The best traffic-free bike rides around Launde Big Wood

There are nearly 40 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Launde Big Wood, offering a variety of distances and elevations. These routes are designed to keep you away from busy roads, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful Leicestershire countryside.

The routes around Launde Big Wood cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 7 easy routes, 27 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging options. The terrain is generally undulating, providing quiet but engaging climbs and descents.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. For example, the Burrough Road Climb – John O' Gaunt Viaduct loop from Whatborough Deserted Village is an easy 25 km route with manageable elevation, offering a pleasant experience away from traffic.

You can expect picturesque East Leicestershire countryside with rolling pastures, gentle hills, and thick hedgerows. Many routes offer superb vistas from higher points, especially around Launde Big Wood itself, which is an ancient woodland. In spring, the woodlands burst with wildflowers like bluebells and primroses.

Absolutely. Many routes pass by or near significant historical sites. Adjacent to Launde Big Wood is Launde Abbey, a beautiful historical attraction. You might also encounter remnants of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, medieval fishponds, and earthworks of a historic deer park, adding a rich cultural layer to your ride.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location without retracing your path. An example is the Launde Abbey – Launde Abbey loop from Skeffington, a moderate 44.6 km ride that circles back to its starting point.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience around Launde Big Wood, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 74 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet country lanes, the challenging yet rewarding undulating terrain, and the beautiful, serene landscapes that make for an enjoyable ride away from traffic.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, routes like the Launde Abbey – Sludge Hall Hill loop from East Norton offer a moderate 55.5 km journey with significant elevation gain, providing a good workout on quiet roads.

While Launde Big Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and primarily an ancient woodland, the surrounding quiet country lanes provide excellent road cycling opportunities. The woodland itself is best explored on foot to preserve its delicate ecosystem, but the views from the roads around it are superb.

Launde Abbey, a prominent landmark in the area, is conveniently located approximately a five-minute ride from National Cycle Routes 64 and 65. These routes are part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, offering further options for traffic-free or low-traffic cycling.

Spring is particularly beautiful, with the ancient woodlands bursting into magnificent displays of wildflowers like bluebells, wood anemones, and primroses. However, the quiet country lanes offer enjoyable cycling throughout the warmer months, with autumn providing stunning foliage. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.