Key local cycling areas and mapped rides

Key Local Cycling Areas:

New for 2023

To coincide with our display in Swadlincote Visitor Information Centre in March and our display at the South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure, we created a couple of new leaflets relating to the local cycle network.  These are available from the Visitor Information Centre and will be used on stalls throughout 2023.

1: Pits, Pottery and Pedals 

This replaces the Off Road Cycling in reach of Swadlincote seen below.  This briefly shows the best off road links in the area and the printed version has useful links printed on the back.

2: Cycling in South Derbyshire and the National Forest

This leaflet describes the work of Sustrans and the NCN and provides a brief commentary on some of the local routes as well as information on route development and links with nature and industrial heritage.

The Off Road Cycling around Swadlincote has been a popular addition to our displays at events and included here following feedback:

Rosliston Forestry Centre

Rosliston Forestry Centre is very popular for cycling amongst a whole host of other activities for families.  Situated in South Derbyshire within easy driving reach of Swadlincote and Burton and also served by public transport, the centre is free for entry with a small charge for parking.  There is cycle hire available (this re-opens in April) and this will include adapted bicycles for disabled users.

The centre host a number of walking and cycling groups and is also a key place for bikeability.  There are plenty of cycle trials through the site.

Whilst the National Cycle Network does not yet link with the centre it is one of the key local aims to provide an off road route.  For the meantime,most of the roads leading to Rosliston are fairly quiet and ideal for experienced cyclists.

More information can be found via the below link. This will mention the café which is a popular refreshment spot.

http://www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk/

Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre

The National Forest Cycle Centre is situated at Hicks Lodge which is between Moira and Ashby in Leicestershire.  The site was once a coal mining site and has now been transformed.

There are several trails to follow and most of them are family friendly.  There is now cycle hire available and there are toilets and a café on site.  Once again, the café is a good option for cake lovers.

Presently there is no off road link to the NCN but it is hoped that a link will run from the site through to Moira Furnace and link with Route (63).  Currently there is a signed link from Donisthorpe Woodland Park gates to the centre, again on quiet roads with some off road sections.

The link to the cycle centre can be found by clicking here.:

Conkers Circuit

The Conkers Circuit is located somewhat unsurprisingly around the Conkers centre at the Heart of the National Forest.  There are 3 main marked routes of different lengths from 1 3/4 miles to 4 1/2 miles and a link to Swadlincote via Church Gresley.  The circuit also passes Albert Village Lake and Spring Cottage as well as Moira.  Parts of the circuit carry NCN63

To open a pdf version of the map please click here.


  Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail (including Donisthorpe Woodland Park & Ashby Canal)

The Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail runs from Moira through to Measham following the former Ashby & Nuneaton Joint Railway. The entire trail is part of NCN63 and this also passes through Donisthorpe Woodland Park.  Approximate length is 3 miles.

Cloud Trail

The Cloud Trail is part of NCN Route 6 and follows the route of the former Ashby to Derby branch of the Midland Railway.  This section runs from Worthington in Leicestershire to the Trent and Mersey Canal near Chellaston on the outskirts of Derby and is around 5 1/2 miles long of well surfaced flat cycle path with a slight deviation around the A42 which appears to have been built with little consideration for any former railway based cycling path.  There is parking available at Worthington.

A link to the former railways this can be found on Wikipedia as below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Military_Railway

Hilton - Mickleover Greenway

Forming a key part of NCN54 the greenway is 5 miles long and starts at Hilton at the former Eggington junction bridge.  The route is a former railway line that terminated in Derby at the former Friary Station but was more recently used as a test track.  The route passes safely under the A50 past Etwall with access to the Leisure Centre area before heading under the A516 and heading up to Mickleover past a number of gated roads which provide access to farms.  The greenway finishes at the former Mickleover Station whilst NCN54 continues through into Derby City Centre.

The route is mainly flat with a slight incline northbound but does flood in places occasionally.  There are lots of benches to rest on and also there has been a significant effort to improve the ecological aspects along the greenway.


Short rides:

Conkers to Donisthorpe via Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail and Ashby Canal

An ideal route for families, this ride starts in the Conkers Waterside car park, over the Conka-choo line then through to the former railway line (NCN63).  Follow this through to Donisthorpe Woodland Park until the sign showing NCN (63).  This then links through to the towpath of the Ashby Canal which takes the route back to Conkers.  Most of the towpath is wide, though dismounting at the furnace is strongly advised.  There is a cafe and toilets at Moira Furnace - ideal for a short stop, especially if you like cake.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2135276

Conkers Circuit - Blue Route

Setting off from Conkers Waterside, this takes the circuit clockwise back through Spring Cottage, the outskirts of Church Gresley, Albert Village then back to Conkers via the discovery side.  This is all off road, though there are some gradients and there are road crossings.  On the section between Albert Village Lake is the portrait bench as shown below.  This was part of the Connect 2 project by Sustrans to complete the loop.  There are alternative short routes as detailed on the maps around the circuit..

