The best traffic-free bike rides around Ratby

There are 11 dedicated traffic-free touring cycling routes around Ratby. These routes range from easy to moderate, offering a variety of options for different fitness levels and preferences.

Yes, Ratby offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Ivanhoe Trail (National Cycle Network Route 63) loop from Ratby, which is just over 8 km long. Another accessible choice is the Thornton Reservoir – Thornton Reservoir loop from Ratby, offering a scenic 16 km ride around the picturesque reservoir.

The traffic-free touring cycling routes around Ratby often feature a mix of surfaces. You can expect mostly paved sections, especially on dedicated cycle paths and quiet country lanes. Some routes may also include well-maintained unpaved sections, particularly when passing through woodlands like Martinshaw, Burroughs, and Pear Tree, or along reservoir paths.

Many routes offer views of Ratby's diverse natural and historical landscape. You can cycle past the ancient Charnwood Forest, extensive woodlands, and the Rothley Brook. Notable landmarks include the picturesque Thornton Reservoir, and routes that may offer glimpses of Bradgate Park with its Old John Tower and the Ruins of Bradgate House. The Beacon Hill Summit also offers spectacular views across Charnwood Forest.

Yes, many of the traffic-free touring cycling routes around Ratby are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Cropston Reservoir – Swithland Reservoir loop from Groby and the Thornton Reservoir – Thornton Reservoir loop from Ratby. These loops are designed for convenient exploration of the area.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Ratby, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 260 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful natural scenery of Charnwood Forest and the woodlands, and the variety of historical landmarks encountered along the way.

Absolutely. The area is known for its beautiful reservoirs, and several routes incorporate them. You can enjoy a ride around Thornton Reservoir, or explore the larger Cropston Reservoir and Swithland Reservoir loop, offering picturesque waterside views.

Yes, Ratby provides access to sections of national cycle networks. For instance, the Ivanhoe Trail is part of the National Cycle Network Route 63, offering a well-established and traffic-free path for touring cyclists.

While many routes are relatively gentle, some offer more challenging climbs and rewarding views. The 112-Meter Elevation Point – Café at the Top of Beacon Hill loop from Groby includes a climb to Beacon Hill, the second-highest peak in Leicestershire, providing spectacular panoramic views across Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for traffic-free touring cycling around Ratby, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While routes are accessible year-round, be mindful of potentially muddier sections and shorter daylight in winter.

Yes, the area's rich biodiversity offers good opportunities for wildlife spotting. The extensive woodlands of Martinshaw, Burroughs, and Pear Tree, along with the Rothley Brook and its floodplain, serve as vital wildlife corridors. Ferndale Park, with its wildflower meadows and sustainable urban drainage pond, also supports breeding frogs and aquatic insects, making it a good spot for observing nature.