The best cycling routes around Awsworth

Awsworth offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 360 documented trails. This includes a diverse range of options suitable for various skill levels and preferences.

The touring cycling routes in Awsworth cater to all abilities. You'll find approximately 166 easy routes, 135 moderate routes, and 60 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

Yes, Awsworth has a good selection of easy touring cycling routes, with around 166 options. Many of these follow the relatively flat towpaths along the Nottingham Canal and Erewash Canal, offering relaxed rides. An example of an easy route is the Trent Lock – Erewash Canal Towpath loop from Ilkeston, which is 16.5 miles long.

Awsworth's routes often feature the scenic Erewash Valley, historic canal towpaths, and tranquil woodlands. You can also discover notable landmarks such as the magnificent Victorian Bennerley Viaduct, the striking natural rock formation of The Hemlock Stone, and the serene Mapperley Reservoir, known for its wildlife. The area also includes historical sites like the Dale Abbey Arch and the intriguing Hermitage Cave.

Yes, the canal towpaths along the Nottingham Canal and Erewash Canal provide excellent, relatively flat, and traffic-free options suitable for families. These paths offer a safe and enjoyable environment to cycle through natural beauty spots and observe waterside wildlife.

Many of Awsworth's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Breadsall Greenway – Derwent Valley Riverside Path loop from Ilkeston is a popular circular option, as is the Manor Floods Nature Reserve – Stanton Lock loop from Ilkeston.

Awsworth offers enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with bluebell woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir being particularly stunning in spring. Summer is also ideal, though some routes through open fields might be more exposed. Winter cycling is possible, especially on well-trodden tracks and towpaths, but conditions can vary.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscape, which blends rural tranquility with historical industrial heritage, and the variety of routes that cater to different fitness levels. The scenic Erewash Valley and the peaceful canal towpaths are frequently highlighted as favorite aspects.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, Awsworth is a great starting point. An example of a challenging long-distance route is the Erewash Canal Towpath – Swithland Reservoir loop from Ilkeston, which spans over 68 miles (109 km) and features significant elevation changes.

Yes, many routes in the Awsworth area pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes and pubs. The historic canal towpaths, in particular, often have establishments nearby, perfect for a refreshment stop. For example, the Nutbrook Coffee Shop – View of Shipley Lake loop from Ilkeston explicitly mentions a coffee shop in its name, indicating convenient stops.

Awsworth and nearby towns like Ilkeston have public transport links, including bus services, which can help you access various starting points for cycling routes. For specific route access, it's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes that connect to the trailheads or canal towpaths.

Many routes in Awsworth offer scenic views, particularly those that traverse the Erewash Valley, providing picturesque vistas of gentle hills, open fields, and woodlands. The canal towpaths also offer peaceful waterside scenery. The Breadsall Greenway – Derwent Valley Riverside Path loop from Ilkeston is known for its varied terrain along river paths, offering beautiful natural views.