Part of Conkers Circuit between Spring Cottage and Moira

Conkers Circuit, Swainspark Wood near Church Gresley

Portrait Bench near Albert Village Lake

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2135267

The 2 above rides can be combined by following the link below to form a 7 mile ride around the Conkers Circuit and the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2438842

Castle Gresley to Hicks Lodge and return

This new ride added in 2021 is a combination of several other rides and showcases the extended off-road cycle network due to the completion of the link from Moira Furnace to Hicks Lodge.  As the Conkers circuit is used there are various access points from Church Gresley and Albert Village.  The full route takes in the connecting link from Bridge Street in Castle Gresley which is also handy for Castleton Park and lower part of Church Gresley and not too far from Linton.

Start of route at Castle Gresley

The route suggested can be done in several different ways and I have given some approximate mileage of various options.  All routes need to go via Moira Furnace.  The context is aimed at encouraging family cycling with young but com
petent cyclists but is also ideal for lapsed or non cyclists!  On a good day you might want to go around in circles.

Start the route by accessing via the Subway under A444 from Bridge Street in Castle Gresley.  It can also be accessed over the footbridge near the site of the old Gresley Railway station but I would advise extreme care when carrying cycles over.

Bottom of trail up to Tunnel Woods

Go through the A gate, perhaps taking time to read the National Forest
Information sign about Tunnel Woods which also features a map.  From here the path briefly runs parallel with Burton-Leicester Railway Line before curving right and heading up the hill.  This is a good test for younger and inexperienced cyclists and a dismount and push may be necessary at first.  Before you reach the top there is a well kept memorial and tennis inspired bench for a local young boy who very sadly passed away suddenly.

At the top where the path meets Mount Pleasant Lane, turn left and follow it until the next junction which is just after the picnic benches.  The benches offer a nice place to relax with a view over Church and Castle Gresley.  Beyond those you can also see Burton, parts of the Needwood Forest, Cannock Chase and, for now, the cooling towers of Rugeley Power Station (though the chimney has already gone).  After the picnic area you are pretty much at the top of the hill. Turn right and cycle alongside Tunnel Woods.

Through Swainspark Woods

Tunnel Woods is named after the tunnel which carries the railway line underneath.  Keep an eye out to the left for one of the ventilation shaft tops.  At the junction the path meets the National Cycle Network Route 63 as part of the Conkers Circuit.  You could turn left and follow the Conkers Circuit to Conkers via Albert Village lake, or bear right and follow 63 through Swainspark Wood.  The top of Swainspark wood near the junction is a good place to see Glow-worms (on evenings mainly in June or July).

Cycle slight downhill through Swainspark Wood and as the path is slightly narrow be ready to ring your bell around the bends in case of other users.  Go through the A gate and cross Occupation Road carefully then negotiate the next A-gate.  The path then takes a steep run do
wn to be level with the railway line so be ready on brakes and bells at the bottom.  The path runs parallel to the railway line again until Spring Cottage Road.

Hicks Lodge and Lake

After you cycle past the trees on the first section the expanse of land between the path and Overseal looks very tranquil but go back several decades this area was very different.  The Robinson and Dowler Pipeworks would have been a hive of activity, noise and pollution.  The Ashby Canal terminated in this area and you can make out it's old route and terminus if you walk around 100metres off the route.  Both of these places are represented in the interpretation hubs scattered around the area.  Robinson and Dowler features on the one near Albert Village Lake while the canal is featured next to Marquis Bridge at the current end of the canal at Conkers Waterside.

Hicks Lodge Interpretation Hub

Back to the modern day though; follow the path until Spring Cottage Road - a bit of an incline up to the next A-gate, then cross the road carefully next to the new lodge park.  There is a play area in Spring Cottage to the right if children want a break.

The mouse on the Gruffalo hunt.

Follow the path past the signal box.  The Burton-Leicester Line now veers left and the path follows the trackbed of the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway to form the Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail (AWHT).  Follow the path for a couple of hundred yards through the nature reserve until you reach the junction with the information board and also the interpretation hub relating to the railway line and the former train depot.  At this junction is the path to the nearby campsite and the National Forest Youth Hostel.  The youth hostel has a café which is open to non residents. There are also toilets.

