Gravel Notts is a site dedicated to exploration by gravel bike. Based in the historic county of Nottinghamshire much of our time is spent exploring this magnificent county with its extensive gravel trails through woodlands, byways and the local canal network. At the heart of the Nottinghamshire routes is Sherwood Forest with ancient oaks, plentiful wildlife and excellent gravel trails. Thus we have built up a catalogue of GPX files that are shared for free and can be found at the bottom of the ‘About Nottinghamshire’ page.
As with most touring cyclists, the lust for exploration beyond our local rides is irresistible. These tours include other parts of the United Kingdom and European bike packing adventures. In doing so we promote travel the Gravel Notts Way. A way of travel that applies mindfulness, has respect for others and their cultures, cares for the natural environment and rejects exploitative consumerism that risks making cycling an exclusive activity. Central to the Gravel Notts Way is a belief that the movement of people is a natural state of evolution and that humans have evolved in such a way that they find their greatest happiness through travel. There are a number of theories why Homo sapiens migrated to populate every continent but what is certain is, they did, meaning the desire to travel is a natural state of being for our species.
Swimming against the tide of the post-truth contractual world order era Gravel Notts takes an ethical approach to cycle touring considering the consequences of our actions, a moral philosophy all entwined within the mythology of Robin Hood. In essence a will to take the right action.
Our travels across the UK and Europe are shared through the regular blogs on this site and our publications which can be purchased through the Gravel Notts Book Shop. Gravel Notts Books include descriptions of the routes we follow, the people we meet and the history of the places we visit. Our travels always provoke philosophical thought and mindful discourse.
Important, a word of caution ⚠
Our UK and European tours cross remote areas sometimes including challenging terrain and conditions. If you decide to venture out on a gravel bike it is the rider’s responsibility for their own navigation. Take with you a navigation device and appropriate maps. Always plan your route in advance. The route descriptions are not 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 in the UK 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.
Follow Gravel Notts on social media: @GravelNotts
Useful links
The Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust (formally known as Sustrans) is the charitable organisation behind the National Cycle Network (NCN) and is also an organisation that lobbies for active travel. Their website is full of information including details of the 27 routes that make up the network.
Cycling UK (formally the Cyclist Touring club or CTC) provides a range of support, information and services for cyclists. Membership includes third party insurance and we would encourage fellow gravel riders to join Cycling UK.
The National Forest is transforming post-industrial landscapes by creating a forest across 200 square miles of the Midlands, linking the ancient remnant forests of Charnwood and Needwood. Within the National Forest are some fabulous cycle trails.
The Canal & River Trust provides miles of towpaths and riverside routes that offer plenty of options for the gravel cyclist.
The RSPB‘s website for Sherwood Forest details the cycling opportunities available in Sherwood. Many of these routes are incorporated is our own Gravel Notts routes. More details about cycling in Sherwood can be found on their website.