Cycling nearby

Calke Abbey

There is a recently opened safe cycle route round the perimeter of the entire estate. It is around 6 miles long and totally off-road and therefore very safe and affords great views all along the route.

Additional information is on the National trust website.

Cloud Trail

This is part of the national cycle network and may be accessed from the village of Tonge which is to the left when leaving our driveway and the cluster of houses you can see from the Lodge is close to the old railway bridge where you may access the trail.

It is all hard surfaced and is incredibly picturesque. Derby is some 7 or 8 miles distant or turning right will take you past the quarry workings to Worthington and beyond.

The National Forest

Cycling and mountain biking trails at Hicks Lodge 9 miles from The Horseshoe Lodge

Hicks Lodge, is owned by Forestry England and bicycles are available for hire.

The Hicks Lodge Trail, a flat and wide 2km path around the lake, is great for walkers, cyclists and even horses.

The Family Forest Trail (2km short loop and 4.5km long loop) takes you on an exploration across the whole site, there are some hilly bits but it’s still suitable for bikes.

The Wood Farm Trail (2.5km) introduces cyclists to easy singletrack and the Shell Brook Trail (7km) brings on more technical features on a moderate graded singletrack which is suitable only for mountain bikes.

Hicks Lodge, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote

Sat Nav Postcode: LE65 2UP

The Cloud trail half a mile away. This is part of the National Sustrans network formed from the old railway line and there is approximately 13 miles readily accessible. See .https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/cloud_trail