The best MTB trails around Outwoods

There are over 10 mountain bike trails available for you to explore around Outwoods and the broader Charnwood Forest region. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easier paths to more challenging singletracks.

The trails around Outwoods and Charnwood Forest cater to various skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, alongside 9 moderate trails that offer a bit more challenge. There are no routes currently classified as difficult in our selection, making it accessible for many riders.

Yes, many of the routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, you could try the Robin Wood – Shell Brook Trail loop from Bretby, which is a moderate 32.6-mile ride, or the Ticknall Tramway Arch – Ticknall Methodist Chapel loop from Repton CP, an easy 14.8-mile option.

While Outwoods itself is primarily a walking destination, the wider Charnwood Forest area offers options suitable for families and beginners. We have 2 easy-rated mountain bike routes, such as the Robin Wood, Ticknall – Robin Wood loop from Repton CP, which is 13.0 miles long. These trails often feature gentler slopes and well-maintained paths, ideal for less experienced riders.

Generally, dogs are welcome on many public trails in the Charnwood Forest area, including those suitable for mountain biking. However, as parts of the region, like The Outwoods, are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to diverse wildlife, it's always best to keep dogs under close control or on a leash, especially near livestock or sensitive habitats. Always check local signage for specific rules.

The Outwoods itself has a 24-hour car park. For mountain biking in the wider Charnwood Forest, areas like Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill Country Park also provide dedicated parking facilities. It's advisable to check the specific starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking options.

The Charnwood Forest region is rich in unique geological features and historical sites. You can encounter ancient Pre-Cambrian rocky outcrops, which are 700 million years old, and diverse woodlands. While riding, you might pass by highlights such as the Ferry Bridge or the Trent & Mersey Canal Lock and Cottage. The area also features natural reserves like Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve.

The mountain bike trails around Outwoods and the wider Charnwood Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 15 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the beauty of the ancient woodlands, and the mix of canal-side riding and open trail sections that define the region's routes.

Yes, the Charnwood Forest area, being a popular outdoor destination, has various amenities. The Outwoods itself features a cafe. Additionally, you'll find pubs and cafes in the villages and towns surrounding the main mountain biking areas like Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill Country Park, perfect for a refreshment stop after your ride.

Spring and autumn are often ideal for mountain biking in the Charnwood Forest, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, including vibrant bluebells in spring. During winter, trails can become muddy and slippery, especially in wooded areas, so appropriate gear and caution are advised. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

While The Outwoods is primarily for walking, the broader Charnwood Forest offers excellent mountain biking opportunities. Notable areas include Bradgate Park, known for its network of trails through ancient woodlands and open meadows, and Beacon Hill Country Park, which provides well-maintained trails ranging from gentle slopes to technical singletracks amidst rolling hills.