The best road cycling routes in the East Midlands

Embark on the Burbage Moor, Rivelin & Ladybower loop from Hathersage, a moderate road cycling trail that spans 21.1 miles (33.9 km) with a significant 1972 feet (601 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this ride in about 1 hour and 46 minutes. The route offers diverse Peak District scenery, including expansive moorlands and views of the iconic Ladybower Reservoir, nestled amidst rugged uplands and woodlands. Be prepared for a long and tough climb from Hathersage up to Burbage Moor, which rewards you with amazing panoramic views.

This popular road cycling loop starts from Hathersage, so plan your visit accordingly, especially during busy periods. Given the substantial elevation gain, you should have good fitness to comfortably tackle this ride. While mostly on well-paved surfaces, be aware that some segments might be unpaved and more challenging, particularly on descents from Burbage Moor where the surface can be

The Strines, Langsett Reservoir & Mam Tor Nick loop from Hope offers a difficult road cycling challenge through the Peak District. This route spans 58.6 miles (94.4 km) with a significant 5734 feet (1748 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 4 minutes to complete. You'll experience "rollercoaster kilometres" with sharp ascents and descents, particularly on the infamous Strines Road where gradients can hit 15%. As you cycle past Langsett Reservoir, you'll see picturesque heather moorland and woodlands, then climb towards Mam Tor Nick for glorious views across the valleys. The varied terrain and consistent climbs demand very good fitness, making it a true test of endurance.

While the trail is known for its well-paved tarmac, be aware that the road surface at the start of the Mam Tor climb, near Barbour Booth, can be poor. This loop is officially classified as a hard road ride, requiring very good fitness due to its sustained and steep gradients. Prepare for sections like the

Embark on the Hathersage, Baslow & Monsal Head loop, a rewarding road cycling adventure through the Peak District National Park. This route spans 24.1 miles (38.8 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 1958 feet (597 metres), offering varied terrain with rolling hills and picturesque river valleys. You will encounter challenging climbs, which are typical for road cycling in the Peak District, but also enjoy panoramic views of moorlands and reservoirs. Expect to complete this moderate ride in about 2 hours and 14 minutes, making it a great option for a focused outing.

While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking, you can generally begin this loop from Hathersage, a well-known starting point for many Peak District routes. The trail largely consists of well-paved surfaces, making it suitable for road bikes. Be prepared for consistent ascents and descents, as the Peak District offers few flat sections. This route requires good fitness due to its undulating nature and challenging climbs.

This loop is a favorite among local road cyclists, known for its iconic landmarks and rewarding climbs. You will pass through Monsal Head, famous for its vista over Monsal Dale and the Headstone Viaduct, a truly recognizable feature. The route provides a quintessential Peak District cycling experience, traversing varied landscapes from river valleys to moorlands, ensuring continuous visual interest throughout your ride.

Prepare for a difficult road cycling challenge on the Snake Pass and Holme Moss loop, a route often called one of the toughest in the Peak District. This 55.9-mile (90.0 km) ride demands very good fitness, featuring a significant 5569 feet (1697 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes. As you climb Snake Pass, the landscape opens up to expansive views over moorland, Kinder Scout, and Bleaklow. The journey transitions from wooded areas to open moorland adorned with heather and pine trees. From the summit of Holme Moss, you can see for over 100 kilometers (60 miles) on a clear day, making the effort worthwhile.

Planning your ride requires careful consideration, especially regarding traffic. Snake Pass is an A-road (A57) and can be busy with vehicles, including HGVs and motorcycles, which might affect your experience and safety. To mitigate traffic concerns, it is often recommended to start your ride early on weekend mornings. Be prepared for wide, sweeping bends on the climbs and potentially tricky hairpins on descents. Both passes are exposed to wind, which can significantly impact your ride.

This loop features two of the UK's most famous and iconic cycling climbs: Snake Pass and Holme Moss. Holme Moss holds a special place in cycling history, having been a key part of the 2014 Tour de France, drawing immense crowds to its slopes. Snake Pass is notable for its length and average gradient, comparable to some continental climbs. The route offers a quintessential Peak District experience, traversing wild and beautiful high moorland.

Embark on a moderate road cycling adventure with the Tideswell & Mam Tor Nick loop from Bamford. This route covers 29.5 miles (47.5 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 2104 feet (641 metres), making it a challenging ride that takes around 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete. As you cycle, you will pass through classic Peak District landscapes, including limestone dales and quiet country lanes bordered by drystone walls, with views towards Mam Tor and the meandering River Wye.

Planning your ride requires good fitness due to the substantial climbs, especially Mam Nick, which has sections reaching over 22% gradient. While the route is mostly on well-paved surfaces, be aware that some Peak District roads can be narrow with blind bends and fast traffic, so you need to ride cautiously. This loop is ideal for experienced road cyclists looking for a rewarding challenge and stunning scenery.

The climb up Mam Nick is a highlight, often considered one of the best cycling ascents in the Peak District for its difficulty and the glorious views it offers over the Hope Valley. The route also showcases the distinctive limestone landscape of the White Peak. This loop provides a true taste of the region's classic climbs and grand vistas, setting it apart as a premier road cycling destination.

