The best traffic-free bike rides around Launde Big Wood

While Launde Big Wood itself offers ancient woodlands and tracks, this guide highlights several excellent traffic-free gravel biking options nearby. We feature three distinct routes that provide a fantastic experience away from roads, focusing on the wider area's suitability for gravel bikes.

The terrain around Launde Big Wood is diverse, featuring rolling pastures, ancient woodlands, and clear streams. You'll encounter a mix of gravel tracks, bridleways, and established paths, perfect for gravel biking. The routes offer scenic views of the East Leicestershire countryside, characterized by gentle hills and open fields.

Yes, the area offers some substantial traffic-free gravel routes. For example, the Rutland Water Cycle Route loop from Skeffington is a challenging 50.7 km ride, providing an extensive tour around the beautiful Rutland Water, largely on dedicated paths.

The routes highlighted in this guide are generally considered difficult, offering a good challenge for experienced gravel riders. They feature significant distances and elevation changes, such as the Lagoon 4 Track loop from Oakham which covers 47.1 km with over 500 meters of ascent. While the sport type is 'easy mountain biking', the length and elevation contribute to a demanding gravel experience.

While the routes listed in this guide are rated as difficult due to their length and elevation, the broader Rutland Water area, which these routes utilize, does offer sections that can be more family-friendly. For shorter, less challenging rides, consider exploring specific segments of the Rutland Water Cycle Route that are flatter and closer to amenities, though these specific segments are not detailed in this guide.

Many public rights of way, including bridleways and cycle paths, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, ideally on a lead, especially near livestock or wildlife. Given the routes often pass through rural areas and nature reserves like Rutland Water, it's essential to be mindful of local signage and regulations regarding dogs. Always ensure your dog is comfortable with longer distances if attempting the full routes.

Spring and autumn are often ideal for gravel biking around Launde Big Wood. In spring, the ancient woodlands, including Launde Big Wood itself, burst with wildflowers like bluebells and wood anemones. Autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer can be pleasant, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but tracks may be muddy or icy, so appropriate gear and caution are advised.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Rutland Water Cycle Route – Lagoon 4 Track loop from Oakham is a 31 km circular route, perfect for exploring the area without needing to retrace your steps.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 4 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful scenery, and the sense of escape into the unspoilt English countryside. The extensive network of paths around Rutland Water is particularly popular for its dedicated cycling infrastructure.

For routes around Rutland Water, there are numerous car parks available at various points around the reservoir, such as those near Oakham or Skeffington, which serve as convenient starting points for the featured loops. Parking availability may vary, especially during peak seasons, so it's advisable to check local information before your visit.

The routes, particularly those around Rutland Water, pass by several villages and visitor centers where you can find cafes, pubs, and other amenities. Oakham, for example, is a good base with various options for refreshments before or after your ride. Launde Big Wood itself is more remote, so plan accordingly if starting directly from there.