The best traffic-free bike rides around Thornton Reservoir

There are over 100 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Thornton Reservoir listed on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 43 easy, 74 moderate, and 12 difficult options to explore.

The main 2.5-mile circular track around Thornton Reservoir is well-surfaced and offers level access, making it suitable for all skill levels. Beyond this, routes often traverse rolling farmland, mature woodland, and can include both paved and unpaved segments, especially on longer tours connecting to areas like Market Bosworth Country Park or Bagworth Park.

Yes, the 2.5-mile circular track directly around Thornton Reservoir is ideal for families and beginners due to its level access and well-surfaced path. For a slightly longer, easy option, consider the Thornton Reservoir – Thornton Reservoir loop from Markfield, which is just over 12 km and offers a gentle ride.

Thornton Reservoir is a Local Wildlife Site, offering a rich environment for wildlife. Cyclists can frequently spot various water birds like cormorants, mallards, swans, and herons. The surrounding mature woodland and farmland also attract other bird species and insects. Routes may take you through Pear Tree Wood or Martinshaw Wood, known for their broadleaf trees and, in spring, beautiful bluebells.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Thornton Reservoir are circular. The most prominent is the 2.5-mile loop directly around the reservoir. For a longer moderate circular tour, you could try the Bagworth Park loop from Bagworth & Thornton, which covers nearly 23 km.

The routes are enjoyable year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful with bluebells in woodlands like Martinshaw Wood. Autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer provides pleasant conditions for longer rides, while winter can be serene, though some unpaved sections might be muddier. The well-surfaced reservoir loop is accessible in most conditions.

Yes, Thornton Reservoir is dog-friendly. Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but visitors are requested to keep them on a lead, especially around the reservoir and in areas with wildlife, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all users and to protect the local ecosystem.

Thornton Reservoir provides good facilities for visitors, including a dedicated car park. This makes it convenient to access the main circular track and other connecting routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 100 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the scenic reservoir views, and the abundance of wildlife. The accessibility of the main loop and the variety of longer routes connecting to other country parks are also frequently highlighted.

While light refreshments are available at the fishing lodge at Thornton Reservoir, for more substantial options, you might find cafes or pubs in the nearby villages. Planning your route to pass through these villages can provide opportunities for a break and a meal.

Absolutely. The circular track around Thornton Reservoir forms part of the National Cycle Network and Sustrans National Cycle Route 63. Additionally, the Leicestershire Round and the National Forest Way both pass by the reservoir, offering opportunities to extend your no-traffic cycling adventures into broader networks and explore areas like Beacon Hill Country Park.

Beyond the reservoir itself, you can cycle to various points of interest. Routes like the Thornton Reservoir – Market Bosworth Country Park loop can take you to Market Bosworth Country Park. Other routes might lead you to Bagworth Heath Country Park, a transformed colliery site with cycle paths, or through ancient woodlands like Martinshaw Wood. The St Peter's Church loop also offers a scenic ride past historical sites.