The best gravel rides around Earl Shilton

Yes, Earl Shilton offers routes suitable for various fitness levels. For a relatively easy ride, consider the Nice Trail loop from Groby, which is 11.7 km long with moderate elevation. Additionally, the traffic-free trail around Thornton Reservoir is ideal for leisurely cycling, and the towpaths along the Ashby Canal provide accessible off-road opportunities.

For longer rides, you can explore the Malt Kiln Farm Shop – View of St Edith's Church loop from Earl Shilton, which spans 62.5 km and takes about 4 hours to complete. Another option is the Congerstone Canal Bridge – Sutton Wharf Café loop from Hinckley, a 42.7 km path that follows canal towpaths and rural roads.

All the gravel biking routes highlighted in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Malt Kiln Farm Shop – View of St Edith's Church loop and the View from Croft Hill – Earl Shilton Castle Yard loop.

The region around Earl Shilton offers varied terrains, including reclaimed colliery sites, woodland, grassland, and a network of bridleways. Many routes feature a mix of mostly paved surfaces and gravel sections, making them well-suited for gravel bikes. You'll encounter everything from flat canal towpaths to routes with over 300 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, some routes incorporate stops for refreshments. For instance, the Congerstone Canal Bridge – Sutton Wharf Café loop from Hinckley passes by Sutton Wharf Café. The Malt Kiln Farm Shop – View of St Edith's Church loop also suggests a stop at Malt Kiln Farm Shop.

The area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle past the historical Earl Shilton Castle Ruins, explore Bagworth Heath Woods with its lakes and ponds, or enjoy the wildlife around Thornton Reservoir. The ancient Roman road, Fosse Way, also offers unique off-road exploration.

There are several gravel bike trails around Earl Shilton listed on Komoot, with a total of 3 highly-rated routes featured in this guide. These routes showcase the best of the region's diverse landscape for gravel biking.

Gravel bikers using Komoot often praise the varied terrain and scenic views around Earl Shilton. The mix of lush parks, woodland, reclaimed colliery sites, and canal towpaths provides a diverse and engaging experience, with many appreciating the extensive rural views and opportunities to explore historical sites.

While all routes in this guide are rated moderate, the region does offer more challenging routes with significant elevation gains, some exceeding 3,000 feet (over 900 meters) and durations up to five hours. These routes often incorporate the varied network of bridleways and more undulating sections of the landscape.

Gravel biking in Earl Shilton can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on unpaved sections and shorter daylight hours.

Absolutely! Many routes pass by or are close to local attractions. For example, you could visit Stoney Cove National Dive Centre to observe peregrine falcons, or explore the historical significance of the Earl Shilton Castle Ruins. The area's parks also offer opportunities for picnics or short walks.