Leicestershire
Leicestershire is not the first place that springs to mind when people look for mountain bike routes. However it is where I live and there is still some nice riding to be had. These are my local trails.
The riding is mostly on bridleways across farmland, green lanes and field tracks. The soil is predominantly clay and these routes are all best avoided if it is even slightly damp.
- Details
- Category: Leicestershire
- Hits: 6239
Where: Asfordby, Leicestershire. The route could also easily be started from any of the other villages it passes through: Saxelbye, Shoby, Hoby, Gaddesby or Kirby Bellars.
Distance: 17.4 miles.
Ascent: 1,110 ft.
Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 246
Parking: There are two free car parks in Asfordby village centre and two pubs with car parks.
Overview: This route is a circuit around and through part of this nice river valley. It is on bridleways and country lanes but does have several busy road crossings. It makes a lovely summer evening ride. The trails can vary in quality depending on recent weather and the passage of off-road vehicles and horses. Don't bother if it has been wet for a prolonged period.
- Details
- Category: Leicestershire
- Hits: 28510
Where: 2.5 miles south of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
Distance: 13.1 miles (add another 5 or so if you start from Melton Mowbray town centre).
Ascent: 989 ft.
Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 246 & 233
Parking: Plenty on the road near the start but probably better to use a car park in Melton for security.
Overview: This route has become much easier over recent years due to several of the trails on it being surfaced or re-surfaced. It is therefore a good route for newcomers to mountain biking and a fairly gentle introduction to routes in this area but still well worth doing even for more experienced riders. The trails can vary in quality depending on recent weather and the passage of off-road vehicles and horses. Don't bother if it has been wet for a prolonged period. Some video of this route can be found here.
- Details
- Category: Leicestershire
- Hits: 90904
Where: Stathern, Leicestershire.
Distance: 17 miles.
Ascent: 1,407 ft.
Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 247 & 260
Parking: Limited on the street near the start. The Red Lion is now closed so try The Plough which is in the village and has a car park. Check with the landlord first and spend some money in there after your ride!
Overview: One of the best routes in Leicestershire taking you up and down the escarpment looking out over The Vale of Belvoir. This route reverses a lot of the trails used by the Viking Challenge. Typically for Leicestershire this route is best ridden in dry conditions. Parts of the route are frequently used by motorised off road vehicles so beware of them. However in summer they are less frequently encountered and the route can be as tranquil as any other.