Canal off-road cycling routes

If you prefer to have water as your backdrop while you cycle, Nottinghamshire has some beautiful canal-side routes in the heart of our countryside. Choose from a variety of trails, from 4 to 40 miles in length, passing market towns, pretty villages, natures reserves and country parks.

Both the Cotgrave Canal & Country Park Cycle Route and the Bestwood Country Park Cycle Route are under 5 miles and take you through the peaceful glades and open spaces of Nottingham’s country parks. If you don’t mind a little extra cycling, they are both accessible from the city centre, making for a relaxing few hours on the bike.

If you’re out for the day, check out the Erewash Valley Cycle Trail, which runs along the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border, taking in nature reserves, mining towns and peaceful watersides.

The 40 mile Nottingham to Worksop Cycle Route takes you all the way to Sherwood Forest and beyond, finishing with a stretch along the Chesterfield Canal. On this route you can get a taste of north Nottinghamshire’s fantastic country parks, including Clumber Park and Newstead Abbey, while also passing picturesque villages such as Linby and Papplewick.

Scroll down to see all of our canal off-road road cycling routes.