The best traffic-free bike rides in Charnwood Lodge National Nature Reserve

While the Charnwood Lodge National Nature Reserve is a protected area with restricted access for cycling, the broader Charnwood Forest area, which encompasses the reserve, offers excellent opportunities for no-traffic gravel biking. Our routes focus on these surrounding areas, providing scenic and quiet trails suitable for gravel bikes.

You can expect a varied terrain, typical of the Charnwood Forest. This includes unpaved roads, forest tracks, and some compacted gravel paths. Routes often combine these with quieter paved sections, ensuring a diverse and engaging ride away from heavy traffic. The area is known for its ancient landscapes and geological features, which contribute to the unique character of the trails.

Yes, there are options suitable for families and those looking for an easier ride. For instance, the Lount Woods Trail – Jaguar Lount Woods loop from Staunton Harold is rated as easy, offering a gentler introduction to gravel biking in the region. Most other routes are moderate, but still manageable for those with some experience.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Charnwood Forest area range from easy to moderate. We feature one easy route, the Lount Woods Trail – Jaguar Lount Woods loop from Staunton Harold, and several moderate routes. These moderate trails, such as the Shell Brook Trail – Hicks Lodge Trail Centre loop from Coalville, typically involve longer distances and some elevation changes, requiring a reasonable level of fitness.

Yes, all the no-traffic gravel bike routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This makes planning your ride and parking much more convenient. Examples include the Beaumanor Hall – Beacon Hill Summit loop from Loughborough University and the Swithland Reservoir – Swithland Reservoir loop from Loughborough.

Parking availability varies depending on the specific starting point of each route. Many routes begin near towns or villages that offer public car parks. For example, routes starting from Coalville or Loughborough will have parking options. Always check the individual route details on komoot for specific parking recommendations near the trailhead.

The Charnwood Forest area is beautiful for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and stunning natural scenery, with wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is also great, though some trails might be busier. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on unpaved sections.

While the Charnwood Lodge National Nature Reserve itself has strict rules regarding dogs, the wider Charnwood Forest area generally welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads, especially on public bridleways and footpaths that form part of these gravel routes. However, always be mindful of livestock, ground-nesting birds, and other wildlife, and ensure your dog is under control. Check local signage for any specific restrictions.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experiences in this area, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet nature of the routes, the scenic beauty of the Charnwood Forest, and the varied terrain that makes for an engaging gravel biking adventure away from traffic.

Yes, the Charnwood Forest area is dotted with charming villages and towns that offer cafes, pubs, and various accommodation options. Depending on your chosen route, you'll find opportunities to refuel or stay overnight in places like Loughborough, Coalville, or other smaller settlements nearby. It's a good idea to check opening times in advance, especially in smaller villages.

The Charnwood Forest area is rich in natural beauty and geological history. While the routes don't typically pass directly through the most restricted parts of the NNR, you can still experience the ancient landscape. Routes often take you through scenic woodlands, past reservoirs like Swithland Reservoir or Staunton Harold Reservoir, and offer glimpses of the characteristic rolling hills and ancient rock formations that define the region.