The best cycling routes around Nottingham

There are over 280 touring cycling routes around Nottingham. These routes cater to various skill levels, with approximately 120 easy routes, 130 moderate routes, and nearly 30 more challenging options.

Yes, Nottingham offers numerous traffic-free and easy routes ideal for families. The River Trent and Grantham Canal provide flat, serene paths. Many country parks like Clumber Park, Holme Pierrepont Country Park, and Attenborough Nature Reserve also feature dedicated, traffic-free cycling routes. For example, the Grantham Canal Path – River Trent Waterfront loop from Nottingham is an easy option.

Absolutely. Many of the touring cycling routes around Nottingham are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Nottingham to Woodside Nature Reserve loop and the Nottingham Canal – Trent Lock loop from Nottingham. Rushcliffe Country Park also offers circular off-road cycling routes.

For those seeking longer or more challenging rides, Nottinghamshire provides several options. The Erewash Valley Cycle Trail offers a more demanding 30-mile route. Additionally, the region is well-connected to the National Cycle Network, with routes like NCN 6, 64, and 15, which can be used for extended journeys. For significant climbs and varied terrain, the Peak District National Park is also accessible from Nottingham.

Touring cyclists in Nottingham will encounter a diverse range of natural landscapes. The region is characterized by extensive waterways, including the Rivers Trent, Derwent, and Erewash, as well as the Grantham Canal. You'll also cycle through historical woodlands like Sherwood Forest, and various country parks and nature reserves offering a mix of open spaces and wooded areas.

Yes, many routes pass by or near interesting attractions. You can explore historical sites like Wollaton Hall, or enjoy the serene Highfields Lake, University Park. The Trent Valley & Newark Castle loop from Nottingham offers historical interest, and the Erewash Valley Cycle Trail passes through D.H. Lawrence's hometown of Eastwood. You might even spot the Highfields Park Waterfall.

The touring cycling routes in Nottingham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 250 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, which includes serene waterways, historical woodlands, and accessible country parks, offering a good mix of flat, traffic-free sections and more undulating paths.

Several parks and nature reserves in Nottingham are excellent for cycling. Clumber Park offers over 20 miles of routes, while Holme Pierrepont Country Park and Colwick Country Park provide accessible routes from the city. Rushcliffe Country Park has circular off-road routes, and Bestwood Country Park allows exploration of woodlands. Attenborough Nature Reserve also features traffic-free paths.

Nottingham has good public transport links, and many cycling routes are accessible from the city center, which is well-served by buses and trams. The National Cycle Network routes also connect various towns and villages, making it possible to combine cycling with public transport for longer journeys or to reach starting points. For example, the Nottingham Station – River Trent Waterfront loop starts conveniently from the station.

For off-road cycling routes, particularly circular ones, you can explore options within country parks like Rushcliffe Country Park. Additionally, the legendary Sherwood Forest offers an extensive network of paths and bridleways suitable for off-road cycling. You can find more information on circular off-road cycling routes in Nottingham on the Visit Nottinghamshire website.

Many routes along the River Trent and through country parks offer scenic views. The Trent Valley Explorer route, for instance, provides picturesque views and passes through charming villages where you can find cafes. The Tom Browns Brasserie – River Trent Waterfront loop from Nottingham is an example of a route that includes a notable stop along the river.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Nottingham, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the region's diverse landscapes, including woodlands and paved canal paths, can also be enjoyable in autumn with changing foliage, and even in winter, though some off-road paths might be muddier.