Cycle trails, mostly away from roads
Discussion
I used to cycle occasionally with my children, so I put together a list of suitable off road trails that was perfect for us but since they have grown up I have started cycling on my own regularly and with my colleagues at weekends. The cycle routes on my list are now just a bit short.
Yesterday my colleagues and I went along the Lias Line from Leamington to Draycote water and back - a shade over 37 miles. It was perfect, and we agreed we should try to find more 30-40 mile routes.
We all ride hardtails and hybrids. A couple of them also do road riding but most of us aren't interested in that. We're after towpaths, trails, a bit of quiet road, paths, converted railways
Were based in the Midlands. Has anyone any suggested routes we should try please?
These are the cycle routes I once aspired to riding which are now mostly a bit short or too far away for a day out...
Monsal Trail - Bakewell, Debyshire Peak District - out-and-back <17 miles. I was going to ride this one last year whilst on holiday on the area but I ended up with a weird knee injury and couldn't even walk for the next two weeks. Must go back and try it one day. One of my former colleagues walked it and took some very arty photos. There are a number of former railway tunnels that they have incorporated into the route as well as at least one spectacular viaduct. It's about 2 hours from home and a bit shorter than I'd prefer now.
Millenium Coastal Park - Llanelli, South Wales - out-and-back 14 miles. Looks lovely from the few photos (you're by the sea) I've seen but I really don't know much more about it. It's a long way from home and too short a ride for a day out.
Elan Valley Trail - this goes around some of the reservoirs that feed Birmingham and Solihull with their water. Descriptions show it to be 18 miles but I wonder if it could be extended. I think it would take about an hour and a half to get there so probably about the max distance we'd drive but only if we could get the riding distance up to 30 miles.
York - Solar System - out-and-back 13 miles passing little sculptures of each of the planets, set at scaled distances from each other to show the size of the solar system. Too far to drive for such a short route.
Exmouth - up one side of the estuary, across a purpose-built bridge then down the other side, and back across the wide part of the estuary on a ferry. Not sure how far this one is but too far to drive for a day out. I would still like to try it though so I'll wait until I go on holiday next.
Camel Trail 3-sections - I did this one a while back when I wasn't so bike-fit. It's a really nice ride. Too far to go for a day out but I would like to try it again one day.
>Padstow to Wadebridge 5.5 miles
>Wadebrudge to Bodmin 5.75 miles
>Bodmin to Wenford Bridge 6.25 miles
Manifold Trail - Staffordshire - only 8 miles
The Mawddach Trail - Barmouth, Wales across the famous bridge, then up the converted railway path to The George pub for a hunters chicken lunch - out-and-back 16 miles or extend the ride to go beyond the pub to Dollgellau
Forest of Dean - circle 10 miles. Are there any other longer trails here? I can get there in about an hour.
Tarka Trail - Barnstaple, Devon - This one extends off in numerous directions.
The Lias Line - Warwick to Rugby
Stratford greenway - short
Kenilworth greenway - short
Yesterday my colleagues and I went along the Lias Line from Leamington to Draycote water and back - a shade over 37 miles. It was perfect, and we agreed we should try to find more 30-40 mile routes.
We all ride hardtails and hybrids. A couple of them also do road riding but most of us aren't interested in that. We're after towpaths, trails, a bit of quiet road, paths, converted railways
Were based in the Midlands. Has anyone any suggested routes we should try please?
These are the cycle routes I once aspired to riding which are now mostly a bit short or too far away for a day out...
Monsal Trail - Bakewell, Debyshire Peak District - out-and-back <17 miles. I was going to ride this one last year whilst on holiday on the area but I ended up with a weird knee injury and couldn't even walk for the next two weeks. Must go back and try it one day. One of my former colleagues walked it and took some very arty photos. There are a number of former railway tunnels that they have incorporated into the route as well as at least one spectacular viaduct. It's about 2 hours from home and a bit shorter than I'd prefer now.