Link back to Moira Furnace

At this point this ride turns left but it is possible to continue on down the railway line and turn left back to the canal at start, middle or end of Donisthorpe Woodland Park (DWP).  If turning left follow the path round to the right, then under the railway bridge between the 2 Conkers sites.  After the next a-gate go through the Conkachoo gates and turn right.  Go through the car park, taking care (alternatively you can turn left and go around the canal basin and back over Marquis Bridge) and double back onto the canal towpath.Follow the towpath on the canal, crossing the road near the Co-op in Moira, then pass the lock and follow the canal until reaching the swingbridge in front of the Furnace.  The area around the Furnace includes woodland walks and there is a café amongst the units near the drive.  There are toilets here too. The Furnace museum is well worth a visit during weekends in the summer months.

New Housing estate link

Carrying on over the swingbridge and double back on the other side of the canal, passing the new houses then cross Measham Road with care onto the path on the other side of the road.  Take this path and turn right into the new housing estate using the shared path.  Pass the play area and keep to the path bearing to the right of the estate.  This leads to the top of the estate and past a field normally filled with sheep.  Turn right then go through the gate onto the path which undulates on it's way towards Hicks Lodge.  When close to Hicks Lodge the link path ends at a junction with the circular path around the lower part of Hicks Lodge and it's lake.  Turn left and follow the path up towards the main building.

Moira Furnace & Country Park

If not using the trails continue clockwise around the path around the lake.  The Forestry Commission has been displaying child friendly trail activities based on the books of Julia Donaldson over recent years and the Gruffalo is the latest to feature here.  Follow the path back around the lake and past the interpretation hub for Hicks Lodge.  

Canal path towards Donisthorpe from Furnace

At the junction for the link to Moira Furnace turn left and follow the path back to Moira Furnace.  You can again retrace your tracks back to Conkers along the canal or you can follow the canal the other way beyond the Furnace for a longer route back.

Follow the path past the furnace and at the bridge you can turn right and head back for the AWHT at the Moira end of DWP.  Alternatively you can carry on along the new section of the canal until it's end next to the Miners Welfare Centre.  Here there is another café and further past is the interpretation hub for Donisthorpe Colliery which is now the woodland park.  Follow the path back up the hill and turn right back onto the AWHT.  After DWP the path reverts to the original railway line trackbed.  Follow this back to the junction near the youth hostel.

Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail near Moira

Again, there is a choice here.  You can go straight on following the route taken earlier in reverse or you can head back towards Conkers.  After the conkachoo gates turn left and go under the railway brdge and thriough the COnkers Discovery centre car park using the path.  Follow the path up the drive and left through the A-gate at the top of the drive then follow the path until Spring Cottage Road, branching right near the end through another A-gate then carefully cross the road near the junction.

Junction for Conkers on AWHT

Follow the path up the hill, over the bridge then through the A-gate at the top of Albert Village Lake.   Note the Sustrans portrait bench which the sculpture tof the miner and horse and also the information board.  Follow the path, zig-zagging to the lake level.  Again, you can go either way around the lake. Right is more direct for Albert Village and Church Gresley and left is more direct back to Castle Gresley via Swainspark.  

View from Picnic area over the Gresleys and beyond

Interpretation Hub near Youth Hostel

By turning left you go clockwise around the lake and at the next junction is the interpretation hub mentioned earlier.  If you carry straight on here (Conkers Red Route) you can go back to tunnel woods via a car park then close by the Princess Diana Memorial Wood before rejoining the main Conkers Circuit.  If you turn right you follow the lake around to the other end then ascend up into Island Close, cross Occupation Road and back towards Church Gresley which can be accessed by taking the link right near the bottom of the Thorpe Downs Estate.

Carry straight on and follow left then bear right to follow the path along the bottom of Church Gresley woods, following an old railway loop line.  At the junction where the red route joins as mentioned above bear right up the hill and follow the route back towards the junction of Swainspark Woods and the Castle Gresley link.  Turn right and follow the route back towards Castle Gresley, enjoying a rest along the final downhill section.

Approximate mileage

Castle Gresley Footbridge to Hicks Lodge: 4 miles

Hicks lodge trails: add 1-2 miles.

