FIVE OF THE BEST
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
THE East Midlands is a great place for mountain bikers to explore with the magnificent Derbyshire Dales and Peak District within easy reach, and Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire offering some challenging off-road adventures of their own. Here are some of the best to test your skills:
SHERWOOD PINES, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Though the cycling may be hard, there’s a café along the way, which sells homemade soup, tea and cakes. Trail: Kitchener Trail, 13km Difficulty: Red (experienced bikers only) A challenging yet rewarding trail. Small rollers and large swooping bermed corners dominate the mostly flat circuit at Sherwood Pines. Commitment and experience is needed to negotiate the course. Perfect for those who like doing tricks and flips.
■ ■For more information visit: www.mbr.co.uk/ routes/trail-centres/sherwood-pines-370013
BOURNE WOODS, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
A much more family-friendly trail and one suitable for children. Trail: Family cycle track, 5km Difficulty: Green (easy) Basic riding ability required around the woodland with numerous hidden trails available. The route takes in a mixture of roads and forest tracks to allow for those who wish to enjoy a more laid-back cycle ride. Stop off for some lunch at one of three pubs in Bourne for a break. Car park available nearby.
■ ■For more information: www.cycle-route.com/routes/Bourne_and_Bourne_Woods_Loop-CycleRoute-4654.html
CHARNWOOD FOREST, LEICESTERSHIRE
Small hills and delightful woodland paths make up this route. Trails: 24km- 13km off road, 11km on road Difficulty: Blue (intermediate) Half the trail is on road, the other half is off road. You will have a moderately energetic day out in an undulating, rocky, barren landscape right in the heart of rural Leicestershire. Enjoy the spectacular scenery while roaring along the designated mountain bike paths of Charnwood Forest.
FOXTON LOCKS, LEICESTERSHIRE
This trail is not too tricky and the scenery is stunning as you follow the bumpy towpath along the Grand Union Canal. Trail: 15.5km Difficulty: Blue (intermediate) Gently undulating route with a mixture of stony tracks, grassy paths and rutted farm tracks that broadly run parallel to the canal. The circuit takes in a number of small landmarks along the way to keep cyclists entertained along the way. A more challenging day out for experienced kids but should keep the adults happy too. Stop off at the shop and café to catch a breather and treat yourself to a refreshment.
■ ■For more information, visit: www.theaa.com/bike-rides/foxtonlocksandthe-grand-unioncanal-418697
CANNOCK CHASE, STAFFORDSHIRE
OK, so we’re actually in the West Midlands now, but it’s well worth the car journey to try out these two tough but exhilarating trails. Trail 1: Follow The Dog, 10.8km Difficulty: Red (experienced bikers only) This trail is said to be the first specially-designed mountain biking route in the Midlands. The fastflowing track with tight and twisty technical sections features boardwalks, rock gardens, wood and rock drop-offs, rollers to get the heart pumping. Cannock Chase is mostly flat but there is one hill to climb up along the route. Trail 2: The Monkey, 22.8km Difficulty: Red (experienced bikers only) Hold on to your handlebars for this very demanding circuit with a number of obstacles. There are a number of tight sections which are fun to ride plus steps ups, step downs, jumps, and drops to add to the excitement. A number of elevation changes should be expected throughout so a high level of fitness is recommended.
■ ■For more information visit: www.chasetrails.co. uk