Millenium Coastal Park - Llanelli, South Wales - out-and-back 14 miles. Looks lovely from the few photos (you're by the sea) I've seen but I really don't know much more about it. It's a long way from home and too short a ride for a day out.
Elan Valley Trail - this goes around some of the reservoirs that feed Birmingham and Solihull with their water. Descriptions show it to be 18 miles but I wonder if it could be extended. I think it would take about an hour and a half to get there so probably about the max distance we'd drive but only if we could get the riding distance up to 30 miles.
York - Solar System - out-and-back 13 miles passing little sculptures of each of the planets, set at scaled distances from each other to show the size of the solar system. Too far to drive for such a short route.
Exmouth - up one side of the estuary, across a purpose-built bridge then down the other side, and back across the wide part of the estuary on a ferry. Not sure how far this one is but too far to drive for a day out. I would still like to try it though so I'll wait until I go on holiday next.
Camel Trail 3-sections - I did this one a while back when I wasn't so bike-fit. It's a really nice ride. Too far to go for a day out but I would like to try it again one day.
>Padstow to Wadebridge 5.5 miles
>Wadebrudge to Bodmin 5.75 miles
>Bodmin to Wenford Bridge 6.25 miles
Manifold Trail - Staffordshire - only 8 miles
The Mawddach Trail - Barmouth, Wales across the famous bridge, then up the converted railway path to The George pub for a hunters chicken lunch - out-and-back 16 miles or extend the ride to go beyond the pub to Dollgellau
Forest of Dean - circle 10 miles. Are there any other longer trails here? I can get there in about an hour.
Tarka Trail - Barnstaple, Devon - This one extends off in numerous directions.
The Lias Line - Warwick to Rugby
Stratford greenway - short
Kenilworth greenway - short
Locally we have the Bristol to Bath path:
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-na...
Which at the Bath end joins the two tunnels:
https://www.twotunnels.org.uk/
I’ve not ventured onto the two tunnels but, but there are options for an out and back or circular route.
Sustrans is worth a look for other route ideas
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-na...
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-na...
Which at the Bath end joins the two tunnels:
https://www.twotunnels.org.uk/
I’ve not ventured onto the two tunnels but, but there are options for an out and back or circular route.
Sustrans is worth a look for other route ideas
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-na...
Tissington trail and high peak trail in Peak District are a nice ride. High peak trail has 3 hills at one end to drop down to Cromford if you want to make it more of a challenge. They join together so you can get a 50 ish mile ride out of it. Some interesting railway stuff to see, winding engines, signal boxes etc.
Edited by lufbramatt on Sunday 18th July 08:35
Edited by lufbramatt on Sunday 18th July 08:36
Not sure where in the midland you are. There’s sherwood pines. Although it gets rather crowded. I follow the sherwood pines mountain bike group for n Facebook, They have regular group rides where they start in the forest but go out of pines and in to the local trails.
There quite secretive about the routes they use as I suppose they don’t want everybody using them. You get three rides with the group before you have to become a member (not much).
There are organised rides about 3 evening a week plus weekends.
Sorry it’s a Facebook link.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/160928184501246/?r...
Also the OS app allows you to search for cycling routes. I’ve also used ViewRanger in the past for hikes and cycling routes but it’s in the process of being merged with something else which seems to be looking to really monetise it so I can’t recommend them for that reason but may be good for you.
There quite secretive about the routes they use as I suppose they don’t want everybody using them. You get three rides with the group before you have to become a member (not much).
There are organised rides about 3 evening a week plus weekends.
Sorry it’s a Facebook link.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/160928184501246/?r...
Also the OS app allows you to search for cycling routes. I’ve also used ViewRanger in the past for hikes and cycling routes but it’s in the process of being merged with something else which seems to be looking to really monetise it so I can’t recommend them for that reason but may be good for you.
Edited by MB140 on Sunday 18th July 08:41
Thanks everyone.
