Mountain biking near Coventry

[Kj159]

Hi,

Does anybody know anywhere in or just outside of Coventry that's any good for mountain biking? The obvious answer is Cannock chase but due to the distance that's more of a weekend thing for me. I'm looking for somewhere to go and explore that is reachable by bike or a short car journey for after work rides. Even if it is just a few nice bridle ways or public footpaths.

Also, is there anywhere worth making a day of within an hour or two? It would be nice to vary my weekend rides a bit more.

Thanks!

[chrisga]

I work in Cov and live about 30 mins south. There are plenty of bridleways around but they aren't the best for mountain biking, you aren't allowed to ride an mtb on public footpaths though. The odd bridleway may have good sections but difficult to link together without long bits in between. Also I find a lot are overgrown in summer with stingers, and in the winter if you're near Southam the clay will bung your wheels up to such an extent that they wont even turn!

Tow paths are ok to get about without going on the road but become a bit monotonous after a while but worth a look if just looking to explore the countryside.

Cannock is the obvious place as you say but its a bit busy at weekends and after you've been a few times you know what to expect.

[scarble]

I don't know what kind of tracks you're looking for but, through hillfields farm, on to combefields road then on to the "12 o'clock ride" bridle path?
Not exactly challenging terrain but it's at least a few miles of pedalling with minimal road time.

Not sure if you're allowed to cycle around the Coombe Abbey park but there's a back path links into the farm (but I think over a style?) avoids roads all together (except for a brief crossing). Still only a short run and pretty mundane.

The bridal path brings you out by the speedway and by map at least there is some kind of path carrying on from that out the back of Binley Woods, but never been on that, not sure if cycle path etc.

If anyone knows better routes I'm all ears.
We're a bit deprived of decent cycle routes round here.

Edited by scarble on Tuesday 16th June 13:30

Edited by scarble on Tuesday 16th June 13:31

[bungle]

Kenilworth Greenway?

[Kj159]

scarble said:

I don't know what kind of tracks you're looking for but, through hillfields farm, on to combefields road then on to the "12 o'clock ride" bridle path?
Not exactly challenging terrain but it's at least a few miles of pedalling with minimal road time.

That is my usual weekday ride, it's the best we've found so far Coombe Abbey can be fun at dusk, just before you need lights to see and just after everybody else has left, there are a few nice circuits.

[Kj159]

bungle said:

Kenilworth Greenway?

Looks quite nice, I will try to take a ride over there this week

[chrisga]

If you like that sort of thing, i'ts possible to ride from Leamington to Rugby on the disused railway. Can also turn right to Long Itchington and go back along the canal.

[Marcellus]

There's a very active MTB group riding out of Daventry who have over years found interesting stuff to play on/in/down/around.

[Craikeybaby]

Where abouts in Coventry are you? There is plenty of mountain biking to be had if you do a bit of exploring. I have a good weekday loop that consists of Limbrik Wood - Tile Hill Wood - Pig Wood - Plants Hill Wood - Park Wood - Ten Shilling Wood - Off road section behind Fletchamstead Highway - Canley Ford - Woods next to Memorial Park - Earlsdon - Hearsall Common. It's about 20km all in, depending on loops around the woods and mostly off road, without leaving the city.

I have another loop which takes in some of the above, then Kenilworth Greenway - Kenilworth Common - (Optional detour to Thicktorn Wood by the A46) - Warwick Uni - Canley Ford etc.

There are also some decent trails/bridleways over towards Meriden and in Binley Woods on the other side of Coventry. The Soar Valley way and canal are good ways to cross town to reach new trails too.

There is also an active MTB club, although I've not been out with them yet - from a friend who rides with them I get the impression that they are a drinking club who do a bit of cycling.

It is worth looking at Strava segments and their heatmap thing too.

Edited by Craikeybaby on Wednesday 17th June 12:16

[bungle]

Craikeybaby said:

There are also some decent trails/bridleways over towards Meriden

That's near me, so interested in any more details on where / how to access.

Actually, any more info / links on any would be helpful, as I'm just in the process of buying a bike so looking for some decent routes to explore. Thanks.

[Craikeybaby]

Millisons Wood and the Y shaped bridleway are my usual route.

[covmutley]

Devils dungeon next to earlsdon! Takes me back to my youth!!

[Craikeybaby]

covmutley said:

Devils dungeon next to earlsdon! Takes me back to my youth!!

Where's that?

[bungle]

Craikeybaby said:

Where's that?

On Kenilworth Road, near Beechwood Ave I think. Near the car park entrance to the memorial park. Huge crater-like dip in the ground - bmx heaven!! Never really knew why there was a crater though...

[Craikeybaby]

Ah, I didn't know that is what it is called. That is only usual route. I guessed it was a bomb crater, as the anti aircraft guns were based at the Memorial Park during WW2.

[covmutley]

Everyone used to say it was a bomb crater but apparently it is a very old quarry