free trails might not have pubs directly on the path, they often connect to nearby villages. For example, routes around the Peak District or through the Lincolnshire Wolds frequently offer opportunities to detour slightly for a refreshing stop at a local pub. Always check the route map for nearby amenities when planning your ride.