Rutland is one of Britain’s hidden gems with quiet roads and a plethora of cake stops. The huge man-made reservoir of Rutland Water is the icing on the cake with cycling trails, nature reserves and sailing clubs. It’s a perfect place to let the family play while you ride. It may lack the challenging hills of the Yorkshire Dales or Peak District but Velo Club Rutland helped us find enough climbs and interesting roads to offer something to cyclists of all levels.
Route One: Belvoir Fever 66 miles. Long pulls and some climbs
Head north to the stunning scenery of the Vale of Belvoir (pronounced ‘beaver’) and Belvoir Castle. The south-eastern return can be tough on days when the wind blows in from the Fens, and this section is where the long pulls come in. Plenty of pubs and cafes en route. View the route
Route Two: Wymondham Whip-round 50 miles. Lumpy on scenic, quiet roads through pretty villages
You’re spoilt for choice of quiet roads in and around Rutland. This one starts in the market town of Oakham and skirts round the whole county, taking in quaint villages with a few decent hills to push the climbing legs – 2000ft of climbing in total, so a good test. Don’t forget to call in to Wymondham Mill for coffee and cake; it’s one of the best cycling cafes you’ll ever visit. View the route
Route Three: Rutland 16 miles. Easy and undulating with some off-road sections
The reservoir is man-made but it all looks completely natural. Parts of the ride go off-road on good tracks. It’s manageable on a road bike in all but the worst weather. Start from the visitor centre at Whitwell and take your pick – clockwise or anti-clockwise. It’s a great route either way. The halfway point is the village of Manton where the Horse and Jockey makes an ideal stopping point. View the route
5 Insider Tips
Have breakfast here… Lake View Fishery
A full English or the healthy option? You won’t be disappointed with the portions or the price. Where Landyke Lane, Holwell, Leics LE14 4SX http://ift.tt/1o60H34
Stop for cake here… Wymondham Windmill
It’s not every day you go to a cafe in a windmill – and it serves great coffee, lunches and homemade cakes. Where Butt Lane, Wymondham LE14 2BU wymondhamwindmill.co.uk
Get spare tubes here… Rutland Cycling
Bling carbon bikes on display to drool at, plus bike hire and workshop on site.Where Whitwell Leisure Park, Whitwell, Rutland LE15 8BL Tel: 01780 460705 http://ift.tt/H411BR
Fancy a pint? The Grainstore
A pub with its own brewery attached? Result! And it serves brilliant grub too. Where Grainstore Brewery, Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6RE http://ift.tt/Znrazk
Dump the family... Whitwell Leisure Park
Water, ducks, a playground, a climbing wall, bike hire and a nice cafe. What more could they want? Where Whitwell Leisure Park, Whitwell, Rutland LE15 8BL http://ift.tt/X3zPv8
via BikeRadar.com http://ift.tt/1o60Jb2
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