4.4
(15)
84
riders
37
rides
Mountain biking around Thurnby And Bushby offers opportunities for off-road cycling routes across a varied landscape. The area is characterized by rolling countryside and undulating terrain, featuring gentle hills and valleys. An extensive network of public bridleways and countryside paths allows for cross-country style riding on mixed surfaces. Historic ridge-and-furrow earthworks are also present in the landscape.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
2
riders
56.0km
03:23
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
riders
46.7km
02:58
550m
550m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
29.3km
01:39
220m
220m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(2)
3
riders
25.4km
01:35
100m
100m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
39.4km
02:05
170m
160m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Cycling is only permitted on the one route through the park, which gets busy with walkers, take it slow in the park. Cafe and toilets in the middle.
2
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Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park (for hunting) in the 12th Century. Herds of Red and Fallow Deer still roam freely across the Park's 800 acres today.The Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its importance as a wildlife habitat and its geological interest - the 600 million year old Precambrian rocks here are some of the oldest in England. Bradgate House, built around the year 1500, was one of the first unfortified, brick-built country houses in the country and was the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey and played an important role in the English Civil War. Abandoned in the 18th Century, the house is now an evocative ruin set in a landscape that has changed little since the house's heyday.
4
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This is the Great Pit in Swithland Wood, a site shaped by centuries of slate quarrying, with origins tracing back to Roman times. The quarry was first officially recorded in the 1300s, with activity continuing until the 19th century. Due to the presence of deep water and sheer vertical walls, the quarry is extremely hazardous and completely closed to public access.
2
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John Merrick's Lake is one of numerous lakes within the Reedbed Nature Reserve. The reserve is a great place for birdwatching, with wildlife all around you.
1
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Was pretty mucky and slippy on a gravel bike in June, although it's been a wet year
0
0
Mountain biking in Thurnby and Bushby offers a cross-country style experience on varied terrain. You'll find rolling countryside, gentle hills, and valleys, with routes often utilizing an extensive network of public bridleways and countryside paths. Expect mixed surfaces, including unpaved sections, and the chance to see historic ridge-and-furrow earthworks.
There are over 35 mountain bike trails around Thurnby and Bushby listed on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a good mix of easy and moderate options.
The mountain bike trails around Thurnby and Bushby are primarily easy and moderate. There are 12 easy trails, perfect for beginners or a relaxed ride, and 25 moderate trails for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are no difficult trails listed in this immediate area.
Yes, there are several easy trails suitable for families or beginners. For example, the Wistow Church – Barley Lane Public Footpath loop from Wigston is an easy 18.2-mile route that leads through rural landscapes. The View of the Waterway – Path Beside the Pond loop from Stoneygate is another easy option, covering 13.8 miles.
The mountain bike routes around Thurnby and Bushby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 10 reviews. Over 80 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic countryside and accessible bridleway network.
Yes, the area offers several points of interest. You might encounter historic features like ridge-and-furrow earthworks. Some routes pass by natural attractions such as John Merrick's Lake or the Path Beside the Pond. Other notable spots include the Stone Bridge in Abbey Park and the historic Friars Mill.
Many of the trails around Thurnby and Bushby are designed as loops, offering circular routes. Examples include the Bradgate Park Visitor Centre – John Merrick's Lake loop from Leicester and the Bradgate Park – The Labyrinth loop from Leicester, both offering diverse scenery.
While Thurnby and Bushby offer excellent cross-country riding on bridleways, for dedicated mountain biking trails with technical features like jumps and berms, you'll need to venture to specialized facilities in the wider Leicestershire area. Options include Snibston Colliery Park, Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre, Beacon Hill Country Park, and Charnwood Forest Downhill Mountain Bike Park.
While Thurnby and Bushby itself has local public transport, reaching specific trailheads or dedicated mountain bike centers like Hicks Lodge or Beacon Hill by public transport with a bike might require planning and potentially multiple connections. It's advisable to check local bus routes and train services for specific destinations and their bike carriage policies.
Thurnby and Bushby, being villages, have local amenities. For specific cafes, pubs, or accommodation that are bike-friendly or located directly on a trail, it's best to check local listings or use komoot's 'Highlights' feature to find points of interest along your chosen route.
The rolling countryside and bridleway network around Thurnby and Bushby are generally enjoyable for mountain biking throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. During wetter periods, some unpaved sections might become muddy, so appropriate gear is recommended. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter rides can be crisp and quiet, though trails may be more challenging.
Many public bridleways and footpaths in the UK, including those around Thurnby and Bushby, are generally dog-friendly. However, dogs should always be kept under control, especially when passing livestock or in nature reserve areas. Specific rules may apply in certain parks or private land, so always look for local signage. It's good practice to keep dogs on a lead on shared paths.


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