The best MTB trails around Ashby Woulds

There are over 45 mountain bike trails available around Ashby Woulds, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. More than half of these, 26 routes, are classified as easy.

Yes, Ashby Woulds is an excellent area for beginners and those new to off-road riding. Many trails feature wide gravel tracks and gentle gradients. A great option is the Conkers and Ashby Woulds Trail loop, which is 20.8 km long and considered easy. The Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail is also specifically noted as amazing for new or returning off-road riders.

For family-friendly rides, the area offers several accessible options. The Conkers and Ashby Woulds Trail loop is suitable for all fitness and skill levels due to its wide gravel tracks. Additionally, Hicks Lodge Trail Centre, nearby, features the family-friendly Wood Farm trail, designed for all ages.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Ashby Woulds are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the From Conkers trails to Hicks Lodge loop and the Donisthorpe Woodland Park – Moira Furnace and Canal loop from Swadlincote.

Ashby Woulds is characterized by diverse landscapes within The National Forest. You'll ride through newly planted woodlands featuring Corsican pine, larch, oak, ash, and cherry trees. The trails often follow former railway lines, like the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, offering a unique historical context. Expect tranquil woodlands, wide gravel tracks, and some gentle hills, with abundant wildlife.

Yes, several attractions are close to or along the trails. You can explore the historic Moira Furnace and Canal, or visit Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park. The area is also near the Conkers Discovery Centre and Donisthorpe Woodland Park, offering additional recreational opportunities.

The trails in Ashby Woulds are generally accessible year-round. The newly planted woodlands offer scenic beauty in all seasons. While specific conditions can vary, the stone-surfaced Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail is suitable for most weather conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Hicks Lodge Trail Centre, located near Ashby Woulds, is a great resource. It offers facilities such as bike hire and a cafe, making it a convenient stop for riders. It also has a bird hide for nature enthusiasts.

The mountain bike trails around Ashby Woulds are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 140 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the accessibility of trails for various skill levels, and the unique experience of riding through newly planted woodlands and along former railway lines.

While many trails are easy, there are also moderate options for those seeking a bit more challenge. For example, the From Conkers trails to Hicks Lodge loop is a moderate 32.8 km path with over 200 meters of elevation gain. The Shell Brook trail at Hicks Lodge also offers a more challenging experience.

The region's charm lies in its tranquil woodlands and diverse natural features. While there aren't dramatic mountain viewpoints, the trails offer scenic rides through newly planted forests, past lakes like Horseshoe Lake, and along the historic Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, providing pleasant natural vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Trail lengths vary, catering to different preferences. You can find shorter routes like the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby Woulds, which is 8.1 km and takes about 28 minutes. Longer routes, such as the From Conkers trails to Hicks Lodge loop, span over 32 km and can take around 1 hour 55 minutes to complete.