Shortest complete route  including return (Link to 63/through Conkers/Canal to Furnace/Hicks Lodge/return route via AWHT at Moira end of DWP: 8.7 miles

Above with additional loop around DWP via full length of Ashby Canal: 9.6 miles

Above with diversion via Conkers Discovery/Albert
Village Lake/Red Route Conkers Circuit Shortcut: 11 miles

Longest version as above but via Alert Village and Church Gresley Woods: 11.5 miles

Regional area Leaflets.

The local authorities have a number of maps and routes and links to these are shown below:

Leicestershire County Council have a range of maps and information and these can be found by clicking here.  Leaflet 6 is most relevant to this area.

Derbyshire County Council cycling information can be found here.

Staffordshire County Council cycling information can be found here.

The National Forest Company also has information about cycling which encompasses the above authorities.  Click here to find out more.

Local ride Leaflets

As part of our displays we have created some local rides with information about them included within.  If you are interested further in any of these rides, please comment and we can send a pdf file.  These may also be available in Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre.

Other Long Rides: Recommended for competent cyclists.

Ride 1 – Swadlincote to Melbourne via Cloud Trail and return via Calke Abbey (28 miles)

This route uses mainly quiet roads and a very good off road section of NCN route 6 known as the Cloud Trail.  Whilst only 28 miles it has a little bit of everything including some challenging gradients.  The best and worse of these is Pistern Hill which is done both up and down on this route.  The route through Calke Abbey is very pleasant and there are plenty of refreshment options available.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1125048

Ride 2 – Church Gresley, Worthington, Thringstone, Coalville, Packington, Measham & Return – 33 miles.

This route was used on a SUSTRANS workday when a section of NCN 52 near Grace Dieu Priory was tidied up - see the photos in the Our roles as rangers page.  Once again, mainly quiet roads are used with roughly 2/3 of the route on NCN.  Routes used are 6, 52 and 63.  The gradients on this ride are not too severe.  

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/560502

Route 63 near Measham

Ride 3 – Church Gresley, Burton, Fradley Junction, National Memorial Arboretum, Rosliston Forestry Centre & Return – 35 miles.

This ride is fairly flat and uses NCN 54 from Burton to Fradley Junction where the Trent and Mersey Canal meets the Coventry Canal amongst a series of locks.  Popular with cyclists and tourists, it is an ideal place to stop and refresh.  The Arboretum is a wonderful memorial and worth visiting.  The ride goes through Rosliston Forestry Centre which has excellent cycle paths itself.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/916430

Ride 4 – Church Gresley to Shenton via Bosworth and Battlefield then return – 43 miles.

This ride has a distinct railway theme to it.  The ride takes NCN63 on the old railway line as far as Measham then heads for Market Bosworth then through the battlefield area to Shenton Station at the end of the Battlefield Railway.  It could then be fun racing a train up to Shackerstone at the other end before heading back to Measham (otherwise have a break at Upton).  At Donisthorpe it’s worth switching from railway to canal for a bit of variety on the loop back to Gresley.  For a few more miles, a detour to the National Forest Cycling Centre at Hick Lodge is possible.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/918112

Ride 5 – South Derbyshire loop via Burton, Egginton, Etwall, Mickleover, Derby, Melbourne, Calke Abbey & Swadlincote (47 miles).

This ride uses some fantastic off road National Cycle Network routes with a mixture of old railway lines and canal side paths.  The ride also has a good mixture of rural parts and goes right through the centre of Derby, passing Pride Park on the way back out.  After crossing the Trent near Swarkestone Lock, the route turns off through Melbourne and follows the route of ride 1 above.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1061244

Ride 6 – Charnwood Loop from Swadlincote (55 miles).

The first section of this route is the same as ride 2 but splits off from NCN52 in Whitwick and heads towards Shepshed and Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire.  The route then goes past Swithland Reservoir to Rothley around the Great Central Railway before heading back west through Bradgate Park.  The route then picks up NCN63 past Thornton Reservoir, Ibstock, Measham and Conkers.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/994147

Ride 7 – Circular route of NCN 63, 54, 6, 52 and 63 (60 miles).

This ride is a longer version of ride 5 but instead of leaving the Cloud Trail at Melbourne, it continues into Leicestershire through Whitwick and Coalville before re-joining route 63 south of Newton Burgoland.  A pint at the Belper Arms is recommended!  This route uses solely National Cycle Network Routes so should be easy to follow!

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/915612

Ride 8 – Swadlincote to Leicester via Loughborough and Watermead Park (71 miles)

Using large sections of NCN routes 52 and 6, this route heads out to Loughborough before taking a detour via Watermead Park and the National Space Centre into Leicester City Centre.  The route then follow NCN 63 back to Swadlincote and a well earned rest.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/978938