The best cycling routes around Edwinstowe

There are over 10 touring cycling routes around Edwinstowe, offering a variety of experiences. The komoot community has explored 14 routes in total, ranging from easy to difficult.

The terrain around Edwinstowe is generally varied, featuring ancient woodlands, dedicated cycle paths, and quiet country roads. While many paths are well-maintained and relatively flat, you can also encounter occasional hills that offer rewarding descents. Routes like the Budby Waterworks Reservoir – Hazel Gap Sculpture loop from Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve include moderate elevation changes.

Yes, the region is well-suited for families. Sherwood Pines Forest Park, for instance, offers a wide range of traffic-free cycling routes suitable for all abilities. The region research also mentions a 3-mile Family Cycle Trail within Sherwood Forest, combining quiet forest roads with off-road trails. Clumber Park also provides over 20 miles of traffic-free cycle ways, generally flat and ideal for families.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Edwinstowe are designed as loops. For example, the popular Clumber Lake – Budby South Forest Trail loop from Edwinstowe takes you through Clumber Park and forest trails. Another option is the Tornado Valley – Bilsthorpe Railway Path loop from Edwinstowe CP, which offers a moderate challenge.

While cycling around Edwinstowe, you'll be immersed in the legendary Sherwood Forest, home to ancient woodlands and the iconic Major Oak. You can also explore Sherwood Pines Forest Park and Clumber Park, which features parkland, heath, woods, and a lake. For specific points of interest, consider visiting Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake or the Meden Trail and Magnesian Limestone Caves.

Many routes start from designated car parks. For instance, the Bilsthorpe Railway Path – Hazel Gap Sculpture loop and the Pines Mountain Bike Trails – Archway House loop both begin from Edwinstowe CP (Car Park). Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Sherwood Pines, and Clumber Park also offer parking facilities.

Edwinstowe offers enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, especially for family rides on traffic-free paths. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially in areas like Clumber Park, and check local conditions.

Yes, if you don't bring your own bike, both Sherwood Pines Forest Park and Clumber Park offer convenient cycle hire facilities. This makes it easy for visitors to explore the extensive network of trails.

Sherwood Pines Forest Park is known for its dedicated, traffic-free cycling routes, ranging from family-friendly trails to more challenging mountain bike courses. The terrain is mostly flat with well-maintained pathways. Routes directly around Edwinstowe, while also featuring forest trails, often incorporate quiet country roads and multi-user links, providing a broader mix of surfaces and experiences, such as the Pines Mountain Bike Trails – Archway House loop which connects to Sherwood Pines.

The touring cycling routes around Edwinstowe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 5 reviews. Over 150 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the ancient woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the mix of dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads.

Yes, for more experienced riders seeking longer distances, there are several options. The Budby Waterworks Reservoir – Hazel Gap Sculpture loop from Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve is a moderate 25.7-mile (41.4 km) route. Another option is the Bilsthorpe Railway Path – Hazel Gap Sculpture loop from Edwinstowe CP, which covers 28.2 miles (45.4 km) and follows a railway path.

As you cycle, you can visit attractions like the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and St. Mary's Church in Edwinstowe, where local tradition suggests Robin Hood and Maid Marian were married. The Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre is also a notable stop. Further afield, but accessible by bike, are Rufford Abbey Country Park and Thoresby Park, offering additional historical and cultural interest.