The best gravel rides in Staffordshire

Staffordshire offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 70 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options.

You'll find diverse terrain across Staffordshire. Expect a mix of ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and converted railway lines. Areas like Cannock Chase offer forest trails, while the Staffordshire Moorlands provide rolling hills and more challenging ascents. Many routes also utilize picturesque river valleys like the Manifold and Churnet, and extensive canal towpaths, offering varied surfaces from paved to unpaved.

Yes, Staffordshire has several routes suitable for families. Disused railway lines, such as sections of the Biddulph Valley Way, offer relatively flat and traffic-free paths. The Manifold Way in the Manifold Valley is another excellent option, providing an eight-mile-long shared-use path with scenic views, ideal for a more relaxed ride. For a moderate option, consider the Biddulph Valley Way – Biddulph Valley Way loop from Kidsgrove.

For a more challenging experience, head to the Staffordshire Moorlands, bordering the Peak District, which features demanding routes over testing terrain and dramatic gritstone cliffs. Specific routes like the Tissington Trail – Manifold Valley Trail loop from Waterhouses offer a difficult mix of paved and unpaved surfaces with significant elevation. Another demanding option is the Leek and Rudyard Railway – Biddulph Valley Way loop from Longport, which incorporates varied terrain over a longer distance.

Staffordshire's gravel trails pass through many scenic areas. In the Manifold Valley, you can see impressive natural features like Thor's Cave. Cannock Chase offers beautiful forest and heathland landscapes. The Churnet Valley, known as 'Staffordshire's Little Switzerland,' provides stunning views. You might also encounter the dramatic gritstone cliffs of The Roaches in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Yes, many gravel routes in Staffordshire are designed as loops. For example, the The Butts Trig Point – Sherbrook Stepping Stones loop from Wildwood Nature Reserve takes you through diverse landscapes in Cannock Chase. Another option is the Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead – Sherbrook Valley loop from Cannock Chase National Landscape, a moderate circular route within the forest.

Several historical sites and attractions are accessible from or near Staffordshire's gravel trails. You can find Alton Castle in the Churnet Valley, and Kinver Edge, a magnificent heath-covered escarpment, is part of the Staffordshire Way. The region also features numerous canal towpaths, offering glimpses of historical waterways infrastructure.

The gravel biking routes in Staffordshire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from ancient woodlands to open heathlands, and the well-maintained converted railway lines that provide varied and enjoyable terrain.

Yes, Staffordshire's landscape includes several water features. The Blithfield Reservoir Causeway – The Butts Trig Point loop from Lichfield Trent Valley is a challenging route that includes a section near Blithfield Reservoir. Additionally, the extensive network of canal towpaths, such as those along the Caldon Canal, offers waterside rides with opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings and wildlife.

For beginners or those seeking an easier ride, the converted railway lines are an excellent choice. The Biddulph Valley Way offers mostly paved surfaces and is suitable for all skill levels. Canal towpaths throughout the county also provide gentle, traffic-free routes. Consider the Sherbrook Valley – Springslade Lodge loop from Pye Green for a moderate, shorter option.

For more general information about cycling opportunities and events in the region, you can visit the official tourism website for Staffordshire. They often provide details on various cycling activities and resources. You can find more information at Visit Staffordshire Cycling.