Cycle Rides

There is compelling evidence of the benefit of moderate intensity physical activity, such as cycling. Those who participate regularly, enjoy considerably longer life expectancy and improved mental health; for example, regular walking and cycling has been shown to relieve stress and half the risk of developing heart disease.

There are many health benefits associated with taking part in regular physical activity such as cycling. Cycling can:

• Lower the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
• Lower blood pressure readings
• Lower high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profile
• Lower body fat
• Improve bone density and help prevent osteoporosis
• Help control body weight
• Help osteo-arthritis
• Lower the risk of cancer of the colon
• Help flexibility and co-ordination, hence reduce the risk of falls
• Improve mental well-being
• Lower the risk on non insulin dependent diabetes

Cycle Guides for the Family

These routes have been divised by by North West Leicestershire District Council. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied, the District Council cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or subsequent changes, nor should any entry in this guide be deemed to be an endorsement of the establishment.

Selection One

• Stately Homes - 13 0r 17 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)
• Frog and Cuckoo - 19 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)
• The Heritage Trail - 13 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)
• Four Counties Ride - 14 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)
• Discovery Lanes - 14 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)

Selection Two

• Ashby canal and Bosworth Trail - 24 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)
• National Forest Trail - 26 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)
• Three Counties Ride - 16 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)
• Bricks and Teapots - 21 miles (PDF Document, 0.2 Mb)
• Abbey and Priorities - 32 miles (PDF Document, 0.1 Mb)

Derby, Melbourne and Worthington Sustrans Trail - National Route 6

• Worthington Cloud Trail to Derby - 13 miles (PDF Document, 1.3 Mb)

The Good Cycling Code

• Be courteous! Give way to pedestrians
• Remember that some people are hard of hearing or visually impaired. Don't assume they can see or hear you.
• Carry a bell and use it.
• Where there are wheelchair users and horse-riders please give way.
• Follow the country code.
• Respect other land management activities, such as farming or forestry and take litter home.
• Keep erosion to a minimum if off road.
• Be self sufficient - in remote areas carry food, repair kit and waterproofs
• Be safe, wear a helmet and cycle within your capabilities

Happy Cycling!

Useful links for finding rides across the County

Leicestershire County Council provide a local database cycling routes in Leicestershire.

Life Cycle UK is a unique charity that helps people take up cycling.

Find cycle paths on the National Forest website