The best road cycling routes around Smisby

There are over 370 road cycling routes around Smisby, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored nearly 4,000 of these routes.

Road cycling routes in Smisby feature mostly paved surfaces and quiet country lanes. You can expect gently rolling hills throughout the region, with options ranging from easy rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains, some reaching up to 1500 ft or more.

Yes, Smisby offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the The Boot Inn – St Wystan's Church, Repton loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch is an easy 31.1 km trail. Another accessible option is the Hood Park – The Loudoun Monument loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, which is 22.9 km long with minimal elevation gain. The Tramway Trail near Calke Abbey is also known for its easy rides with minimal elevation.

For experienced riders seeking a rigorous workout, Smisby offers challenging options with significant elevation gains, some reaching up to 1500 ft or more. The Fradley Junction – Lichfield Cathedral loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch is a moderate 69.1 km route with over 410 meters of elevation gain, providing a good challenge. The Jaguar Lount Woods – Staunton Harold Straight Road loop is also noted as a moderate route with notable elevation.

Many routes connect to natural and historical sites. You can cycle near the evolving landscape of the National Forest. The Conkers Waterside – Moira Furnace and Canal loop from Woodville connects to the historical Moira Furnace and its canal. Other notable features include the Deer Park at Calke Abbey, the Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold Church, and the Staunton Harold Reservoir.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Smisby are designed as loops. Examples include the Conkers Waterside – Moira Furnace and Canal loop from Woodville, the Fradley Junction – Lichfield Cathedral loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and the The Boot Inn – St Wystan's Church, Repton loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch. These circular routes allow you to start and end at the same point.

The road cycling routes in Smisby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, quiet country lanes, and the proximity to natural features and historical sites within the National Forest.

Beyond the road routes, the region features dedicated trails like the Tramway Trail near Calke Abbey, known for easy rides. The Moira Furnace – Hicks Lodge Trail loop also offers a more moderate cycling experience. For mountain biking, the Hicks Lodge Blue Trail and Snibston Colliery Park Mountain Bike Trail are available nearby.

The region's gently rolling hills and quiet country lanes make it enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. While specific seasonal advice isn't detailed, checking local weather conditions is always recommended, especially during winter months.

The nearby ancient market town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, just a couple of miles from Smisby, offers dining and shopping options. Some routes, like the The Boot Inn – St Wystan's Church, Repton loop from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, even have names that suggest pub stops. The Inas Cottage – Meaks Coffee Shop loop from Hartshorne also indicates a coffee shop stop.

While specific parking locations for all routes are not detailed, many routes start from towns like Ashby-de-la-Zouch or Woodville, where public parking facilities are typically available. For routes around Calke Abbey, parking is often available at the Calke Park visitor facilities.

Smisby and its surroundings are rich in history. The Conkers Waterside – Moira Furnace and Canal loop from Woodville passes by the significant historical site of Moira Furnace. Calke Abbey, a National Trust property, is also nearby, and Ashby-de-la-Zouch is known for its castle and other heritage attractions.