The best gravel rides around Measham

There are 14 gravel biking routes around Measham listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences within the National Forest. These include 6 easy routes and 8 moderate routes, ensuring options for different skill levels.

The gravel bike trails around Measham primarily utilize former railway lines, canal towpaths, and green lanes. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, including self-compacting gravel sections, particularly on routes like the Cloud Trail, and varied terrains through woodlands and old canal paths.

Yes, many routes are suitable for families, especially those utilizing traffic-free former railway lines and canal towpaths. The area's easy routes, such as the Hicks Lodge Trail – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby Woulds, are generally well-suited for a family outing.

Hicks Lodge is an excellent starting point, offering amenities such as parking, toilets, and a cafe. It serves as a convenient base for exploring routes that incorporate green lanes and varied terrains, including sections of old canal paths.

You can explore several natural and historical highlights. Consider visiting the Deer Park at Calke Abbey, the historic Moira Furnace and Canal, or the picturesque Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park. The region is also home to significant woodlands like the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the Moira Furnace – Shell Brook Trail loop from Overseal is a popular circular trail that takes you through historical areas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the integration within the National Forest, and the mix of former railway lines and canal towpaths that provide scenic and varied experiences.

Absolutely. The Moira Furnace – Shell Brook Trail loop from Overseal is a great option, leading directly through the historical area of Moira Furnace and its canal. You can also find routes that pass near Ashby de la Zouch Castle.

Yes, there are 6 easy routes available. The Hicks Lodge Trail – Shell Brook Trail loop from Ashby Woulds is an easy 12.8-mile trail that often utilizes green lanes and sections of former railway lines, making it a good choice for those new to gravel biking.

For those seeking a longer ride, the Hicks Lodge Trail Centre – Donisthorpe Woodland Park loop from Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe is a moderate 22.2-mile path that connects through woodlands and varied terrains, including parts of old canal paths, offering a more extended adventure.

The National Forest landscape and its multi-use trails are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many of the well-maintained paths remain accessible, though conditions can vary.

Yes, being situated within The National Forest and near areas like Sence Valley Forest Park, the trails offer excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The transformation of former industrial landscapes into woodlands and natural habitats has created havens for various species.