Spring update

The arrival of Spring normally heralds an increase in activity out on the National Cycle Network and the recent heatwave over the Easter weekend will have helped.

NCN63 approach to Donisthorpe 2017 vs 2019

More recent weather has shown how important maintaining the surface of the network is.  This year we are pleased to share the news that improvements have been made to a significant section of our local network in the form of resurfacing of NCN63 on the Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail between Donisthorpe Church and Measham.

NCN63 approach to Oakthorpe 2017 vs 2019

The work has been carried out by the local ranger team from Leicestershire County Council and has taken the form of a new stone surface which has been rolled. This follows some work last year on the verges surrounding the path.

Whilst the surface is quite loose in places initially, with use and weathering the path surface should improve in the future.  Pictures taken before and after in 2 locations show how significant the improvement is with the surface.  We look forward to monitoring the surface as part of our route checks over the coming months and years.

Away from our local area we noticed that there are some new leaflets relating to cycling further north in Derbyshire - namely the Peak District.  We have posted articles about some of the trails in the Peak District and these leaflets feature some of those trails.  Based around the main towns including Ashbourne, Bakewell and Matlock there are 4 leaflets which include several different routes in some detail.  The leaflets are all available in Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre at Sharpes Pottery.

On a recent visit to the TIC I was informed that the cycle hire centre at Hicks Lodge now includes e-bike hire.  For more information click here for a link to the Hicks Lodge Cafe / Bike Hire company page.

We have several activities planned over the next few months including signage work in Burton to divert NCN54 away from a major development site, continual monitoring of new link to Hicks Lodge from Moira Furnace.  We will be involved in another led ride from Maurice Lea Park in the summer amongst other activities.