The best MTB trails around Twycross

There are over 30 mountain bike trails available around Twycross. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy family-friendly rides to more challenging tracks, primarily within the wider National Forest area.

The terrain around Twycross, particularly within the National Forest, features a mix of woodlands, grasslands, and lakes. Many routes are on transformed former mining sites, offering varied surfaces. You'll find everything from smooth, well-maintained paths to more technical sections with jumps, bumps, and berms, especially at dedicated cycle centers like Hicks Lodge.

Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby Woulds is an easy 5-mile route exploring woodlands and lakes. Another great option is the Conkers Waterside – Conkers Circuit Lake loop from Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe, an easy 9.3-mile path with waterside views. Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre, about 11-12 miles from Twycross, also offers the green-graded Wood Farm Trail, ideal for families.

Yes, more experienced riders can find moderate trails in the area. The Shell Brook Trail – Hicks Lodge Trail Centre loop from Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe is a moderate 23.6-mile trail through woodlands and open areas. Hicks Lodge also features the blue-graded Shell Brook Trail, designed for intermediate mountain bikers with basic off-road skills, including jumps, bumps, and berms. Further afield, Beacon Hill Country Park and Charnwood Forest Downhill Mountain Bike Park offer more technical and challenging options.

Many of the mountain bike routes in the Twycross area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby Woulds and the Conkers Waterside – Conkers Circuit Lake loop from Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe. These circular routes make planning your ride convenient.

While mountain biking near Twycross, you can encounter various natural features and landmarks. Highlights include the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. You might also pass by beautiful lakes such as Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park and Conkers Waterside. The area is rich in the newly planted woodlands and established green spaces of the National Forest.

Yes, parking is generally available, especially at dedicated cycling centers. Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre, a popular starting point for many trails, offers parking facilities. For other routes, you may find parking in nearby villages or designated car parks, though it's always advisable to check specific route details beforehand.

While Twycross is a rural area, public transport options to specific trailheads might be limited. It's often easier to access the main mountain biking hubs like Hicks Lodge by car. However, some routes may be accessible via local bus services to nearby towns or villages, followed by a short ride to the trailhead. Planning your journey in advance is recommended.

Many trails within the National Forest area are dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs on leads. However, specific rules can vary, especially in nature reserves or private land. Always look for signage and be mindful of wildlife and livestock. Twycross Zoo also has its own Nature Reserve with walking trails that are suitable for dogs.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking around Twycross, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be great, but trails might be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially on unpaved sections, and shorter daylight hours.

Yes, some routes incorporate stops at cafes or pubs. For example, the Sutton Wharf Café – Shenton Village loop from Atherstone includes a cafe. Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre also has its own cafe. Many villages near the trails will have local pubs where you can refuel after your ride.

The mountain bike trails around Twycross are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful atmosphere of the National Forest, and the well-maintained paths at dedicated cycle centers like Hicks Lodge, making it a popular destination for off-road cycling.