The best road cycling routes around Bardon

Bardon offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 260 tours available. These routes cater to various skill levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The terrain around Bardon is quite varied. You'll find mostly well-paved surfaces, but some longer routes might include unpaved sections. The landscape features rolling countryside, ancient woodlands, and prominent hills like Bardon Hill, Leicestershire's highest point, offering diverse experiences.

Yes, Bardon has a good selection of easier routes. There are over 100 easy road cycling tours available. For example, the Congerstone Canal Bridge – Market Bosworth War Memorial loop is an easy 21.9-mile (35.3 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to complete, leading through the local countryside.

Route durations vary significantly. Shorter, easier rides like the Congerstone Canal Bridge – Market Bosworth War Memorial loop can be completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes. Moderate routes, such as the View of Bardon Hill – Coalville Wheelers Clubhouse loop, typically take around 2 hours 15 minutes, while longer options can extend beyond 2 hours 30 minutes.

While most routes are easy to moderate, there is at least one difficult road cycling route for those seeking a greater challenge. The moderate routes often feature significant elevation gain, such as the View of Bardon Hill – Coalville Wheelers Clubhouse loop, which includes over 450 meters of ascent over 51.4 km.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by notable landmarks. You can enjoy panoramic vistas from Bardon Hill, the highest point in Leicestershire, or explore the ancient Charnwood Forest. Nearby attractions include Beacon Hill Summit with its sweeping views, and Bradgate Park, home to Old John Tower and a deer park. The View of Bardon Hill Quarry also offers a unique visual contrast.

The road cycling routes in Bardon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 125 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the well-paved surfaces, and the scenic views of the Leicestershire countryside and prominent landmarks like Bardon Hill.

Absolutely. Bardon Hill itself offers extensive panoramic views, stretching for many kilometers on a clear day, including distant hills and even Lincoln Cathedral. Beacon Hill Summit is another excellent spot for tremendous views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley. Many routes are designed to showcase these natural beauties.

While road cycling is enjoyable year-round, spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as some longer routes might include unpaved sections that could be affected by rain.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Bardon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Gallery 119 – Coalville Wheelers Clubhouse loop and the Breedon on the Hill Church – Cloud Trail loop, providing convenient circular journeys.

For road cycling in Bardon, it's advisable to bring standard cycling gear including a helmet, appropriate clothing for the weather, water, and snacks. Given the varied terrain, a repair kit and pump are also recommended. For longer rides, consider carrying navigation tools or a fully charged phone with the komoot app for route guidance.