Gravel Notts is a site dedicated to the exceptional gravel rides in and around Nottinghamshire. Many of our routes are known to local cyclists but often overlooked by those less familiar with the county. The focus is on helping others to responsibly enjoy this undervalued location for great cycling trails. As far as possible the routes take you on a mixture of gravel tracks and back lanes. Pick a guide as a starting point to build your own route around it. A useful Ride With GPS link is provided at the bottom of each route description.
The guides are predominantly based at a starting point in Hucknall which offers quick and safe access to the rural north of the county and Sherwood Forest via NCN 6. Hucknall is known for being the burial place of the poet Byron. Importantly it stands north of the city and accessible by road and rail. Bikes are allowed on East Midlands Rail. There are however limited numbers at peak times and especially weekends so book early and reserve your bike space. Bikes are not allowed on the tram service. You can of course choose a starting point of convenience from where you are based.
The intention is to build a catalogue of guides from a one-hour plus spin to challenging day rides. Information on this site is there to help you plan your own gravel oriented route around Nottinghamshire. An estimate of the percentage of gravel and traffic free riding you can expect is provided in each guide.
Most of the photography is the author’s, acknowledgement is given where not and also for the use of Google Maps.
The site was first published in June 2023. The author prefers to remain anonymous, this is about gravel riding not building an online personality. Routes can be combined to create your own epic ride or with overnight stops build a ‘La Vuelta a Nottinghamshire.’ The longest single route is 140 km.
Please take extra care in poor weather conditions and in severe weather you are advised not to attempt the routes. There is always another day.
The guides include Sherwood Forest and the Major Oak, rides by the River Trent, City of Nottingham, the Bennerley Viaduct and Creswell Crags. The ‘Full Notts’ gravel tour includes Clumber Park, the impressive Fedborough Viaduct that borders Lincolnshire and back through Newark on Trent.
Important, a word of caution ⚠
Some areas of the county include vast areas of forest so if you decide to venture out it is the rider’s responsibility for their own navigation. Take with you a navigation device and OS map and always plan your route in advance. The descriptions are intended to help you plan a gravel ride in Nottinghamshire, not as a substitute for proper planning.
Ride safely and responsibly and ensure that you are in good health for the ride undertaken. Make sure you have the correct equipment and spares.
In order to avoid main roads the routes are occasionally linked by public footpaths. The laws regarding cycling on footpaths are explained by Cycling UK here. Until such time as the situation is clarified you are advised against cycling on footpaths and to follow the Highway and Countryside Codes at all times.
Key
NCN – National Cycle Network
EMR – East Midlands Railway
Follow Gravel Notts on social media: @GravelNotts
Gravel Notts supports Sustrans
Many of the rides on this website would not be possible without the resources and the time of volunteers from Sustrans. That is why Gravel Notts encourages its readers to donate to the maintenance and hopefully expansion of the National Cycle Network. We know that government should invest more in our cycle network for better health and a sustainable future. This will not come about without strong lobbying groups like Sustrans so make a donation today.
