The best traffic-free bike rides around Ashby-De-La-Zouch

Komoot offers over 60 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Ashby-de-la-Zouch. These routes range from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging excursions, ensuring there's something for every cyclist looking to avoid busy roads.

Yes, Ashby-de-la-Zouch has several easy, traffic-free options. For a gentle ride, consider routes that utilize the Ashby Canal towpaths, known for their flat and smooth surfaces. An example of an easy route is the View of fishing lake – Champneys loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, which offers a pleasant 22 km ride with minimal elevation gain.

The routes often traverse the beautiful National Forest, offering views of extensive woodlands and green spaces. You might also encounter tranquil waterways like the Ashby Canal. Highlights include the ancient deer park at Calke Abbey and the picturesque Staunton Harold Reservoir, both providing scenic backdrops for your ride.

Absolutely. Many routes pass by or near significant historical sites. You can cycle past the iconic medieval ruins of Ashby Castle, which inspired Sir Walter Scott's *Ivanhoe*. The Moira Furnace and Canal is another fascinating historical site that offers insights into the area's industrial past and is often accessible from cycling paths.

Parking is generally available in and around Ashby-de-la-Zouch. For routes starting directly from the town, public car parks are an option. For routes within the National Forest, specific cycling centers like Hicks Lodge offer dedicated parking facilities. Always check the starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking options.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the National Forest's varied landscapes provide beautiful scenery year-round, with autumn offering vibrant foliage and winter providing crisp, quiet rides, weather permitting.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes around Ashby-de-la-Zouch are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Ashby-de-la-Zouch to Leicestershire's Highest Point loop, which offers a moderate 54 km ride.

For those seeking a longer challenge, routes like the Fradley Junction – Lichfield Cathedral loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch offer a substantial 69 km ride with moderate elevation changes. While focusing on quiet roads, these routes provide a good workout and cover more ground.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Ashby-de-la-Zouch, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the beautiful scenery of the National Forest, and the variety of options available for different skill levels, especially appreciating the ability to avoid heavy traffic.

The Ivanhoe Way is a long-distance trail that passes through Ashby-de-la-Zouch and offers varied terrain. While some sections may be traffic-free or on quiet lanes, it's important to note that it's not exclusively a dedicated traffic-free road cycling path throughout its entire length. Cyclists should research specific segments for suitability if seeking entirely car-free experiences.

While Hicks Lodge itself is a dedicated cycling center with graded trails, many no-traffic road cycling routes in the wider Ashby-de-la-Zouch area will take you through the surrounding National Forest. These routes offer a chance to experience the extensive woodlands and reforested areas that characterize this ambitious environmental project.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch is served by local bus routes, which may offer connections to various starting points for cycling routes. However, public transport options for carrying bicycles can be limited, so it's advisable to check with local operators beforehand. Many cyclists prefer to drive to a convenient starting point with parking.