The best cycling routes around Shackerstone

There are over 250 touring cycling routes around Shackerstone, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find 92 easy routes, 152 moderate routes, and 15 more difficult routes to explore.

The terrain around Shackerstone is quite varied. You'll find largely flat and traffic-free towpaths along the Ashby Canal, which are ideal for gentle rides. Beyond the canal, routes venture onto quiet country lanes and through rural landscapes, including areas around the River Sence and Sence Valley Forest Park. Some routes may include gentle ascents, offering expansive views, such as those towards Thornton Reservoir.

Yes, Shackerstone is an excellent area for beginners and families. The Ashby Canal towpaths provide largely flat and traffic-free cycling, making them very accessible. Many of the 92 easy routes available are perfect for a relaxed ride, allowing you to enjoy the wildlife and tranquil scenery without significant challenges.

Absolutely. While many routes are gentle, there are 15 difficult touring cycling routes for those seeking a greater challenge. An example is the Thornton Reservoir – Bradgate Park loop from Shackerstone, which is 45.8 miles (73.6 km) long and features more significant elevation changes, offering extensive views across the Leicestershire countryside.

Cycling around Shackerstone allows you to discover several natural highlights. The Ashby Canal itself is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), rich in aquatic flora and wildlife. You can also cycle near the River Sence and explore Sence Valley Forest Park, a reclaimed opencast site transformed into woodlands with a lake. For panoramic views, some routes offer glimpses of distant landmarks like Thornton Reservoir and even Bardon Hill.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can cycle to the Battlefield Line Railway at Shackerstone Station, which offers steam and diesel train journeys. Nearby, the historic Battle of Bosworth Field features a Heritage Centre. Another accessible site is Moira Furnace and Canal, with its visitor center and museum. The village of Shackerstone itself has historic buildings like the 13th-century St. Peter's Church and Shackerstone Castle.

Yes, several routes will take you near beautiful bodies of water. The Thornton Reservoir – Bradgate Park loop from Shackerstone passes by Thornton Reservoir. You can also find Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, which is a lovely spot for a break.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Shackerstone are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Congerstone Canal Bridge – Far Coton Hamlet loop from Nailstone is a moderate 25.1-mile (40.4 km) circular path that follows sections of the Ashby Canal.

Yes, Shackerstone Station, the northern terminus of the Battlefield Line Railway, provides dedicated bike parking facilities, making it a convenient starting point for your cycling adventures.

Yes, the Battlefield Line Railway, which operates from Shackerstone Station, allows bicycles to be carried on board for a small fee. This offers excellent flexibility, enabling you to cover greater distances or return to your starting point without having to cycle back the entire way.

Shackerstone village itself has traditional pubs and restaurants. Additionally, the Battlefield Line Railway at Shackerstone Station houses a Victorian tea room. Many routes pass through or near other villages and towns, offering opportunities to stop for cafes or pubs along the way.

The touring cycling routes in Shackerstone are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 140 reviews. More than 2,700 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the tranquil canal paths, quiet country lanes, and the beautiful rural scenery.

A great moderate option is the Far Coton Hamlet – Shenton Village loop from Nailstone. This 20.5-mile (32.9 km) trail leads through rural villages and open fields, offering a pleasant ride that can typically be completed in about two hours.