Leicester Forest West, a region in Leicestershire, serves as a central point for outdoor activities due to its location within and adjacent to the expansive National Forest and the wider Leicestershire countryside. The area features a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, ancient woodlands, newly planted forests, and wildflower meadows. This varied terrain provides suitable conditions for several sports like road cycling, touring cycling, hiking, mountain biking, and more.
Leicester Forest West offers a range of outdoor activities and routes for various interests. The region features 3 routes, with more than 24,000 visitors having shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 stars. Road cyclists can explore quiet roads and traffic-free paths through picturesque villages, while touring cyclists will find varied landscapes encompassing ancient forests and reservoirs. Hikers can enjoy an extensive network of trails across rolling countryside and woodlands, including areas bordering the rocky Charnwood Forest. For those seeking mountain biking, converted colliery parks like Hicks Lodge provide varied terrain and exciting tracks. To discover more, explore specific guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Leicester Forest West, Hiking around Leicester Forest West, and MTB Trails around Leicester Forest West.
78
Routes
4.2
(44)
Average rating
714
People visited

33
riders
31.2km
01:25
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

27
riders
37.1km
01:50
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.0
(1)
21
riders
24.3km
01:06
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

22
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.0
(1)
36
runners
7.89km
00:50
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

31
runners
8.77km
00:54
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

7
runners
5.32km
00:33
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5
runners
6.49km
00:40
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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2.0
(2)
22
hikers
6.33km
01:41
70m
70m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

5.0
(1)
20
hikers
4.36km
01:08
30m
30m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

5.0
(2)
10
hikers
7.53km
01:58
60m
60m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

5.0
(2)
10
hikers
21.6km
05:45
220m
220m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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5.0
(2)
10
riders
21.4km
01:18
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.

5.0
(1)
10
riders
43.8km
02:35
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5
riders
25.7km
01:38
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.0
(2)
8
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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5.0
(5)
19
riders
19.0km
01:05
50m
50m
Easy mountain bike ride.

4
riders
25.6km
01:36
200m
200m
Easy mountain bike ride.

3
riders
31.5km
02:04
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.

2
riders
42.1km
02:21
200m
200m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
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Leicester Forest West offers a range of outdoor activities including Road cycling, Touring cycling, Hiking, Mountain biking, and Jogging. The region provides diverse terrain from rolling hills to ancient woodlands, suitable for various skill levels.
Leicester Forest West features 3 routes on komoot, with more than 24,000 visitors having shared their experiences. These routes have an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 stars.
Road cyclists can find quiet roads and traffic-free paths in Leicester Forest West, winding through picturesque villages and open countryside. Routes around Market Bosworth and the 'Richard III Ride' are notable options. More details are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Leicester Forest West guide.
Touring cyclists can explore varied landscapes including countryside, ancient forests, and reservoirs. Popular routes include the 'Whitestone to Stoney Cove loop from Kirby Muxloe' and the 'Cropston Reservoir – Bradgate Park loop'. The Cycling around Leicester Forest West guide provides further information.
The region offers an extensive network of hiking trails across rolling countryside, ancient woodlands, and former industrial sites. Notable hikes include the 'Croft Hill Trig Point – View from Croft Hill loop' and the 'Thornton Reservoir loop'. The Hiking around Leicester Forest West guide details various options.
Mountain biking opportunities are available with rolling hills, dense forests, and converted colliery parks. Hicks Lodge, a former coal mining site, has been transformed into a cycling center with trails for various skill levels. Snibston Colliery Park also offers mountain biking tracks. Consult the MTB Trails around Leicester Forest West guide for more.
Many trails are well-maintained and accessible, ranging from gentle paths suitable for families to more challenging routes. For hiking, the Easy hikes around Leicester Forest West guide offers specific options.
The region is part of the National Forest and borders Charnwood Forest, known for its unique rocky terrain. Bradgate Park features the historic Old John Tower, and Croft Hill provides panoramic views. Thornton and Cropston Reservoirs offer tranquil waterside environments.
Many public footpaths and bridleways in the Leicester Forest West area are dog-friendly. However, specific rules may apply in designated parks or nature reserves, especially concerning livestock or wildlife. It is advisable to check local signage.
Komoot offers several guides for the region, including Road Cycling Routes around Leicester Forest West, Cycling around Leicester Forest West, Hiking around Leicester Forest West, Easy hikes around Leicester Forest West, MTB Trails around Leicester Forest West, and Running Trails around Leicester Forest West.
Public transport options to access trails in Leicester Forest West and the surrounding National Forest area vary. Local bus services connect some villages and towns, which may offer access points to trails. Planning routes in advance with public transport schedules is recommended.
No specific permits are generally required for cycling on public roads in Leicester Forest West or the wider Leicestershire area. Cyclists must adhere to the Highway Code and local traffic regulations.
Accommodation options for cyclists, including hotels and B&Bs, are available in nearby towns and villages surrounding Leicester Forest West. These locations provide convenient access to the region's cycling routes.

