The best traffic-free bike rides around Ashby Woulds

Ashby Woulds offers a good selection of traffic-free road cycling routes, with over 20 options available. These routes are designed to keep you away from busy roads, providing a more peaceful and enjoyable cycling experience.

You can expect mostly paved sections, ideal for road cycling. Many routes utilize dedicated cycling infrastructure, such as traffic-free paths along the picturesque Ashby Canal and former railway lines. These paths, like sections of the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, are generally smooth, wide, and feature gentle gradients, making them accessible for various skill levels.

Yes, Ashby Woulds offers several longer routes that incorporate traffic-free sections. For example, the Cobwebs Coffee Stop – Fradley Junction loop from Ashby Woulds is nearly 96 km, offering a substantial ride. Other notable routes mentioned in the region include the 38.2-mile Ivanhoe Way and the Ashby Canal – National Memorial Arboretum loop.

The routes often pass through the regenerated landscapes of The National Forest, offering expansive views. You might encounter serene waterside sections along the Ashby Canal, or historical sites like the Moira Furnace. Nearby attractions include the Deer Park at Calke Abbey, Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, and the Staunton Harold Reservoir, providing beautiful scenery and points of interest.

Absolutely. The dedicated cycling infrastructure, particularly paths built on former railway lines and along the Ashby Canal, are often smooth and have gentle gradients, making them suitable for families. The Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, part of National Cycle Route 63, is a great example of a multi-use trail that is largely traffic-free and accessible for all skill levels, including children.

Many popular starting points for cycling routes in Ashby Woulds, such as the Conkers Discovery Centre and Moira Furnace, offer dedicated parking facilities. These locations often serve as hubs for exploring the surrounding trails and attractions.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling in Ashby Woulds, with milder weather and the countryside in full bloom. The dedicated paths are usually well-maintained, making them enjoyable across these seasons. Even in winter, many routes remain accessible, though conditions may vary.

Yes, many of the routes in Ashby Woulds are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Moira Furnace and Canal – Donisthorpe Woodland Park loop from Ashby Woulds is a great example of a circular route that combines natural beauty with historical sites.

Yes, bike hire is conveniently available at the Conkers Discovery Centre. This allows visitors to easily embark on their cycling adventures even if they don't have their own equipment, making the traffic-free routes accessible to more people.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful regenerated landscapes of The National Forest, and the well-maintained paths that make for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Yes, several routes pass by or near places where you can stop for refreshments. For example, the Cobwebs Coffee Stop – Fradley Junction loop is named after a popular stop, and the Sutton Wharf Café – Bosworth Battlefield Site loop also offers a convenient place to refuel during your ride.