The best traffic-free bike rides around Sawley

Komoot features 12 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Sawley. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful and enjoyable experience away from busy roads, with 11 routes rated as moderate and one as difficult.

The routes around Sawley offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find pleasant, mostly paved surfaces suitable for road bikes, especially along canal towpaths and quiet country lanes. Some routes may include gentle elevation changes, while others, particularly those venturing towards the Forest of Bowland, can present more significant climbs and varied landscapes.

While all routes are rated moderate or difficult, the region's canal towpaths, like those along the Erewash Canal and Nottingham Canal, are generally flatter and offer a calm atmosphere away from busier roads, making them suitable for those seeking a more relaxed pace. For a moderate, relatively flat ride, consider the Café Blue at Sawley Marina – Gallery 119 loop from Long Eaton, which covers about 46 km with minimal elevation.

Yes, many sections of the Erewash Canal and Nottingham Canal offer peaceful towpaths that are popular for cycling. The River Trent and River Derwent also feature tranquil riverside paths. While many are suitable for road bikes due to mostly paved surfaces, it's always good to check specific route details for surface conditions, as some towpaths might be unpaved in sections.

As you cycle, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the River Trent and River Derwent, known for their wildlife. The Erewash Canal and Nottingham Canal provide peaceful scenery. You might also pass by historical sites like the remains of Sawley Abbey. For specific points of interest, consider routes that pass near Zouch Weir and Wooden Bridge on the River Soar or Bramcote Walled Garden.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there is one difficult route available. Additionally, routes like the Elvaston Castle Country Park – Mount St Bernard Abbey loop from Long Eaton, at nearly 75 km with over 460m of elevation, offer a good test. The wider region, including areas towards the Forest of Bowland, is known for longer rides with significant elevation changes.

Many routes start or pass through accessible locations like Long Eaton, which typically offers public parking options. For routes venturing further afield, such as those near the Forest of Bowland, villages like Gisburn provide free parking, making it convenient for cyclists to access the quieter lanes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the scenic canal paths, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and historical sites away from heavy traffic.

Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes around Sawley are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Whatton Lane – Love & Piste Coffee Shop loop from Long Eaton, which is over 100 km, and the Quiet Road to Wymeswold – Barrow Bridge loop from Long Eaton, offering a substantial ride of nearly 88 km.

The routes vary significantly in length and duration. You can find moderate rides like the Café Blue at Sawley Marina – Gallery 119 loop from Long Eaton, which is about 46 km and takes around 2 hours, up to longer, more challenging routes such as the Whatton Lane – Love & Piste Coffee Shop loop from Long Eaton, spanning over 100 km and taking more than 4 hours to complete.

Yes, the region is dotted with charming villages and accessible towns where you can find places to refuel. For example, the Café Blue at Sawley Marina – Gallery 119 loop from Long Eaton includes a cafe in its name, indicating a stop. Villages like High Grantley feature pubs such as The Grantley Arms, and areas around Gisburn in the Forest of Bowland also offer tea rooms and pubs for cyclists.