The best traffic-free bike rides around Hartsholme Park

There are 5 curated no-traffic gravel bike routes around Hartsholme Park featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of distances and experiences, focusing on quiet paths away from vehicle traffic.

While Hartsholme Country Park offers beautiful landscapes for walking and general cycling on some paths, it is not primarily a dedicated gravel biking destination. A bylaw restricts cycling in most areas of the park, allowing it mainly on the path bordering Skellingthorpe Road. For true gravel biking experiences, you'll find more suitable routes in the surrounding area, as highlighted in this guide.

Yes, there are easy options perfect for families. The Fossdyke Navigation – The Pyewipe Inn loop from Skellingthorpe is an excellent choice, offering a gentle 22.8 km ride along the canal path, largely free from traffic and suitable for various skill levels.

The routes around Hartsholme Park utilize a mix of surfaces typical for gravel biking. You can expect well-maintained compacted stone paths, canal towpaths, and quiet country lanes. While some sections might be tarmac, the focus is on unpaved or low-traffic surfaces, providing a varied and engaging ride.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops for convenience. For example, the The Dukeries Trail – Thorpe Lake Beach loop from Hykeham offers a substantial 56.5 km circular ride, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps.

Parking is generally available at the start points of many routes. For routes originating near Hartsholme Park, you can often find parking facilities in the vicinity or at designated car parks for local amenities. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

The routes in this guide range from easy to moderate. There are 2 easy routes, such as the Fossdyke Navigation – The Pyewipe Inn loop from Lincoln Cathedral, which is 26.8 km long. The remaining 3 routes are moderate, offering a bit more challenge in terms of distance or elevation, like the 54 km Lincoln Cathedral – Lincoln Castle West Gate loop from Saxilby.

Absolutely. Routes along the Fossdyke Navigation, such as the Fossdyke Navigation – The Pyewipe Inn loop from Skellingthorpe, offer picturesque views of the canal and surrounding countryside. Many routes also pass through charming villages and open fields, providing a pleasant visual experience away from traffic.

The routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the paths, the scenic canal-side riding, and the accessibility of these routes for various skill levels.

Yes, several routes pass by or near towns and villages where you can find cafes, pubs, or shops. For instance, routes that incorporate the Fossdyke Navigation often have options like The Pyewipe Inn. Planning your route with komoot allows you to easily identify points of interest for refreshments along the way.

The longest no-traffic gravel route featured is the Lincoln Cathedral – Lincoln Castle loop from Lincoln, spanning approximately 56.6 km. This moderate route offers a substantial ride for those looking for a longer adventure.