The best road cycling routes around Nottingham

There are over 330 road cycling routes available around Nottingham on komoot, catering to various skill levels. This includes more than 60 easy routes, over 230 moderate routes, and nearly 30 difficult routes for experienced cyclists.

Nottinghamshire offers a diverse range of terrain for road cyclists. You'll find flat, traffic-free paths along canals and rivers, such as the Grantham Canal towpath or the route from Holme Pierrepont to Attenborough Nature Reserve. For those seeking more challenging rides, the Nottinghamshire Wolds provide rolling hills and scenic countryside. Many routes also pass through woodlands like Sherwood Forest and various country parks, offering varied landscapes.

Yes, Nottingham offers several easy and beginner-friendly road cycling routes. Many of the paths within country parks like Colwick Country Park or Holme Pierrepont Country Park are suitable for less experienced riders. Additionally, traffic-free sections along canals and former railway paths, such as the Newark to Cotham Railway Path, provide gentle, flat options.

For more challenging road cycling, focus on routes that venture into the Nottinghamshire Wolds, known for their rolling hills. While specific routes vary, these areas will provide more significant elevation gains. You can also explore routes like the River Trent Embankment – Hickling Basin loop from Nottingham, which offers a moderate challenge with varied terrain.

Yes, Nottingham has several excellent traffic-free options. The Grantham Canal towpath near Cotgrave offers pleasant cycling, and the 'Big Track' route in Nottingham city centre provides a traffic-free link along the River Trent. Another flat, traffic-free route runs from Holme Pierrepont along the River Trent to Attenborough Nature Reserve. Country parks like Clumber Park also feature extensive cycling routes, many of which are traffic-free.

Absolutely. Nottinghamshire is home to several country parks with cycling routes. Clumber Park, a National Trust property, has over 20 miles of cycling routes. Other parks like Colwick Country Park, Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Rushcliffe Country Park, and Bestwood Country Park also offer trails suitable for road cycling, often with scenic lake views or through woodlands.

Many road cycling routes in Nottingham pass by interesting attractions. For example, the Trent Valley & Newark Castle loop from Nottingham offers views of Newark Castle. You might also encounter Highfields Lake, University Park, or the historic Wollaton Hall on routes in the area. The legendary Sherwood Forest, home of the Major Oak, is also accessible via certain cycling routes.

Yes, several routes incorporate stops at cyclist-friendly establishments. The Whatton Lane – Velo Verde Cafe loop from Nottingham, for instance, is popular for its stop at the Velo Verde Cafe. Many villages and towns along the routes also offer traditional pubs and cafes where you can refuel.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Nottingham are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Hickling Basin – River Trent Embankment loop from Nottingham and the Old Trent Bridge Arches loop from Nottingham. These loops often take you through varied landscapes and offer convenient starting points.

The road cycling experience in Nottingham is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 160 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the peaceful river embankments and canals to the scenic rolling countryside. The variety of routes, catering to all abilities, and the blend of natural beauty with historical landmarks are frequently highlighted.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Nottingham, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the region's varied terrain means that even in autumn, the changing foliage can make for beautiful rides, and some routes remain accessible in winter, though appropriate gear is essential.

For longer rides, consider exploring sections of the National Cycle Network that pass through Nottinghamshire, such as Route 6. The Erewash Valley Cycle Trail, a 30-mile route, also offers a substantial ride along waterways on the Nottingham/Derbyshire border, passing through natural beauty spots.