The best MTB trails around Clowne

There are over 110 mountain bike trails around Clowne, catering to various skill levels. This includes 51 easy routes, 58 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring options for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.

The terrain around Clowne is quite diverse. You'll find traffic-free gravel paths on repurposed railway lines like the Clowne Greenway. Dedicated trail networks, such as those at Rother Valley Country Park, feature a clay base which can be muddy in wet conditions. Further afield, the nearby Peak District offers rugged and wild terrain in the Dark Peak and limestone valleys in the White Peak.

The mountain bike trails around Clowne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders often praise the varied scenery, from greenways to country park trails, and the accessibility to different difficulty levels.

Yes, there are many options for beginners and families. The Clowne Greenway is a traffic-free, easy-to-cycle gravel path, perfect for casual rides. Additionally, Glapwell Countryside Site offers a 2km blue-grade trail, suitable for reasonably fit families and those new to mountain biking. An example of an easy route is Poolsbrook Country Park Lake – Stop Cafe at Poolsbrook Park loop from Whitwell.

For more challenging rides, Rother Valley Country Park offers red and black-graded trails, including a downhill run and a jump track. The nearby Peak District National Park, within easy driving distance, is also renowned for its technical descents and long climbs. While most routes directly from Clowne are moderate, you can explore longer, more demanding routes like Teversal Old Station – Chesterfield Canal loop from Creswell, which covers nearly 63 km.

Yes, the Clowne Greenway is ideal for mountain biking, especially for casual rides or families. It's a 6.5-mile repurposed railway line offering a traffic-free, easy-to-cycle gravel path. The route passes through cuttings known as 'the canyons,' which are rich in wildflowers and wildlife, and connects to Poolsbrook Country Park and the Chesterfield Canal towpath.

Yes, Rother Valley Country Park, a short distance from Clowne, features a dedicated mountain biking trail network with green, blue, red, and black-graded routes, plus a jump track. Another option is Glapwell Countryside Site, which offers an exciting 2km blue-grade mountain bike trail.

You can encounter several interesting natural features. The Clowne Greenway itself passes through 'canyons' with diverse flora and fauna. Nearby, Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake is a significant archaeological site with caves. Rother Valley Country Park features three large lakes, providing scenic views. You might also spot wildlife like roe deer and birds of prey in the area.

Many of the greenways and multi-user paths around Clowne, such as the Clowne Greenway and sections of the Chesterfield Canal towpath, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs under control, especially around other users, livestock, or wildlife. Check specific trail rules for dedicated mountain bike parks like Rother Valley, as regulations may vary.

Parking is generally available at key access points for the trails. For the Clowne Greenway, there are parking facilities in Clowne itself and at connecting points like Poolsbrook Country Park. Rother Valley Country Park and Glapwell Countryside Site also provide dedicated parking for visitors accessing their trail networks.

While Clowne itself has public transport links, direct access to all trailheads by public transport can be limited. The Clowne Greenway is accessible from Clowne, and some routes connect to towns with bus services. For more remote trails or dedicated trail centres, a combination of public transport and a short ride or walk might be necessary. Planning your route in advance with komoot can help identify accessible starting points.

Yes, many of the routes around Clowne are designed as loops. For example, Old Shield Sculpture – Sherwood Forest loop from Clowne is a popular circular route. Another option is Poolsbrook Country Park Lake – Chesterfield Canal loop from Clowne, which offers varied scenery on a circular path.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking around Clowne, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be great, but trails might be busier. Be aware that trails with a clay base, such as those at Rother Valley Country Park, can become very muddy in wet conditions, so checking local weather and trail reports is advisable, especially after heavy rain.