Cycling
Cycling is a wonderful outdoor exercise which is not only great for you health but can be enjoyed by the whole family. Cycling also gets you outside in the fresh air, linking you with nature and our natural environment.
If you enjoy cycling in the countryside, there are many beautiful places to visit within Nottinghamshire and various publications to help you.
Nottinghamshire County Council can provide lots of information about cycling in Nottinghamshire including top tips, links to cycling organisiations and many free publications and maps.
Our Tourist Information Centres can also provide advice on local cycle routes that are suitable for all abilities as well as providing free maps and leaflets and books to purchase.
Cycling Safety - see the Cycling Safety Tips from Directgov.
Guided cycle rides
Nottinghamshire County Council also run the guided Rural Rides cycle programme, which is free of charge. You'll find a ride suitable for you, whatever your age or ability. There are easy routes suitable for families and longer ones for serious cyclists.
The rides all follow quiet lanes and off-road routes at a leisurely pace. The volunteers who lead the rides are experts in local knowledge and cycle routes. Do something different this year - PEDAL POWER! Pump up your tyres and test your brakes...then prepare to go spinning into the countryside! Cycling is a great way to explore our district. You can travel longer distances, and if you're quiet you'll get to see more wildlife - because your stomping footsteps won't scare animals and birds away! In Clumber Park, a local National Trust Property, there are more than 20 miles of cycle routes around the lake or through the woodland. Clumber park also hosts many Cycleabout events throughout the year.
Part of the National Cycle Network runs through Nottinghamshire, route 6 runs from Nottingham to Worksop or Derby, route 64 from Bingham to Lincoln and route 15 from Bingham to Grantham. You can find out more about the National Cycle Network from Sustrans www.sustrans.org.uk.
Learn to ride
If your thinking 'I would love to ride a bike but haven't ridden for a while' or don't feel confident, Nottinghamshire County Council can help. They offer Child Cycle Training and free Adult Cycling Training.
Planning Cycle Routes - where to ride
You can cycle on roads, rights of way and special cycle lanes that are provided in some urban areas.
Rights of way open up the countryside to cyclists who can use bridleways, byways and restricted byways. You shouldn’t cycle on footpaths as these are only for walkers, and you should always give way to walkers or horse riders.
Places to go
Nottinghamshire has some great areas for cycling, including some dedicated cycling facilities. A few are listed below, but you can find much more if you explore.
Clumber Park has a large family friendly cycle path network
Sherwood Pines has woodland paths as well as a mountain bike tracks
Vicar Water Country Park is an 80 hectare park managed by Newark and Sherwood District Council which contains waymarked trails for walkers and cyclists (including Sustrans National Cycle Route 6)
Rushcliffe County Park has a trails bike run
Bestwood Country Park is also great for cycling
Newark to Harby Cycle Route (PDF) Discover the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire countryside along a 15 mile route.
Newark to Cotham Cycle Route A traffic free route from Newark Northgate station to the village of Cotham.
Southwell Trail and Nature Reserve. A trail passing through Southwell, Farnsfield and Bilsthorpe.
Greenwood Community Forest offers various cycle routes suitable for all the family.
The National Byways - East Midlands. Details the national byways scheme which passes through the district.
Cycle hire
Local cycle hire is available at Clumber Park www.nationaltrust.org.uk and Sherwood Pines www.sherwoodpinescycles.co.uk
Telephone : 01636 655765
Email : tourism@nsdc.info
Last updated : 06/08/2010 10:50:54