4.7
(24)
159
riders
16
rides
Mountain biking around Shobnall, Staffordshire, primarily offers routes suitable for general cycling, often featuring mostly paved surfaces alongside natural areas. The landscape includes Shobnall Fields and paths parallel to the Trent and Mersey Canal, providing easygoing, traffic-free cycling opportunities. While dedicated technical mountain biking features are not prominent within Shobnall itself, some routes in the wider area may include unpaved segments. The terrain generally consists of gentle gradients, with some routes exploring woodlands and open fields.
Last updated: September 30, 2026
5.0
(1)
21
riders
52.4km
03:42
510m
510m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
27
riders
24.2km
01:24
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
7
riders
48.2km
02:53
310m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
41.2km
02:42
220m
220m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
20.7km
01:45
290m
290m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A beautiful place to visit year-round. They updated the benches.
0
0
The puddle at the Staunton Harold entrance has been fixed! New drainage and gravel - it’s loose chunky gravel, so go slowly on that corner!
0
0
Lovely cycling through tree lined paths. Has some good routes for different levels too. Worth a short visit or plan a ride outside of the area as part of a longer ride. Cafe gets very busy and has play areas for kids.
1
0
Surface is gravel and at times quite rocky so only suitable for gravel or MTB.
0
0
There are 18 mountain bike trails around Shobnall listed on komoot. These routes vary in length and difficulty, offering options for different skill levels.
The mountain bike trails around Shobnall are generally suited for recreational cycling, featuring mostly paved surfaces, canal-side paths, and open fields. While some routes may include unpaved segments, the terrain typically has gentle gradients. Most routes are classified as easy to moderate, making them accessible for a wide range of riders.
Yes, Shobnall offers several easy and beginner-friendly options. For example, the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop from Swadlincote is an easy 15.0-mile (24.2 km) route. The area's focus on general cycling and mostly paved surfaces makes it ideal for those building confidence.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Shobnall are designed as loops. For instance, the Robin Wood – Shell Brook Trail loop from Bretby is a popular circular route that navigates through varied terrain.
Yes, many routes around Shobnall are suitable for families, especially those looking for easygoing, traffic-free cycling. The Shobnall Fields and Trent and Mersey Canal area offers a 4-mile easygoing cycling route that is mostly traffic-free and suitable for all ages and abilities. Nearby Calke Abbey also features the 'Tramway Trail,' a circular, multi-use trail known for its relatively flat terrain and minimal road crossings, perfect for family rides.
While specific rules can vary by trail, generally, dogs are welcome on many public paths and trails in the Shobnall area, provided they are kept under control, often on a lead, especially around livestock or other trail users. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.
While mountain biking, you might encounter various natural and historical features. The trails often follow the Trent and Mersey Canal, offering scenic views. You can also explore nearby attractions such as Ferry Bridge or the National Memorial Arboretum. For water features, consider visiting Conkers Waterside or Branston Water Park – The Gravs.
Parking is generally available at various points accessing the trails, particularly near Shobnall Leisure Complex and Shobnall Fields. For routes that start further afield, such as those near Swadlincote or Bretby, specific parking areas will be indicated on the komoot tour pages.
Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Shobnall, with milder weather and drier trails. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. While some trails are paved and accessible year-round, unpaved sections may become muddy in winter or after heavy rain.
The mountain bike routes in Shobnall are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the accessible, easy to moderate routes and the pleasant scenery along canal-side paths and through open fields.
Shobnall's trails are primarily suited for general recreational cycling, often on paved or easy-going paths, and are ideal for families or those seeking less technical rides. Dedicated mountain biking centres like Cannock Chase Forest or Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre, located elsewhere in Staffordshire, offer purpose-built, more challenging trails with features like jumps, berms, and technical singletracks for experienced mountain bikers.
Yes, as Shobnall is close to Burton upon Trent, there are various amenities available. You can find cafes and pubs in the town centre or in villages along some of the longer routes, offering places to refuel and relax after your ride.
Shobnall is well-connected by local bus services from Burton upon Trent, which can provide access to various starting points for trails. For routes further afield, checking local bus timetables for connections to nearby towns like Swadlincote or Bretby would be advisable.


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