Watnall Loop

We head to Hucknall Road via the shared footway along the ring road and some back roads. We then join a series of tracks which used to be the Leen Valley Way railway line, around the corner to Bestwood Park. We then ride to the top of the park and traverse across to Killarney Park retirement (not for cyclists!) village and down into Goosedale. From there we pick up an old colliery railway line into Mill Lakes at the bottom of Bestwood Park, and back onto NCR 6 for a brief distance before crossing the tram/train line via a footbridge. We ride through Bulwell Hall Park before heading west alongside the old Hucknall Aerodrome to Watnall via steady climb. From here its the reward for the uphill sections via a steady downhill ride for 4-5 miles along another old colliery railway line to the River Leen Path and back to the start point.

This route utilises old railway lines to the north-west of the city and also includes a circuit around Bestwood Country Park. A fairly challenging route with some climbing but the great views are worth it.

The route is approximately 90% off road, on hardcore/compacted stone or asphalt. It is suitable for all types of bikes but ideally not a road bike.

The halfway point in the ride approximates to Mill Lakes in Bestwood so time can be built in for a break.

Helmets recommended but not compulsory.

We will ride at the pace of the slowest rider to ensure that a group is maintained. If quicker riders have to wait at the top of the longest climb in Bestwood Park they will do so.