The best cycling routes around Kinoulton

Kinoulton offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 190 options available. These routes cater to different skill levels, including 87 easy, 85 moderate, and 19 challenging trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

The terrain around Kinoulton is quite varied, featuring a mix of open fields, wooded areas, and agricultural landscapes. Many routes follow the scenic Grantham Canal towpath, which can be a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with some sections potentially muddy. You'll also find quiet country roads and routes through the picturesque Vale of Belvoir, offering diverse scenery and elevations.

Yes, Kinoulton has several easy touring cycling routes suitable for families. The Old Lock on Grantham Canal – West Viewpoint loop from Kinoulton is an accessible option, offering a relatively flat ride along the canal. The National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, though not a touring route itself, features a flat, traffic-free tarmac track perfect for family cycling and is easily reachable from Kinoulton.

Cyclists can enjoy several scenic spots. The Grantham Canal itself is a major natural feature, with routes crossing at points like Spencer's Bridge and Mackley's Bridge. You might also spot landmarks like Oddhouse Farm and the line of poplar trees leading to Irish Jack's Bridge. The Vale of Belvoir provides picturesque views, and the Belvoir Hilltop Road offers expansive vistas.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Kinoulton are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending in the same location. Examples include the Hickling Basin – The Old Wharf loop from Kinoulton and the Old Lock on Grantham Canal – West Viewpoint loop from Kinoulton, both offering engaging circular rides.

Kinoulton and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore the remains of the wharf that served the village's former brick-making industry along the canal bank. St Luke's Church, a rare late 18th-century parish church built with local Kinoulton brick, is also notable. Additionally, medieval settlement remains, including well-preserved ridge and furrow, can be observed in the agricultural landscapes.

Absolutely. The Cotgrave Country Park Lake – Grantham Canal Path loop from Hickling is a great example. This moderate route combines sections along the Grantham Canal with views of Colwick Country Park Lakes and Lake at Rushcliffe Country Park, offering a diverse cycling experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful canal-side paths, and the scenic beauty of the Vale of Belvoir. The mix of historical interest and natural landscapes also contributes to a rewarding experience.

For those seeking a longer challenge, the The Old Wharf – All Saints Church, Knipton loop from Colston Bassett is a significant option. This route covers over 46 miles (74 km) and includes considerable elevation changes, making it suitable for experienced touring cyclists looking for an extended ride.

Yes, beginners can find several easy routes. The Grantham Canal towpath offers relatively flat sections, ideal for those new to touring cycling. The Hickling Basin – The Old Wharf loop from Kinoulton is an easy 20.7 km (12.9 miles) route with minimal elevation, perfect for a relaxed ride.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Kinoulton. During these seasons, the weather is typically milder, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant. Some canal towpath sections may become muddy after heavy rain, so checking local conditions is advisable, especially in wetter months.

Yes, the Grantham Canal is a central feature for many routes. The The Old Wharf – Hickling Basin loop from Hickling is a great example, leading through canal-side landscapes and offering a good sense of the canal's character and history.