The best MTB trails around Snarestone

There are nearly 30 mountain bike trails around Snarestone, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 16 easy routes perfect for beginners and families, and 13 moderate trails for those seeking a bit more challenge.

Yes, Snarestone is an excellent area for families and beginners. The region offers 16 easy mountain bike routes. Hicks Lodge, for example, features the family-friendly, off-road Wood Farm Trail (Green Grade) and the slightly more challenging Shell Brook Trail (Blue Grade), both designed for various skill levels. Sence Valley Forest Park also provides well-surfaced paths ideal for less strenuous rides.

The terrain around Snarestone is quite varied, reflecting its history and natural regeneration. You'll find routes traversing rewilded former industrial land, dense woodlands, and scenic canal towpaths. Locations like Hicks Lodge and Sence Valley Forest Park, once opencast coal mines, have been transformed into havens of woodland, meadows, and lakes, offering a mix of natural and purpose-built trails.

While there are no trails officially rated as 'difficult' in our collection, Snarestone offers 13 moderate mountain bike routes that provide a good challenge. The Shell Brook Trail – Donisthorpe Woodland Park loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, for instance, is a 21.5-mile moderate trail that traverses varied terrain. The Shell Brook Trail at Hicks Lodge also includes technical features like berms, rollers, and tabletops for intermediate riders.

Hicks Lodge: The National Forest Cycling Centre is a prime destination for cyclists and offers excellent facilities. You'll find bike hire, a cafe, and a repair shop on-site, making it a convenient starting point for your ride. This is a great option if you're looking for a trail with amenities.

The mountain bike trails around Snarestone are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from transformed industrial sites to serene woodlands and canal paths, and the variety of trails suitable for different abilities.

Many of the mountain bike routes around Snarestone are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, an easy 11.5-mile path, and the shorter Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby Woulds, which is 5.0 miles long.

The area around Snarestone offers several interesting sights. You might encounter the historical Moira Furnace and Canal, which connects to the Ivanhoe Way. Sence Valley Forest Park features the picturesque Horseshoe Lake. The trails often weave through the expansive National Forest, providing beautiful woodland scenery.

Yes, if you're looking for a shorter ride, the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby Woulds is a great option. It's an easy 5.0-mile (8.1 km) trail that can typically be completed in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick spin through managed woodlands.

The varied landscape of Snarestone, with its woodlands and redeveloped sites, makes it suitable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. During wetter periods, some trails, especially those on former industrial sites, can become muddy, so checking local conditions is always recommended.

Hicks Lodge: The National Forest Cycling Centre is a primary hub for mountain biking and offers dedicated parking facilities. This makes it a convenient and popular starting point for many of the trails in the area.

Snarestone is situated within or very close to the National Forest, providing access to a broader network of off-road trails and quiet country lanes. Routes like the Ticknall Climb – Lount Woods Trail loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch take you through diverse landscapes that are characteristic of the National Forest's expansive woodlands.