I live in North Worcs, and I don't have anyone else that can help me with transport, so I've always considered "loops" or "out and back tracks" when I ride - trails that take me back to my car. However, I've given my head a shake and realised I could make the use of trains... a totally new concept for me (seriously).
I'm about 12 miles from the two Worcester stations. I can easily ride 40 miles of towpaths and trails now (I'm just back from 35 miles of similar terrain and I'm itching to go out again already), so if I parked at one of the stations, I could get a train into Birmingham (or further), and ride along the towpath back to the car.
I've also been watching a few YouTubers who wild camp long the Grand Union - it seems popular to do the London-Birmingham this way. I love the idea although I'm not sure how that works in reality. I may have lived a cossetted life with my expectation of toilets and showers on hand. I can handle sleeping in a tent but I have no idea how people manage being away from toilets when they might need them, and I'm unreasonably struggling with the concept of NOT showering before bed (my usual practice).
I just need to get over this and go give it a try, I think.
I live in North Worcs, and I don't have anyone else that can help me with transport, so I've always considered "loops" or "out and back tracks" when I ride - trails that take me back to my car. However, I've given my head a shake and realised I could make the use of trains... a totally new concept for me (seriously).
I'm about 12 miles from the two Worcester stations. I can easily ride 40 miles of towpaths and trails now (I'm just back from 35 miles of similar terrain and I'm itching to go out again already), so if I parked at one of the stations, I could get a train into Birmingham (or further), and ride along the towpath back to the car.
I've also been watching a few YouTubers who wild camp long the Grand Union - it seems popular to do the London-Birmingham this way. I love the idea although I'm not sure how that works in reality. I may have lived a cossetted life with my expectation of toilets and showers on hand. I can handle sleeping in a tent but I have no idea how people manage being away from toilets when they might need them, and I'm unreasonably struggling with the concept of NOT showering before bed (my usual practice).
I just need to get over this and go give it a try, I think.
The york one doesn't stop after 13miles. At Selby you can keep going on route 65 and it's still mostly off roads/fairly quiet roads.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-na...
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-na...
Edited by scottri on Sunday 18th July 16:25
I thought I'd try to join up the towpaths by cycling west out past the Hanbury marina, through Droitwich until I met the Severn, which curves south and should meet with the north/south Tardebigge canal.
Apart from some very narrow towpaths just west of Droitwich (which unnerved me a bit) all was going well until I hit the Severn where the towpaths became cyclist-hating footpaths. I say this because the footpaths had very bike-unfriendly gates every few hundred metres along with hand-written no cycling "signs" on every gate. There was no need for either the gates or the signs - it's not like the area was swamped with walker's anyway... maybe 20 people max over the next couple of miles, all of whom cheerfully returned my "Good Morning".
I persisted until I got to some fencing where one of the gates should have been, and a big sign told me the footpath was closed. I imagine the authority that looks after the footpath is different to that which looks after the towpaths - those were pretty good all day, although the recent dry spell probably helped. Last time I rode a section of this, the mud was so thick I needed a stick to poke it off my tyres.
So, I retraced my track a little way and then cut across Worcester to pick up the other canal which took me up through the Tardebigge series of locks (longest in the world?). The last time I tried that I had to use my lowest gear but with all the riding I've done of late, I was able to power up like a beast - felt great. Overall I managed a big figure-8 and got home with Strava showing 35 miles.
I remember watching a programme on TV about the canals. They showed the area directly under the M5/M6 junction which, from the road, is usually gridlocked traffic. The canal, some 30+ metres below, was so tranquil that I have thought about trying it out by bike ever since. The distance from home to get up there might challenge me so I'm looking for somewhere a little closer where I could park, and then ride in a big loop under the motorway junction and back to the car.
If anyone knows the area, I'd be grateful of any pointers.
Thanks also for all the other suggestions.