Embark on the Lincoln GP Sportive 2022 Medium Route, a moderate road cycling challenge that winds through the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds. This 63.2-mile (101.6 km) journey features rolling hills and numerous short, steep inclines, including the notable North Carlton Hill, providing a good workout with 1958 feet (597 metres) of elevation gain. As you pedal, you'll pass charming English villages, expansive fields, and hedgerows, often catching panoramic views over the eastern plains. Keep an eye out for a distant glimpse of Lincoln Cathedral or the historic Lincoln Castle West Gate, adding a touch of heritage to your ride. The route offers a peaceful atmosphere on scenic roads, making the approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes in the saddle a rewarding experience.

When planning your ride, be aware that the route predominantly uses quiet country roads, ensuring a generally peaceful cycling experience. There are only short stretches on busier A-roads, so you can focus on the scenery. While specific parking details for this exact route are not provided, you can typically find parking options in and around Lincoln, which serves as the usual starting point for sportives like this. Always remember to check local signage for any parking restrictions and availability before you set off.

This route is an excellent way to discover the unique character of the Lincolnshire Wolds, a designated National Landscape known for its distinctive rolling terrain. The Wolds provide a natural contrast to the flatter eastern plains, offering varied cycling conditions that keep the ride engaging. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the quintessential English countryside, experiencing the region's natural beauty and rural charm on two wheels.

Embark on the Trent Valley & Newark Castle loop from Nottingham for a scenic road cycling adventure. This moderate route spans 49.7 miles (79.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 663 feet (202 metres), taking you approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes to complete. You'll pedal through open countryside and along the picturesque River Trent, enjoying well-paved surfaces perfect for your racebike. Look out for charming villages like Gunthorpe, where you might pause by the bridge, and enjoy elevated views of Nottinghamshire from spots like Shelford Road.

This loop is ideal if you're looking for a ride that combines natural beauty with historical intrigue. The terrain is largely flat, following the river valleys, which makes for a consistent and enjoyable pace. While the research doesn't specify a trailhead or parking, you can typically start this loop from Nottingham, making it accessible for a day trip. Always check local conditions before you head out, especially for any potential road closures or events that might affect your ride.

The highlight of this route is undoubtedly Newark Castle, a significant historical landmark you'll encounter along the way. The castle ruins, partly destroyed in 1646 during the English Civil War, are set in attractive formal gardens. As you approach Newark, you'll also spot the impressive Church of St. Mary Magdalene and can find refreshments at places like The Castle Barge, a floating pub near Trent Bridge. This ride offers a great blend of cycling and local history.

Embark on a challenging road cycling adventure with the Winnats Pass and Mam Tor loop from Edale. This difficult route spans 52.3 miles (84.1 km) and features a significant 4838 feet (1475 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 38 minutes to complete. You will experience the dramatic ascent of Winnats Pass, known for its steep gradients and stunning limestone gorge, before sweeping past Mam Tor, which offers expansive views across the Peak District's rolling hills and valleys. Expect a ride filled with iconic scenery, from ancient stone walls to picturesque village backdrops.

Starting your journey from Edale provides convenient access to amenities like coffee shops before you set off. As you plan your ride, be aware that Winnats Pass can be narrow, and you might encounter traffic, so stay alert. The route also includes a cattle grid on Winnats Pass, and some road surfaces, particularly near Barber Booth, may be rough, requiring careful navigation. This loop is best enjoyed when you are prepared for a demanding physical effort and varied road conditions.

This route takes you through some of the most geologically interesting parts of the Peak District, showcasing the striking features of Mam Tor, often called "the Shivering Mountain" due to its unstable shale slopes. You will cycle through landscapes shaped by centuries of natural processes and human activity, passing through charming villages like Castleton. It is a ride that combines a serious workout with a deep immersion in the natural beauty and unique character of the national park, making it a standout option for experienced cyclists.

This difficult road cycling loop from Edale covers 58.7 miles (94.4 km) with a significant 4845 feet (1477 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 57 minutes to complete. You will experience challenging terrain with innumerable short and testing climbs, followed by rapid descents, offering little in the way of flat riding. The route demands very good fitness, and you might even need to push your bike on some segments. Expect spectacular views at every turn as you traverse dramatic Peak District landscapes, including prominent peaks, scenic valleys, and expansive moorlands. The Edale Valley itself provides breathtaking vistas, with clear views of Kinder Scout and the climb to Mam Tor. You will also encounter iconic climbs like Winnats Pass, known for its maximum gradient of 20%, and Mam Tor, which reaches 18% at its steepest point. The roads are generally well-paved, but be ready for variable conditions and narrow country roads. You will also pass through picturesque villages such as Castleton and Hope. You can expect quiet roads outside of peak summer. This route is classified as hard and requires very good fitness. You should be prepared for variable road conditions and narrow country roads. The Peak District is known for its challenging terrain, with many short and testing climbs followed by rapid descents. This route offers little in the way of flat riding. The area around Edale is a hub for cycling, offering a diverse range of routes from moderate to difficult. The presence of well-known climbs such as Winnats Pass and Mam Tor contribute to the notoriety and challenge of loops originating from Edale. The Peak District, Britain's first National Park, is also recognized for its history of outdoor activities, including cycling, and is very accessible from major cities. This route is notable for its challenging experience and the consistently stunning views it provides.