The best road cycling routes in Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 1,700 routes available on komoot. These range from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging excursions across the diverse landscape.

Nottinghamshire's road cycling routes feature a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find routes with flat sections, particularly along the River Trent, as well as more challenging hills for those seeking a workout. Many routes also incorporate quiet rural unclassified lanes, offering a peaceful cycling experience through ancient woodlands and serene parklands.

Yes, Nottinghamshire is well-suited for cyclists of all abilities. There are over 600 easy routes, and the region offers numerous family-friendly paths and traffic-free options, especially within country parks like Clumber Park and along dedicated cycle routes such as the 'Big Track' in Nottingham. For example, the Bryer's Deli & Cafe – Love & Piste Coffee Shop loop from Beeston is an easy option.

Road cycling in Nottinghamshire allows you to explore a wealth of natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can cycle through iconic areas like Sherwood Forest, home to The Major Oak, or visit expansive parklands such as Clumber Park. Routes also pass by historical sites like Southwell Minster and Newark Castle. Other notable natural features include the tranquil waters of Attenborough Nature Reserve and the unique geological formations at Creswell Crags.

Many of Nottinghamshire's road cycling routes are designed as scenic loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Hexgreave estate & Southwell Minster loop from Southwell, the Rother Valley Country Park & Clumber Park loop from Worksop, and the Trent Valley loop of churches & Newark castle.

The road cycling routes in Nottinghamshire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from nearly 600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from ancient woodlands to serene parklands, and the well-maintained roads that offer a mix of flat sections and challenging climbs.

Yes, several road cycling routes in Nottinghamshire incorporate or pass through beautiful country parks. For instance, the Rother Valley Country Park & Clumber Park loop from Worksop takes you through both Rother Valley Country Park and Clumber Park, offering scenic views and dedicated cycling paths.

Absolutely. The River Trent is a prominent feature in Nottinghamshire's landscape, and several road cycling routes follow its course. The 'Big Track' in Nottingham provides a traffic-free route along the river, and longer tours like the River Trent Embankment – Kingfisher Lodge loop from Carlton offer extensive riverside cycling.

While Nottinghamshire offers many flatter routes, there are also options for cyclists looking for more strenuous climbs. The region's varied terrain includes hills that provide a good workout. For example, the Newstead Abbey loop from Mansfield features over 800 meters of elevation gain, making it a challenging ride.

To find less crowded routes, focus on the quiet rural unclassified lanes that crisscross the Nottinghamshire countryside. These often lead through picturesque villages and offer a more tranquil cycling experience away from main roads. Exploring routes through areas like the Idle Valley Nature Reserve can also provide a peaceful ride.

Yes, some routes are designed with refreshment stops in mind. For example, the Bryer's Deli & Cafe – Love & Piste Coffee Shop loop from Beeston explicitly mentions cafes, indicating convenient places to pause and refuel during your ride.

For those seeking longer rides, Nottinghamshire has several options that extend over significant distances. The Trent Valley loop of churches & Newark castle covers over 100 kilometers, and the Clumber Park & Ling Hurst Lakes loop from Mansfield is nearly 95 kilometers, offering extensive cycling experiences.