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Mountain biking trails

Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop

Routes

Mountain biking trails

Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop

Moderate

riders

Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop

Q: Where can I park to access the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

While specific parking details for this exact loop aren't provided, Saffron Walden is a good starting point. Look for public parking options within the town, as the loop begins and ends there. Many trails in the area are accessible from traditional villages.

Q: Is the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop dog-friendly?

The Icknield Way Trail, which forms part of this loop, generally welcomes dogs. However, always keep your dog under control, especially when passing through farmland or near livestock, and be mindful of local leash regulations. Please clean up after your pet.

Q: What is the best time of year to mountain bike this loop?

The Icknield Way generally offers accessible paths suitable for various fitness levels. Spring and autumn often provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but conditions may be muddy or wet.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required for this trail?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop. It utilizes public byways and trails.

Q: Is this mountain biking loop suitable for beginners?

This loop is rated as moderate . While the Icknield Way Trail generally offers accessible paths, some longer sections may require good to very good fitness. Beginners with some mountain biking experience should be able to manage, but be prepared for varied terrain and some elevation changes.

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

02:17

32.3km

310m

Mountain biking

Explore the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop, a moderate 20-mile mountain biking route through historic landscapes and varied terrain.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

6.87 km

All Saints Church

Highlight • Historical Site

All Saints is a pretty flint church that was founded in the 13th century. The Grade I-listed church has had some issues with its west tower, though, which was rebuilt in the 15th century after being destroyed and once again after it fell down in 1790.

Tip by

10.1 km

Icknield Way Wheat Field Path

Highlight • Trail

A long, long, climb southbound. Bumpy and rutted into the usually prevailing SW wind.

Tip by

17.9 km

Cooper's End Byway

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Great gravel byway that can easily be linked up with Lorking's, Steven's or Beard's lanes to make a nice off road sections.

Tip by

19.0 km

Steven's Lane Byway

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Gravel track with a nice tunnel through the trees. Nice and fast if you are heading towards Arkesden!

Tip by

24.7 km

Littlebury Green Bridleway

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

A bridleway around the edge of the woods and then a little singletrack to finish. Often you'll spot lots of deer around sunrise or sunset.

Tip by

32.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

15.3 km

12.1 km

2.80 km

1.61 km

511 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

11.8 km

10.2 km

6.00 km

3.78 km

494 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (120 m)

Lowest point (40 m)

Weather

Thursday 16 July

27°C

12°C

13 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

July 14, 2024,Saffron Walden to Great Chesterton – The Icknield Way

Really enoyable ride with plenty of nice off road sections. A few nettles in some parts but generally nice and clear, not too overgrown. Done in mid July. It would be muddy after heavy rain. Will be a regular ride for me 👍

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

While specific parking details for this exact loop aren't provided, Saffron Walden is a good starting point. Look for public parking options within the town, as the loop begins and ends there. Many trails in the area are accessible from traditional villages.

Is the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop dog-friendly?

The Icknield Way Trail, which forms part of this loop, generally welcomes dogs. However, always keep your dog under control, especially when passing through farmland or near livestock, and be mindful of local leash regulations. Please clean up after your pet.

What is the best time of year to mountain bike this loop?

The Icknield Way generally offers accessible paths suitable for various fitness levels. Spring and autumn often provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but conditions may be muddy or wet.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required for this trail?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop. It utilizes public byways and trails.

Is this mountain biking loop suitable for beginners?

This loop is rated as moderate. While the Icknield Way Trail generally offers accessible paths, some longer sections may require good to very good fitness. Beginners with some mountain biking experience should be able to manage, but be prepared for varied terrain and some elevation changes.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

What kind of terrain can I expect on the Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop?

You can expect diverse terrain, including

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Saffron Walden and Icknield Way Loop

All Saints Church

Icknield Way Wheat Field Path

Cooper's End Byway

Steven's Lane Byway

Littlebury Green Bridleway

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby routes

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