The best traffic-free bike rides around Shepshed

There are over 25 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Shepshed, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for you to explore the scenic Leicestershire landscape.

Yes, Shepshed offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for families or beginners. One excellent option is the Bailey's Plantation loop from Iveshead School, which is relatively short and flat. The Garendon Trail, part of National Cycle Route 6, also provides gentle, accessible cycling connecting Shepshed to Loughborough.

The routes around Shepshed offer access to diverse natural beauty. You can cycle past tranquil reservoirs like Swithland Reservoir and Cropston Reservoir, explore ancient woodlands, and enjoy views from rolling hills. The Deer Park at Calke Abbey is also accessible, offering a chance to see wildlife in a natural setting.

For more experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the area does offer some longer and more demanding routes. The Swithland Reservoir – Swithland Reservoir loop from Iveshead School is classified as difficult, featuring significant elevation gain over its 53 km distance.

Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic touring routes around Shepshed are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Garendon Way – Cloud Trail loop and the Bradgate Park – Cropston Reservoir loop, both offering varied scenery.

Several routes pass by significant historical sites. You can visit the Mount St Bernard Abbey, a historic monastery, or explore the Ruins of Bradgate House within Bradgate Park. The Garendon Way – Grace Dieu Priory Ruins loop specifically takes you past the 13th-century Grace Dieu Priory ruins.

The no-traffic touring routes in Shepshed are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free nature of the trails, the beautiful Charnwood Forest scenery, and the variety of historical and natural points of interest along the way.

Yes, for spectacular panoramic views, consider routes that incorporate Beacon Hill Summit. As the second highest peak in Leicestershire, it provides extensive vistas of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley, making it a rewarding stop on a touring cycle.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Shepshed, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Spring also brings the beautiful bluebell displays in woodlands like White Horse Wood. However, many routes are accessible year-round, though winter rides may require more preparation for colder, potentially wetter conditions.

While specific parking details vary by route starting point, many popular trailheads and attractions like Bradgate Park or areas near Loughborough (accessible via the Garendon Trail) offer designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check local parking options for your chosen starting location when planning your tour.

Yes, the Garendon Trail, which connects Shepshed to Loughborough, is part of the extensive National Cycle Route 6. This allows touring cyclists to link into the broader National Cycle Network for longer journeys or to explore more of Leicestershire on traffic-free and quiet roads.