Apart from some very narrow towpaths just west of Droitwich (which unnerved me a bit) all was going well until I hit the Severn where the towpaths became cyclist-hating footpaths. I say this because the footpaths had very bike-unfriendly gates every few hundred metres along with hand-written no cycling "signs" on every gate. There was no need for either the gates or the signs - it's not like the area was swamped with walker's anyway... maybe 20 people max over the next couple of miles, all of whom cheerfully returned my "Good Morning".
I persisted until I got to some fencing where one of the gates should have been, and a big sign told me the footpath was closed. I imagine the authority that looks after the footpath is different to that which looks after the towpaths - those were pretty good all day, although the recent dry spell probably helped. Last time I rode a section of this, the mud was so thick I needed a stick to poke it off my tyres.
So, I retraced my track a little way and then cut across Worcester to pick up the other canal which took me up through the Tardebigge series of locks (longest in the world?). The last time I tried that I had to use my lowest gear but with all the riding I've done of late, I was able to power up like a beast - felt great. Overall I managed a big figure-8 and got home with Strava showing 35 miles.
I remember watching a programme on TV about the canals. They showed the area directly under the M5/M6 junction which, from the road, is usually gridlocked traffic. The canal, some 30+ metres below, was so tranquil that I have thought about trying it out by bike ever since. The distance from home to get up there might challenge me so I'm looking for somewhere a little closer where I could park, and then ride in a big loop under the motorway junction and back to the car.
If anyone knows the area, I'd be grateful of any pointers.
Thanks also for all the other suggestions.
lufbramatt said:
Tissington trail and high peak trail in Peak District are a nice ride. High peak trail has 3 hills at one end to drop down to Cromford if you want to make it more of a challenge. They join together so you can get a 50 ish mile ride out of it. Some interesting railway stuff to see, winding engines, signal boxes etc.
To add to this you can combine these with Carsington Water to get a loop of 50km. We went clockwise from Parsley Hey to Carsington Water (via High Peak Trail) / Carsington to Tissington Trail via Bradbourne (some minor roads, nothing busy) / Tissington Trail back to Parsley Hey. Edited by lufbramatt on Sunday 18th July 08:35
Edited by lufbramatt on Sunday 18th July 08:36
Appreciate Carsington Water isn't local to you but could easily do the ride and drive in a day without feeling rushed.
I don't mind driving for a good ride (fnaar). Actually looking to do Rutland Water in a couple of weeks but I would like to add about 10 miles to the claimed 23 miles it takes to go around. Given that we're driving to the start, we need to add 10 miles that brings us back to the car.
There's a couple of lovely Brummie women on YouTube who do long distances and they have a planned ride from Brum to Worcester in August. I really fancy joining their club and doing that but they are starting at 8am and the earliest train doesn't leave Worcester until nearly an hour after than (Saturday). I might have to drive to Brum for the start and get the train back with everyone else (if there's room in the pathetic allocation of bikes in modern trains).
There's a couple of lovely Brummie women on YouTube who do long distances and they have a planned ride from Brum to Worcester in August. I really fancy joining their club and doing that but they are starting at 8am and the earliest train doesn't leave Worcester until nearly an hour after than (Saturday). I might have to drive to Brum for the start and get the train back with everyone else (if there's room in the pathetic allocation of bikes in modern trains).
Look at sustrans routes - Midlands routes worth looking at
Brampton Valley Way - Market Harborough (14 miles one way)
Cloud Trail - Castle Donnington (13 miles one way)
Rutland Water
I do a lot of route 6 around Leicestershire and it's a mixture of shared paths and quietish road. Quite often use there maps to plot and to try and link up different routes.
Brampton Valley Way - Market Harborough (14 miles one way)
Cloud Trail - Castle Donnington (13 miles one way)
Rutland Water
I do a lot of route 6 around Leicestershire and it's a mixture of shared paths and quietish road. Quite often use there maps to plot and to try and link up different routes.
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