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The National Forest offers a variety of biking opportunities for all types of cyclists, from mountain bike adventurers to family groups, road bikers, and e-bike enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, well-maintained trails, and stunning natural scenery, the National Forest is a biking haven. This guide provides an overview of the best routes tailored to different biking preferences.
11 Jun 2024
Best Routes for Mountain Bike Adventurers
Hicks Lodge - The Heart of the Forest
Hicks Lodge is a dedicated cycling centre located in the heart of the National Forest, offering a range of trails suitable for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Wood Farm trail - circular, child friendly off road cycle trail: A great introduction to off-road cycling, this beginner’s mountain bike route leads you through the forest on specially built winding tracks. Suitable for all the family, this is a track that you will keep coming back to.
Shell Brook trail: Circular Forest cycle trail. Having mastered the shorter trails, this five-mile off-road route takes you around the whole site through a mixture of trees and woods.
Snibston Colliery Park
Embark on an adventure at Snibston Colliery Park, where the blend of challenging trails and skill-building areas creates the perfect mountain biking experience for riders of all levels.
For those looking to build confidence before hitting the main trail, Snibston offers a skills area designed to help you master the basics. Practice on jumps, navigate uneven terrain, and traverse boardwalks to improve your technique and boost your confidence. Then when you are ready, you can tackle the blue grade route below -
Mountain Bike Trail: Experience the thrill of mountain biking on a two-and-a-half mile trail that winds through the historic spoil heap of Snibston Colliery. This dynamic route challenges riders with physically and technically demanding tracks, featuring exhilarating jumps and rugged woodland terrain. The trail provides an unforgettable ride with the colliery's mining heritage serving as a scenic backdrop.
Pump Track: Next to the play area, discover the pump track, perfect for younger riders. Designed for balance bikes, scooters, and pedal bikes, this track features a circuit of rollers and banked turns. It's an excellent place for kids to develop their skills, gain momentum, and enjoy the thrill of riding in a safe environment.
Best Routes for Family Groups
Conkers Heritage Trail
The Conkers Heritage Trail offers a family-friendly biking experience through the scenic parts of the National Forest.
This seven-mile circular trail is mostly flat (but not totally – be ready for a couple of sneaky inclines!) and traffic-free, making it ideal for families with older children. It passes through woodlands, meadows, and along canal paths, with plenty of picnic spots along the way.
Thornton Reservoir
Thornton lies in a quiet and picturesque valley, which first opened to the public in 1997. A surfaced track is ideal for cycling around the reservoir, stretching to woodland on the north shore.
There are more paths through the woodland, ideal for cyclists, with a sculpture trail designed to offer interests.
Thornton Reservoir, based near the Leicestershire village of Thornton, can be accessed off Reservoir Road.
Best routes for Road Bikes
National Forest Trail Cycle Route
A figure of eight, 25-mile route (mainly on minor roads) around part of the National Forest from the visitor centre at Conkers taking in Moira, Donisthorpe, Acresford, Netherseal, Coton in the Elms, Rosliston, Caldwell, Catton, Croxall, Edingale, Lullington, Overseal and Spring Cottage. Find the route here.
If you fancy something a bit longer, then take a look at this Tour of the National Forest, which comes in at just over 62-miles. You’ll find scenic lanes that take in some the Forest’s prettiest villages as well as giving you the opportunity for a relaxing break at Calke Abbey. Find the route here.
Best routes for E-Bikes
Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail
The Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail is perfect for e-bike enthusiasts looking for a mix of history and nature. This four-mile trail follows a former railway line and passes through scenic woodland and wetland areas. The flat, well-maintained path is suitable for e-bikes, offering a smooth and easy ride with plenty of historical points of interest along the way.
The route runs from Measham to Moira passing through countryside which is rich in social and industrial history. You will pass through old Donisthorpe Colliery site, now a Woodland Park, and there are links to the old mining village of Oakthorpe and Moira Furnace, thought to be the best-preserved 19th-century blast furnace in Europe.
At Waterside, the northern basin of the Ashby Canal, which was closed by subsidence in the 1940s, has been rebuilt. Eventually, this ambitious project aims to reconnect with the national canal network at Snarestone, south of Measham. You can already ride the towpath, snaking back to rejoin the Heritage Trail via Moira Furnace.
Biking Tips and Safety
Prepare Your Bike: Ensure your bike is in good working order before setting out. Check the brakes, tires, and gears.
Wear Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet, and consider additional protective gear, such as gloves and knee pads, especially for mountain biking.
Carry Essentials: Bring water, snacks, a map, and a basic repair kit. For longer routes, carry a fully charged mobile phone.
Follow Trail Etiquette: Stick to designated trails, respect other trail users, and follow any posted signs or guidelines.
Know Your Limits: Choose routes that match your skill level and fitness. Don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain.
Biking in the National Forest is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful region of the UK. Whether you’re seeking an enjoyable mountain bike adventure, a family-friendly outing, a scenic road bike ride, or a leisurely e-bike tour, the Forest has something to offer every cyclist. So, grab your bike and set out to discover the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the National Forest.
